Lead Gameplay Programmer

3 Months ago • 2 Years + • Game Design • Systems Design

Job Summary

Job Description

Epic Games seeks an experienced Lead Gameplay Programmer for Fortnite. This role involves experimenting with game design, rapid prototyping, and collaborating with art and design teams to create and iterate on gameplay features for both Battle Royale and Save the World modes. Responsibilities include prototyping, addressing feedback, optimizing systems, debugging, contributing to game development, and writing maintainable code. The ideal candidate will possess strong C++ skills, Unreal Engine experience (UE4 or UE5), and a keen understanding of game design principles. Experience leading a team and working on live service games is essential.
Must have:
  • 2+ years lead experience
  • Strong C++ skills
  • Unreal Engine experience
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Team management
  • Excellent communication
Good to have:
  • Console experience
  • Online game interest
Perks:
  • 100% premium coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision)
  • Long Term Disability & Life Insurance
  • 401k with competitive match
  • Mental well-being program
  • Unlimited PTO & sick time
  • Paid sabbatical after 7 years

Job Details

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.

ENGINEERING - GAMES

What We Do

Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We’re always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.

What You'll Do

Come be part of the excitement and energy to help continue building Fortnite into one of the biggest games in the world! Epic Games is looking for an experienced Lead Gameplay Programmer to join Fortnite's growing Engineering team. We believe that the best gameplay experiences are driven by collaboration and iteration between gameplay programmers, designers, and artists. You will play a critical role in driving future gameplay features, whether it’s new items in Battle Royale, or pushing Save the World in new, exciting directions.

In this role, you will

  • Experiment with game design and use rapid prototyping while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made
  • Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay features
  • Prototype and iterate on features and be willing to accept and respond to critical feedback
  • Support technical excellence of Fortnite on multiple platforms
  • Optimize and fix bugs in existing gameplay systems
  • Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the game’s production and development
  • Write robust, maintainable code

What we're looking for

  • 2+ years of experience in a lead engineer role, with demonstrated ability to manage or lead a team effectively
  • A keen analytical mind, with strong problem-solving skills
  • Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and architect gameplay mechanics and tools
  • Strong math skills
  • Unreal Engine experience (UE4 or UE5) is ideal
  • Well-versed in games and the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing games (an interest in online games is preferred)
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Console experience
  • Experience working on a live service game

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical. 

ABOUT US

Epic Games spans across 25 countries with 46 studios and 4,500+ employees globally. For over 25 years, we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy .

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found .

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About The Company

Founded in 1991, Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology. Epic operates Fortnite, one of the world’s largest games with over 350 million accounts and 2.5 billion friend connections. Epic also develops Unreal Engine, which powers the world’s leading games and is adopted across industries such as film and television, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and simulation. Through Unreal Engine, Epic Games Store, and Epic Online Services, Epic provides an end-to-end digital ecosystem for developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate games and other content. Epic has over 40 offices worldwide with headquarters in Cary, North Carolina.

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