Lead Gameplay Programmer
Leads the gameplay programming team for Rocket League at Epic Games: managing seasoned programmers, translating feature requests into actionable work, delivering core gameplay features on time, and doing hands-on C++ coding and systems design. Core tech: C++, Unreal Engine, gameplay physics, and network replication.
- Compensation
- $172.7K–$278.7K / yr
- Location
- BLANK,BLANK,Multiple Locations
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Lead
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- Not specified
- Category
- Not specified
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Experience developing gameplay physics systems (simulation, collision, character/vehicle physics, etc.)
- Experience with network replication systems (client-server prediction, state synchronization, lag compensation)
- Proven track record delivering live-service games or AAA MMO titles built on Unreal Engine
- Proven leadership experience managing high-performing programming teams on shipped AAA titles
- Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and design gameplay mechanics and tools
- Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills, with cross-functional collaboration, communication, and constructive feedback
- Experience using AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code) to improve development efficiency and streamline workflows
Full description
WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
PROGRAMMING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of programming experts. We’re always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
What You'll Do
We are seeking an experienced Lead Gameplay Programmer to direct gameplay teams within Rocket League. They will be responsible for leading the gameplay programming team and collaborating and iterating with gameplay programmers, game designers, producers, and artists. They will play a critical role in feature development for Rocket League.
In this role, you will
- Manage a team of seasoned gameplay programmers and be the primary hub of communication and information for other disciplines
- Distill high-level feature requests into meaningful, actionable work items and delegate effectively to the team
- Deliver core gameplay features efficiently and on time, and speak up when the team is overor under-scoped
- Lead the vision for different gameplay systems and features and write code and do system design as needed
- Propose and review technical design, systems, and technical approaches to ensure that they satisfy requirements and promote a healthy codebase
- Work closely with art and design leads to ensure gameplay mechanics meet functional requirements and uphold our high standards
- Work closely with other programming disciplines to integrate systems in support of the player experience
What we're looking for
- Experience developing gameplay physics systems (simulation, collision, character/vehicle physics, etc.)
- Experience with network replication systems (client-server prediction, state synchronization, lag compensation)
- Proven track record delivering live-service games or AAA MMO titles built on Unreal Engine
- Proven leadership experience managing high-performing programming teams on shipped AAA titles
- Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and design gameplay mechanics and tools