Principal Engine Programmer

Summary

Join 31st Union as a Principal Engine Programmer to lead the development and customization of core engine systems for a next-generation AAA multiplayer action game. Collaborate with senior engineers across various teams to deliver robust, optimized systems for a complex online experience. This leadership role directly influences architecture, implementation, and team direction. Responsibilities include designing and implementing custom engine-level systems, leading a team of programmers, customizing Unreal Engine, ensuring performance and stability across multiple platforms, driving technical solutions for multiplayer security, and collaborating with other teams. The position requires 8+ years of experience in systems or engine programming with at least one shipped AAA title and strong C++ skills. Additional preferred qualifications include experience with anti-cheat system design and high-concurrency systems. Benefits include a competitive salary, bonus and/or equity awards, 401(k) plan, Employee Stock Purchase Program, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid time off, parental leave, and wellness programs.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in systems or engine programming, with at least one shipped AAA title
• Strong C++ skills with expertise in low-level systems, multithreading, memory, and performance
• Experience building or customizing engine-level systems for large-scale or open-world games
• Familiarity with online multiplayer development and runtime security practices
• Deep debugging and profiling experience across CPU, GPU, and memory subsystems
• Strong understanding of console platform constraints and optimization techniques (PS5/Xbox Series X|S)
• Ability to lead other engineers through architecture, planning, and implementation
• Clear communication skills and collaborative approach to cross-discipline work

Responsibilities

• Design and implement custom engine-level systems for scalability, memory, networking, streaming, and world management
• Lead a small team of experienced programmers working on core runtime technology
• Customize and extend Unreal Engine to support the game’s large-world and high-player-count architecture
• Own performance and stability across PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
• Drive technical solutions for multiplayer security, anti-cheat, and data integrity
• Analyze and optimize CPU, GPU, I/O, and memory usage across subsystems
• Collaborate with gameplay and tech art teams to support performant and secure runtime behavior
• Help plan and prioritize engine-related work in coordination with production and tech leadership
• Mentor other engineers and uphold high code quality and maintainability standards

Preferred Qualifications

• Anti-cheat system design or implementation
• High-concurrency or distributed simulation systems
• Working with Unreal Engine source code at the systems level
• Multiplayer architecture or live service game experience

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year
• Paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program
• Up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year
• Paid parental and compassionate leave
• Wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support
• Family planning support through Maven
• Commuter benefits
• Reimbursements for fitness-related expenses
• A bonus and/or equity awards
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program