Principal Gameplay Engineer, Networking

Bad Robot Games

Principal Gameplay Engineer at Bad Robot Games focusing on multiplayer networking solutions and optimizing gameplay. Work with diverse teams to develop engaging gaming experiences.

Posted 5/21/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $185,000 - $195,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Unreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Architect, implement, modify, and maintain networking and gameplay systems with long term stability and scalability in mind
Design and own core networking pipelines including replication, prediction, and lag compensation systems in close collaboration with designers and engineers
Prototype and iterate rapidly on features, embracing critical feedback and applying it constructively
Advocate for quality, stability, performance, and appropriate prioritization across the project
Coordinate efforts across products to encourage code and feature sharing
Bring technical excellence across multiple features and platforms, optimizing and fixing bugs in existing networking and gameplay systems
Collaborate with design, art, audio, and production to problem-solve and generate new ideas
Proactively identify opportunities and challenges before they become blockers
Participate in playtesting and provide hands on feedback as the project progresses

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of game development experience in an engineering role, with a significant network engineering focus
Networking experience on at least one Unreal multiplayer title (ideally multiple) on PC and console
Strong C++ skills with the ability to architect gameplay mechanics, networking systems, and tools
Proficiency with multiple areas of Unreal Engine's networking tech stack, including: Actor Replication, RPCs, NetSerialize, Network Prediction Plugin, Gameplay Ability System networking, Push Model replication, and Iris
Solid understanding of Unreal’s listen server architecture, focusing on making excellent client hosted co-op systems
Experience implementing various latency compensation methods, including rollback, lag compensation, and interpolation
Deep understanding of the distinction between server and client roles within Unreal's network model
Comfortable with the tradeoffs between bandwidth, CPU cost, and fidelity in networked game state, with an understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each approach
Deep familiarity with the pipelines, tools, and processes of creating, building, shipping, and supporting live games
Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a track record of inspiring teams
A passion for multiplayer online gaming and a rich history of playing across a wide variety of game genres.

Benefits

Comp & perks

All of our roles require up to 10% air travel. Examples include Studio/Team Offsites, Team/Studio Events, etc.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C++network engineeringgameplay mechanicsActor ReplicationRPCsNetSerializeNetwork Prediction PluginGameplay Ability System networkingPush Model replicationIris

Soft Skills

communicationcollaborationproblem-solvingcritical feedbackadvocacy for qualityprioritizationteam inspirationproactive identification of challenges