Lead Gameplay Engineer

Who are we?

Hypersonic Labs is building HELIX, the ultimate open-world multiplayer sandbox. We are a remote-first, international team and have raised $11M from top gaming VCs.

About the role

As the Lead Gameplay Engineer, you will take the helm in designing and implementing the core gameplay systems that drive our platform. You'll lead a talented team of programmers, collaborate with Lua scripters, and ensure that our platform delivers seamless, engaging multiplayer experiences.

This role focuses on developing robust systems that enable users to create diverse games while ensuring performance optimization and scalability in a multiplayer environment.

What You Will Be Doing

• Leading the development of core gameplay systems, including character movement, physics, AI, and player interaction mechanics.
• Collaborating closely with Lua scripters to integrate scripting with Unreal Engine 5 features, creating intuitive and powerful tools for game creators.
• Optimizing multiplayer systems for performance and real-time synchronization, ensuring smooth gameplay across large player bases.
• Building modular, reusable code to empower creators and improve the scalability of the platform.
• Mentoring and guiding a team of gameplay programmers to ensure high-quality code and best development practices.
• Collaborating with the UI/UX team to create seamless interfaces for game creators and players.
• Debugging and optimizing gameplay code to address performance bottlenecks and ensure smooth multiplayer experiences.
• Staying current with the latest Unreal Engine 5 advancements and integrating new technologies where relevant.

What We Will Need From You

• Experience in game development with proven experience in a lead or senior gameplay programming role.
• Extensive expertise in Unreal Engine (preferably Unreal Engine 5), including proficiency in Blueprints and C++.
• Strong understanding of multiplayer networking and synchronization techniques, including client/server architecture.
• Proven experience developing and shipping multiplayer gameplay mechanics in a released title.
• Experience with AI systems, physics, and player interaction mechanics such as inventories or in-game economies.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills to guide and mentor a team in a fully remote environment.
• Ability to write clean, modular, and maintainable code, with a focus on scalability and reusability.
• Familiarity with GTA-style open-world mechanics or sandbox games.

Nice to have

• Experience working with user-generated content (UGC) platforms or creator driven tools.
• Expertise in performance optimization for large, open-world multiplayer environments.
• Familiarity with role-playing mechanics, progression systems, or in-game economies.
• Passion for gaming and a drive to create powerful tools that empower a global community of creator