Epic Games seeks a Principal Research Programmer to join their Special Projects team, contributing to a new games and entertainment universe in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company.  This role focuses on driving core algorithms and research within the Fortnite ecosystem, working closely with artists and designers to create and iterate on engine and game features.  Responsibilities include experimenting with research techniques, contributing deep expertise, mentoring junior programmers, and writing robust, maintainable code.  The ideal candidate possesses extensive game development experience, strong C++ skills, Unreal Engine 5 expertise, and a deep understanding of research methodologies.  The position requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.

<p>Epic Games is a leading entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology.</p>

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<span class="sc-jXbUNg btmRVe ue-rich-text  loc-en-US"><div class="content-intro"><h2>WHAT MAKES US EPIC?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p></div><h2>PROGRAMMING - SPECIAL PROJECTS</h2>
<h3><strong>What We Do</strong></h3>
<p>The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.</p>
<h3><strong>What You'll Do</strong></h3>
<p>The Walt Disney Company and Epic Games are collaborating on an all-new games and entertainment universe.<br><br>In addition to being a world-class games experience, this new persistent universe will offer a multitude of opportunities for consumers to play, watch, and engage with content, characters, and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and more. <br><br>Players, gamers, and fans of all kinds will be able to create their own stories and experiences, express their fandom in a distinctly Disney way, and share content with each other in ways that they love. Come join us in creating the future of interactive entertainment.</p>
<p>We are seeking a Principal Research Programmer to join the research team for a main internal project in the Fortnite ecosystem. They will be responsible for driving core algorithms and research, collaborating, and iterating between programmers, designers, and artists. They will play a critical role in making the next generation of technology used in games within the Fortnite ecosystem.</p>
<h3><strong>In this role, you will</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Experiment with new and existing research techniques and use rapid prototyping while ensuring that strong architectural and algorithmic decisions are made</li>
<li>Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on engine and game features</li>
<li>Contribute deep expertise and actionable knowledge in collaboration with other researchers, programmers artists and designers at Epic Games</li>
<li>Guide and mentor junior programmers</li>
<li>Write robust, maintainable code</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>What we're looking for</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Experience developing games professionally, and shipping AAA titles (on multiple platforms preferred)</li>
<li>Strong analytical abilities with creative problem-solving skills, excelling in thinking innovatively and finding unique solutions</li>
<li>Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and architect gameplay mechanics and tools</li>
<li>Experience using Unreal Engine 5</li>
<li>Well-versed in research methods and the ability to articulate what is strong/weak about the design of existing algorithms (an interest in machine learning is preferred)</li>
<li>Excellent communication and interpersonal skills</li>
<li>Self-motivated, strong work ethic, and able to work independently</li>
</ul>
<h2>EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE</h2>
<p><span data-sheets-userformat="{" 2":13201,"3":{"1":0},"7":{"1":[{"1":2,"2":0,"5":{"1":2,"2":13421772}},{"1":0,"2":0,"3":3},{"1":1,"2":0,"4":1}]},"10":0,"11":4,"12":0,"15":"roboto","16":10}"="">We pay 100% for benefits for both employees and dependents and offer coverage for supplemental medical, dental, vision, critical illness, telemedicine, Life and AD&amp;D, long term disability insurance as well as weekly indemnity (short term disability) and a retirement savings plan with a competitive employer match. In addition to the EAP (employee assistance program), we also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees &amp; dependents.</span></p><div class="content-conclusion"><h2>ABOUT US</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h3><strong>Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!</strong></h3>
<p>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 .</p>
<p><strong>Note to Recruitment Agencies: </strong>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 .</p></div></span>