Lead Game System Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 2024 under Snail Games, Studio Sirens is a development team focused on prototyping innovative gameplay systems, crafting bold new IP, and co-development projects. Blending technical precision with narrative ambition, the studio brings immersive worlds to life through a gameplay-first approach, supporting major releases while forging its own creative path within the Snail Games portfolio.wtf is 

We're seeking a highly technical Principal Engineer with deep Unreal Engine expertise and extensive experience in console development and multiplayer systems. This is primarily a hands-on engineering role (approximately 90% programming and 10% technical leadership), ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while mentoring a small engineering team.

You will lead implementation of multiplayer functionality, console-specific features, networking architecture, and performance optimization across multiple platforms. You'll help define engineering standards, review technical designs, and provide guidance to other engineers while remaining actively involved in day-to-day development.

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Remote. For qualified candidates in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of multiplayer gameplay systems, networking architecture, and online functionality within Unreal Engine.

• Develop and maintain gameplay systems, engine features, and runtime systems using C++ and Unreal Engine.

• Own console development workflows, including platform optimization, certification readiness, platform-specific debugging, and compliance across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.

• Design and improve multiplayer networking systems, client-server architecture, replication, matchmaking integration, and online gameplay features.

• Profile and optimize performance across CPU, GPU, memory, networking, and platform-specific constraints.

• Collaborate closely with the studio leadership on architecture decisions, technical planning, and engineering best practices.

• Mentor and provide technical guidance through code reviews, design discussions, and knowledge sharing while remaining primarily hands-on in development.

• Work cross-functionally with design, art, production, and QA to deliver scalable and maintainable technical solutions.

• Contribute to build pipelines, tools, debugging utilities, and workflow improvements to increase team efficiency.

• 8+ years of professional game engineering experience.

• Expert-level proficiency in C++ and Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5).

• Extensive experience shipping multiplayer games or online gameplay systems.

• Strong understanding of Unreal networking, replication, client-server architecture, matchmaking, and online services.

• Strong understanding of first-party certification processes and TRC/XR compliance across console platforms.

• Proven experience developing and shipping console titles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch).

• Strong debugging, profiling, and performance optimization skills across multiple platforms.

• Demonstrated technical leadership experience, including mentoring engineers, reviewing code, and driving engineering best practices.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.

• Experience leading engineering teams or serving as a Principal or Lead Engineer.

• Experience with dedicated servers, backend services, authentication, and live-service infrastructure.

• Experience with ARK Survival Ascended or Atlas Modkit environments.

• Familiarity with cloud-hosted multiplayer infrastructure and online services.

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, telemetry, crash reporting, and developer tools.

• Experience shipping live-service or cross-platform multiplayer titles.

$125,000 - $160,000 Annually (depending on experience)

• True focus on work/life balance

• Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave

• Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD

• 401(k) with company match

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. 

Work Authorization Requirements

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future (including H-1B).

Additional Information

As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing, and short-form video content creation, certain projects, discussions, or creative materials may include themes, visuals, language, or subject matter that some individuals could find mature, violent, sexual, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature (collectively referred to as "Mature Content"). Examples may include, but are not limited to, depictions or descriptions of combat, violence, adult themes or relationships, suggestive or satirical humor, or strong language. Employees are expected to engage with such material in a professional and creative context as part of their job duties.