Lead Gameplay Programmer

Job Description

Why PlayStation?

Are you a senior programmer looking for your first leadership position, or an engineering lead who wants to manage a small team and also make direct code contributions? Insomniac Games is looking for a Lead Programmer for a team working on AI and combat systems for an exciting AAA game. This job is a blend of direct technical contribution and team management, balancing programming work in the combat/AI realm with managing, mentoring, and caring for the well-being of your team members. You don't have to have any people management experience to apply (we will teach you!) but you should have displayed technical leadership in some form. Want to learn more? Keep reading!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
• Lead a small team of programmers
• Assist in developing the vision, architectural design, and planning for Insomniac's current and future gameplay systems
• Write code in C++ but not taking priority over non-technical duties
• Provide mentorship, performance evaluation, and career development support and opportunities for members of the team
• Plan, organize, monitor, and evaluate team's work
• Provide technical and creative direction and feedback to team.
• Work closely with other departments such as Design, Creative, and Project Management to:
• Provide technical, scheduling, and creative feedback on the game your team is supporting
• Help develop project goals
• Communicate technical requirements and limitations
• Ensure a balanced team schedule that meets project goals in a timely manner
• Participate in the hiring and onboarding of new employees
• Collaborate with Insomniac studio leadership to support studio cultural values and champion a positive work environment

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This individual will supervise a team of employees across multiple studio locations and is responsible for carrying out duties in accordance with the studio's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include but are not limited to interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education and/or Experience:
• Seven to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong skills in C++ and 3D math
• Ability to provide vision and architecture for game systems
• Strong game design sensibilities and interest in creating a great player experience
• Interest in people management/developing leadership skills, with a particular focus on employee wellbeing
Other Skills:
• Experience working on gameplay systems in AAA games is a plus
• Experience scheduling, scoping, and/or distributing technical work a plus
• Previous experience managing a team a plus

Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.

At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.

$131,800 - $197,600 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-dy1e0q-3-17-75-14-42 in your application.