Principal Gameplay Programmer
**This role is completely remote and offering a B2B contract**
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Principal Gameplay Programmer to provide technical leadership and hands-on development for a AAA first-person extraction shooter in Unreal Engine 5. This role is responsible for defining gameplay architecture, guiding technical direction across combat and systems, and ensuring scalable, high-performance gameplay code that supports long-term live development.
You will work closely with Design, Animation, AI, Network, and Production to shape moment-to-moment gameplay while mentoring senior and mid-level engineers.
Key Responsibilities
Gameplay Architecture & Leadership
* Define and own the gameplay programming architecture for a large-scale UE5 project.
* Establish best practices for gameplay systems, coding standards, and performance.
* Lead technical decision-making for player mechanics, combat systems, and systemic gameplay.
* Mentor and support gameplay engineers, providing code reviews and technical guidance.
Core Gameplay Systems
* Design and implement high-quality first-person gameplay systems, such as:
* Player movement and traversal
* Weapon handling, shooting mechanics, recoil, and ballistics
* Health, damage, armor, and progression systems
* Inventory, looting, and extraction mechanics
* Ensure gameplay feels responsive, readable, and competitive.
Networking & Multiplayer
* Architect and implement network-ready gameplay systems using UE5’s networking model.
* Ensure gameplay code is deterministic, performant, and secure.
* Collaborate with online and backend teams to support persistence and live services.
Performance & Optimization
* Profile and optimize gameplay systems for CPU, memory, and network performance.
* Ensure gameplay code scales to large maps, high player counts, and long sessions.
* Identify and resolve systemic technical risks early in development.
Cross-Discipline Collaboration
* Partner closely with Designers to translate gameplay vision into robust systems.
* Work with Animation and Technical Animation to support animation-driven gameplay.
* Collaborate with AI, VFX, and Audio teams to deliver cohesive combat experiences.
This studio is searching for someone who will has principal or leadership experience, and is comfortable operating as a hands-on developer on a brand new IP. If this sounds like something of interest, please reach out to me at michael@levelupgaming.io with your CV.