Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer

Rushdown Studios

Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer developing and maintaining gameplay systems for multiplayer games. Collaborating with team members and overseeing features to enhance player experience.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeSaratoga Springs • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $145,000 - $165,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Unreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Integrate backend services with the game client using C++.
Develop a wide variety of features for games utilizing Unreal Engine.
Ensure backend APIs are used efficiently and data is cached properly in the client.
Build tools that enable designers to easily work with and configure online systems.
Estimate and prioritize a backlog of existing features, bugs, and tech debt.
Solve crashes and other problems on both PC and console.
Partner with designers to iterate on features and optimize for a smoother player experience.
Collaborate with external programmers to integrate new features for multiplayer games and ensure their features run as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Six (6) years of professional experience working on multiplayer games in C++, including recent experience developing games in Unreal Engine (e.g., UE4, UE5).
Professional experience leading a team, either through direct leadership or mentorship of less-experienced team members.
Background designing gameplay systems for live-service games.
Familiarity with non-engineering workflows and the ability to partner with various disciplines (e.g., art, animation, game design, and narrative design).
Understanding of various Unreal Engine technologies, such as the Gameplay Ability System (GAS), UI tooling (e.g., UMG and Slate), asset systems (e.g., Asset Registry and Asset Async Loading), and rendering features (e.g., Nanite, Lumen).
Willingness to selflessly put player experiences first — before even your own code and ego.
Proactive approach to communication, particularly when it comes to unblocking yourself and navigating obstacles as part of a team.

Benefits

Comp & perks

9 Paid Holidays plus Flexible PTO and Annual Winter Break Closure
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Annual Video Game Budget
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Parental Leave

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

C++ ProgrammingUnreal Engine (UE4, UE5)Backend API IntegrationGameplay Ability System (GAS)UI Tooling (UMG, Slate)Asset Systems (Asset Registry, Asset Async Loading)Rendering Features (Nanite, Lumen)Feature Estimation and PrioritizationProblem SolvingGame Feature Development

Soft Skills

Proactive CommunicationCollaborationMentorshipPlayer Experience FocusCross-Disciplinary Partnership