Lead Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Write, review, and take ownership of C++ code within the engagement — the title of Lead Engineer does not imply a cessation of coding duties.

• Develop and sustain core gameplay, engine, or systems components as dictated by the engagement requirements.

• Assist team engineers when they encounter roadblocks — through architecture discussions, deep dives into the engine, and debugging efforts.

• Conduct performance profiling and optimization across various target platforms (console, PC, or mobile as necessary).

• Lead and mentor project engineers — enhance their skills, review their contributions, and identify deviations early.

• Facilitate engineering rituals: sprint planning, technical reviews, and code reviews.

• Address resource or capability gaps with production proactively to avoid impacting delivery timelines.

• Offer transparent engineering evaluations to aid in hiring and team development.

• Serve as the technical representative in client discussions — communicate engineering concepts clearly and without jargon.

• Collaborate with the Senior Game Producer to align technical scope with project schedules.

• Highlight trade-off decisions early: 'here's the risk, here are the options, and here’s my recommendation.'

• Maintain client confidence that Devoted's engineering standards meet expectations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 7 years of software engineering experience, with a minimum of 4 years in AAA or mid-tier game development.

• At least 2 years in a Lead Engineer, Principal Engineer, or similar role — possessing genuine ownership of the technical direction, not merely holding a senior IC title.

• A minimum of 2 shipped commercial titles as a lead or senior contributor — on PC, console, or both platforms.

• Extensive expertise in Unreal Engine 5: C++ at an architectural level, not just usage; proficiency in Blueprint; familiarity with engine subsystems (rendering, physics, gameplay framework, GAS is a significant advantage).

• Strong fundamentals in C++ — systems design, memory management, and performance analysis.

• Experience in leading small engineering teams and fostering the development of engineers’ skills.

• Ability to engage in client-facing situations — can conduct a technical dialogue with a client engineering lead effectively.

• Remote-first discipline: adept in asynchronous communication, documentation practices, and possess strong written English skills.

• **Preferred**

• Experience in a co-development or external development studio setting.

• Multi-platform development experience: console certification, platform compliance (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo).

• Knowledge of online multiplayer systems, dedicated server architecture, or experience with live-service games.

🏝️ Benefits

• This position offers full-time employment with standard industry benefits in Canada.