Senior Gameplay Systems Programmer - UGC

About the role

NBCUniversal is looking for a Senior Gameplay Systems Programmer to help build the core gameplay experience of a new AAA platform developed in Unreal Engine 5. The role focuses on implementing and evolving scalable gameplay systems that support systemic gameplay, multiplayer experiences and user-generated content (UGC). As part of the Gameplay Systems team, you will work closely with Lead Programmers, the Gameplay Architect, Designers, AI and Gameplay Engineers, technical teams and Technical Directors to build robust gameplay frameworks for both internally developed and player-authored experiences.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain scalable gameplay systems and frameworks in Unreal Engine 5
• Develop features supporting systemic player interaction, emergent gameplay and dynamic world responsiveness
• Build systems for traversal, combat, vehicles, AI interactions, environmental systems and player-driven mechanics
• Contribute to frameworks and workflows for UGC, creator-facing systems and extensible gameplay logic
• Prototype, iterate and productionize gameplay features with designers and cross-disciplinary teams
• Write clean, modular, maintainable and performant code following engineering standards
• Support multiplayer implementation, including networking, replication and gameplay state synchronization
• Debug, optimize and profile gameplay systems across multiple target platforms
• Take part in code reviews and help improve gameplay engineering practices
• Identify technical risks and work with Tools and Technical teams to improve large-scale development workflows

Required profile

• 5+ years of professional gameplay programming experience in game development
• Experience contributing to at least one shipped game title, preferably AAA
• Strong understanding of gameplay architecture, modular systems design and software engineering best practices
• Experience in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments
• Excellent debugging, profiling, optimization, communication and problem-solving skills

Required skills

• C++
• Unreal Engine gameplay frameworks and systems
• Desired: open-world, sandbox, multiplayer or systemic gameplay experience
• Desired: familiarity with UGC, modding, creator tools, multiplayer replication, AI, vehicles, traversal and simulation-driven gameplay
• Desired: rapid prototyping, live-service or continuously evolving platforms

The position is hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week in the office. Candidates apply online with a resume/CV; external candidates may be asked to attend an in-person interview before a hiring decision.