Gameplay Tools Engineer

Heart Machine is a diverse team of passionate game developers working to create uniquely engaging worlds that are greater than the sum of their parts. We’re based in Los Angeles, but we have team members all across the globe.

We believe different perspectives contribute not only to more meaningful games but to a healthier and more sustainable team as well. As the studio grows, we are committed to maintaining a welcoming environment where all voices are valued.

We’re ambitious and work hard, but health is an essential value at Heart Machine. We aren’t a crunch factory: we’re committed to building a culture of healthy work-life balance.

We’re looking for talented individuals who share these values to collaborate with us on amazing, unique games.

Join the Heart Machine development team and help keep the heart of our production beating! You'll work closely with a small, focused team to support our UE5 pipeline, manage and improve build systems, optimize workflows, and ensure our internal tools and infrastructure scale with the needs of the project. From maintaining our build server to streamlining process and solving technical roadblocks, your work will be essential in keeping development fast, stable, and creative.

As one of the first hires on this lean, specialized team you’ll play a key role in shaping creative and technical direction. Working closely with experienced developers across disciplines, you'll build and maintain the company pipeline, build tools, and development approach.

Responsibilities

• Increase usability and decrease iteration time for all developers
• Make productivity modifications to the engine
• Work with and maintain platform-specific code, as necessary
• Work with other engineers and departments to develop and maintain core game architecture and team process
• Provide Wwise and other broad plug-in support
• Participating in major design conversations and decisions in a highly collaborative environment

Requirements

• C++ Generalist Programming Experience
• Windows, Ubuntu System Administration (Internal server, remote backup, VPN sysadmin, workstation / dev environment setup & troubleshooting)
• Specific Experience with Perforce and Unreal Engine 5 (engine source & build familiarity, merging upstream source drops from Epic, build maintenance / continuous integration)
• Profiling Experience (Visual Studio debugging, profiling, Unreal Engine built-in MapCheck and perf tools, NVIDIA / Sony / Etc. graphics vendor profiling tools)
• Experience managing license servers, Perforce, Jenkins and computer networks
• Experience with build engineering through development through shipment covering a broad range of tasks from console requirements to performance and optimization
• Experience with Unreal World composition, level organization, structure design and maintenance
• Experience with achievement / trophy programming, save game data, and progression implementation
• Capable of working independently, keeping on-task and motivated.

Nice to Haves

• 3 + Years Professional experience
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 / 5 Extensions: Simplygon, Houdini, Wwise
• Console DevKit Setup and Shipping Certification Experience
• Unreal Engine 4 / 5 Render Pipeline Experience
• Familiarity with DCC tools like Maya, Photoshop and Zbrush
• Calming aura of peace and serenity

Salary

In the United States, the standard base pay range for this role we have estimated $90 - $160k, commensurate with experience. This base pay range is for the U.S. and is not applicable to locations outside of the U.S. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. In addition to base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

Benefits

• Competitive pay through bonus structures
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401k
• Flex PTO policy and 10 Federal holidays annually
• Paid parental leave

Location

Flexibility to work remotely

Full-Time with Flexible Hours

Most staff maintain hours around 9a-6p PST. So long as you get the work done and are there for the meetings you are needed in, we trust you to manage your own time however makes sense to you.