Senior Gameplay Engineer

Job Description

Join a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to utilizing cutting-edge technology to transform gaming genres and development methods, embracing innovation and pushing boundaries. We are dedicated to developing and shipping innovative games through a research and development (R&D) approach. This involves iterative prototyping, exploring emerging technologies, and crafting advanced game development pipelines.

The Senior Gameplay Engineer will play a crucial role in developing game prototypes that integrate generative AI. Collaborating closely with data scientists, this role is pivotal in uniting machine learning with interactive gameplay. The position demands a blend of creative engineering and technical prowess, tackling diverse challenges to bring these prototypes to life. Responsibilities extend from coding exceptional gameplay features to integrating various game elements such as characters, animations, VFX, and UI-either independently or in collaboration with artists. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of game development and demonstrate the autonomy needed to deliver a compelling user experience focused on player engagement.

Responsibilities:
• Prototype Development: Lead and actively participate in the rapid prototyping of new game concepts. Ensure effective utilization of AI technologies to elevate gameplay.
• Game Mechanics: Innovate and refine game mechanics through AI technologies and conventional game mechanics that make great games.
• Tool Development: Construct and maintain robust tools that empower other game developers to integrate AI functionalities within the game development pipeline.
• Technical Leadership: Provide mentorship within the gameplay engineering team, exemplifying high standards in code quality and engineering practices.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work alongside teams in design, art, and production to align gameplay systems with overarching project goals.
• Research and Innovation: Keep abreast of the latest trends in game development and generative AI. Explore new technologies and methods to enhance game development and player experiences.
• Creative Initiative: Thrive in an environment that encourages stepping out of one's comfort zone to drive creative aspects of game experiments and development.

Requirements:
• At least 5 years of experience as an engineer, with a history of shipping multiple AAA, casual, or mobile games.
• A profound understanding of game design, including mechanics, user interfaces, AI behavior, and game loops.
• Advanced skills in game programming languages such as C++, C#.
• Experience with major game engines, including Unity3D and Unreal Engine.
• Experience with backend development such as REST server and AWS
• Versatility in various game development domains with a can-do attitude.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills; capable of innovative thinking in a fast-paced R&D environment.
• Strong communication skills; able to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• A passionate gamer with a preference for quick, focused game development projects over multi-year cycles.

Location:

Los Gatos, CA /Los Angeles, CA - Preferred:

Remote: United States or Canada will be considered.
Our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top-of-market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $100,000 - $500,000.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more detail about our Benefits here.

Netflix has a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.

We are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity of thought and background builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-ro8yo6-18-220-137-93-42 in your application.