Lead Software Engineer — Premier RTS

Blackbird Interactive, an independent game studio, is seeking a Lead Software Engineer for a high-profile remaster of a beloved RTS game. This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a studio that values work-life balance with a four-day work week policy. The position involves leading technical direction for modernizing and polishing core gameplay systems in a large-scale RTS codebase.

As the Lead Software Engineer, you'll be responsible for architecting data-driven, multithreaded gameplay systems within a mature proprietary engine. You'll guide the development of multiplayer experiences, champion quality-of-life improvements, and optimize performance for handling 1,000-unit battles at 60 fps. The role requires expertise in modern C++ and a strong background in game development.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience shipping games, with a proven track record of owning complex gameplay systems. You'll need to balance creative vision with technical constraints while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including design, art, animation, and audio. Leadership skills are essential as you'll be mentoring and growing other engineers through coaching and actionable feedback.

Working at Blackbird Interactive offers the flexibility of remote work within Canada (requiring minimum 50% Pacific-time overlap) or hybrid arrangements. The studio's commitment to work-life balance is demonstrated through their four-day work week policy, allowing team members to maintain peak creativity and productivity while enjoying extended weekends.

This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned engineer looking to make a significant impact on a beloved gaming franchise while working with a studio that prioritizes both technical excellence and employee well-being.