Lead R&D Engineer

Ubisoft is a leading developer and publisher of video games worldwide whose brand portfolio covers blockbusters such as Assassin’s Creed, Watch Dogs, The Division, Prince of Persia and Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, Rayman, Just Dance as well as games for the whole family, from Imagine and Petz to Raving Rabbids. To continue building on its achievements for the future, Ubisoft is looking for new talent for its growing Indian studio in Pune!

We favour diversity, creativity, drive and team spirit. If you have got the skills and the desire to succeed, we want you to be a part of this exciting period of growth.

Job Summary

We are seeking experienced Lead R&D Engineer to oversee the development and execution of automation solutions for specific projects within our Quality Control (QC) teams. As a hands-on leader, you will work closely with the Technical Architect to ensure the successful implementation of automation frameworks while maintaining technical quality, performance, and scalability on assigned projects.

Each Lead R&D Engineer will be dedicated to specific projects, managing R&D Engineers (Programmers) and Quality Engineers (Scripters) working on these projects. You will be responsible for ensuring adherence to the technical direction set by the Technical Architect, collaborating with Project Managers and Product Owners for smooth delivery, and maintaining high technical standards. Additionally, you will play a key role in people management, overseeing the performance and development of the programmers and scripters in your team.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Execution (60%)

1. Implement and oversee the execution of automation frameworks and tools based on the architectural guidelines provided by the Technical Architect.
2. Ensure the technical quality, scalability, and maintainability of automation solutions developed for QC.
3. Lead proof-of-concept (POC) development, testing new technologies and approaches to improve automation efficiency.
4. Identify and resolve technical challenges, providing guidance to programmers and scripters on best practices.
5. Ensure alignment with performance, security, and integration standards across automation solutions.

Project Management & Delivery (20%)

1. Work closely with Project Managers and Product Owners to ensure smooth delivery of automation projects.
2. Provide technical estimates and feasibility assessments for automation work in collaboration with project stakeholders.
3. Track and monitor technical progress, ensuring adherence to milestones and deadlines.
4. Ensure that technical documentation and knowledge-sharing practices are maintained across projects.

People & Performance Management (20%)

1. Manage and mentor R&D Engineers (Programmers) and Quality Engineers (Scripters) working on assigned projects, ensuring their professional growth.
2. Conduct performance reviews, providing feedback and coaching to enhance individual and team efficiency.
3. Ensure that developers are following the best practices, coding standards, and quality guidelines.
4. Facilitate a collaborative and problem-solving environment, ensuring high engagement and productivity within the team.

Core Competencies

1. Strong technical expertise with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
2. Ability to bridge the gap between technical direction and project execution, ensuring alignment with architectural decisions.
3. Effective people management skills, with experience leading and mentoring programmers and scripters.
4. Strong communication and collaboration skills to work across technical and non-technical teams.
5. Solution-driven mindset, capable of handling technical roadblocks and performance optimization.

Technical Competencies

1. Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, Web API development, and experience with automation frameworks.
2. Solid understanding of software architecture, performance optimization, and scalable solutions.
3. Experience with game engines, automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, and tool development.
4. Strong debugging and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot automation failures and inefficiencies.

Behavioral Competencies

1. Strong ownership and accountability in project execution.
2. Ability to adapt to evolving project needs and technologies.
3. Strong teamwork and collaboration across departments.
4. Proactive in identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Working Relationships / Reporting Lines

Reports to:

• QC Technical Manager
• Technical Architect (for technical guidance and strategy)

Manages:

• R&D Engineers (Programmers) and Quality Engineers (Scripters) assigned to specific projects

Collaborates with:

• Project Managers & Product Owners (for project planning and execution)
• QC Teams & Automation Engineers (for feedback and validation)
• Technical Architect & Other Programming Leads (for knowledge sharing and cross-project alignment)

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead cutting-edge automation initiatives, drive technical excellence, and mentor teams while ensuring that automation solutions positively impact game quality. If you're a strong technical leader passionate about automation in gaming, we encourage you to apply.