Lead Network Programmer

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.  

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.

Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.  

The Role

We’re currently searching for a proven Lead Network Programmer to join at this exciting point of our journey. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of our debut title “Undisputed”, our million-selling boxing title, and future projects. Online is a vital part of what makes “Undisputed” great, we are looking for a skilled and dedicated Lead Network Programmer to join us as we pivot to UE5, to build your team and a robust, scalable online platform whilst always putting the player's experience first, and to lead the development of our future online features on “Undisputed”.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Multiplayer team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of all Network replication, Matchmaking and Backend Systems to support our Next generation of Fighting Games.
• Ensure high-quality code through best practices and automated testing.
• Liaising Gameplay Team to help deliver a Great Multiplayer experience.
• Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
• Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Multiplayer development.
• Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Expertise in C++ and Unreal engine 4 or 5
• Extensive experience of working on real-time networking in video games
• Passion for all things multiplayer and online, with a drive to deliver a world class user experience
• Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
• Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
• A genuine passion for games and game development.
• Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.
• Familiarity with supporting hybrid teams.

What we offer

Healthy work-life balance:

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Christmas shut down
• Holiday exchange programme
• Flexible working hours

Support for family life:

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental

Great office environment:

• A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
• Free parking

Health & wellbeing support:

• Company sick pay
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
• Access to 24/7 doctors
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £300 wellbeing stipend every January

Learning support:

• Learning days
• Unlimited access to Udemy courses

Additional financial support:

• Technology scheme (up to £750)
• Discount Club at over 350 high street stores
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
• Relocation benefits
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme
• Bonus

Connection and perks:

• Wrap parties & company paid outings
• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events

Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation.

If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.