Gameplay Engineer

Gardens Interactive • Los Angeles, CA

1d • Remote

About The Position

Gardens Interactive is hiring a Gameplay Engineer to craft tactile, immersive gameplay systems for its multiplayer fantasy adventure. The engineer will partner with designers to understand creative intent, implement features in Unreal Engine using C++ and Blueprints, and apply architectural expertise to support iterative development. The role helps connect players to the game world and enables exploration, interaction, and memorable multiplayer moments.

The Gameplay Engineer will own the technical architecture and implementation of multiple gameplay features, working with design and production to realize creative goals and balance priorities. They will collaborate with design, art, and animation, advocate for strong game feel, and help improve game stability and development workflows. The position reports to the Lead Gameplay Engineer and works closely with gameplay engineers and other disciplines.

Gardens is a fully distributed studio. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States or Canada, and willing to work within North American time zones (EST–PST).

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience building game mechanics across one or more projects.
• Deep expertise in Unreal gameplay frameworks, including character and camera controllers, behavior trees, Blackboard, and the Gameplay Ability System.
• Solid understanding of Unreal’s multiplayer framework, including replication and RPCs, and ability to account for networked multiplayer implications when implementing features.
• Clear communication, strong collaboration, and sound judgment to work independently, recognize constraints, and seek support when needed.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada.
• Willingness to work within North American time zones (EST–PST).

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience on shipped multiplayer titles using Unreal Engine.
• Experience owning decisions and implementation for substantial parts of control or camera systems, NPC AI or behavior, combat, or ability/action features in a multiplayer context.
• Experience profiling and optimizing gameplay systems for large-scale content.

Responsibilities

• Own the architecture and implementation of gameplay mechanics and multiple gameplay features in Unreal Engine, collaborating closely with design.
• Develop flexible, scalable gameplay systems that support iterative development and emergent interactions.
• Partner with design and production to realize creative intent and balance development priorities.
• Advocate for tactile, immersive game feel across the project and studio.
• Collaborate with design, art, and animation, providing technical expertise and perspective on decisions and alternatives.
• Playtest regularly with the team to prototype ideas and assess gameplay against the game’s pillars.
• Assist proactively with identifying and triaging issues in game systems, collaborating on solutions, and reducing friction in the development process.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and pay transparency.
• Stock options.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% for individuals, 90% for dependents).
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and additional benefits.
• 401(k) contributions in the United States or RRSP and DPSP contributions in Canada.
• Paid parental leave.
• Fully distributed remote studio across North American time zones.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed