Gameplay Engineer

Gardens Interactive • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $155,000 - $171,000 • Remote

About The Position

Gardens Interactive is a fully remote game studio creating shared multiplayer experiences centered on connection, collective adventure, and emergent stories. The Gameplay Engineer will craft tactile, immersive gameplay systems that support adventure and storytelling, partnering with designers to understand feature intent and implement features in Unreal Engine using C++ and Blueprints. The role applies architectural expertise to support iterative development and helps connect players to the game world through exploration, interaction, and memorable multiplayer moments.

The engineer will own the technical architecture and implementation of multiple gameplay features, working closely with design, production, art, and animation. They will advocate for strong game feel, help maintain game stability, and contribute to identifying and resolving issues and reducing development friction. The position reports to the Lead Gameplay Engineer and joins a gameplay team that collaborates with other disciplines.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada; Gardens cannot provide work authorization or visas. Applicants must be willing to work within North American time zones (EST–PST). This is a primarily sedentary remote role involving extended computer-based work, including at least six hours per day using monitors, keyboards, mice, and game controllers. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

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 RPCs, and the ability to account for networked multiplayer implications when implementing features.
• Clear communication, strong collaboration, and the judgment to work independently, recognize constraints, and seek support when needed.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada; work authorization or visas will not be provided.
• Must be willing 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 significant portions of control or camera systems, NPC AI or behavior, or combat or ability/action features in a multiplayer context.
• Experience profiling and optimizing gameplay systems for large-scale content.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical architecture and implementation of multiple gameplay features across the game.
• Partner with design and production to realize creative intent and balance development priorities.
• Implement gameplay mechanics using Unreal Engine, C++, and Blueprints in close collaboration with the design team.
• Develop flexible, scalable gameplay systems designed for iterative development and emergent interactions.
• Playtest regularly with the team to prototype ideas and ensure gameplay progresses in accordance with the game’s pillars.
• Advocate for excellence in tactile, immersive game feel across the project and studio.
• Collaborate with design, art, and animation to align on the game vision and provide technical expertise and perspective on decisions and alternatives.
• Proactively assist in identifying and triaging issues in game systems, collaborate on solutions, and identify and reduce friction in the development process.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and pay transparency.
• Stock options.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% for individuals and 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed