Lead Gameplay Engineer
Description For Lead Gameplay Engineer
Join Lightspeed LA, Tencent Games' first U.S.-based AAA game development studio, as a Lead Gameplay Engineer. We're developing ambitious open-world games with sophisticated player-driven gameplay and mature storytelling. The role combines technical leadership with hands-on gameplay systems development in C++. You'll lead and mentor a team while working on innovative gameplay features, requiring expertise in AI, animation, physics, and character systems. The position offers competitive compensation ($110,160-$230,040) plus comprehensive benefits including health insurance, 401k matching, and daily perks. Our studio culture emphasizes transparency, constructive feedback, and a no-blame environment that encourages pushing boundaries. Located in our newly built Irvine, CA studio, you'll join a team focused on creating genre-defining titles while fostering an open and collaborative workspace. With 7+ years of game programming experience required, this role is perfect for experienced engineers passionate about creating engaging gameplay through iteration and innovation.
Responsibilities For Lead Gameplay Engineer
- Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences
- Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the gameplay schedule and backlog
- Implement, debug and optimize gameplay systems in C/C++ and other languages
- Author lean, high-performance, maintainable code
- Provide technical leadership across multiple gameplay systems and features
- Mentor, develop, and learn from engineering colleagues
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members
- Participate in recruitment and onboarding of new team members
Requirements For Lead Gameplay Engineer
- 7+ years of professional game programming experience
- Experience managing direct reports
- Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role
- Deep knowledge of gameplay systems involving AI, animation, physics, and character-related systems
- Expert in C++, debugging, and 3D mathematics
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience bringing multiple large-scale game titles to completion on PC and consoles
- Experience working with AAA proprietary engines or third party engines like Unreal and Unity (preferred)
- Experience with game console hardware (preferred)
Benefits For Lead Gameplay Engineer
- Free daily lunch
- Beverages, fresh fruit, and snacks
- 401k with employer match
- Monthly Cell phone bill reimbursement
- Financial wellness sessions
- Flexible spending account
- Team building and company outings
- Parental leave for new parents
- Company paid health insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Wellness training
- Travel insurance
- Preventive care
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