Associate Gameplay Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5) - (7-month contract)
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Programming – Programming /
Contract /
Remote
Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres.
In 2022, we announced that our studio is implementing a four-day work week as well as supporting in-studio, remote within Canada, and hybrid work arrangements as permanent options to our employees.
Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects. These include both world-class IPs and our own creations across multiple genres and platforms.
In 2022, we introduced a four-day work week and now support in-studio, remote (within Canada), and hybrid work arrangements as permanent options for all employees.
We’re looking for an associate gameplay engineer with strong technical foundations and a passion for moment-to-moment play. You’ll contribute to systems like movement, combat, and progression, while learning Unreal Engine 5’s architecture and workflows. This is a growth role with built-in mentorship, hands-on experience, and a direct impact on the player experience.
This role is remote-friendly in Canada (Pacific-time overlap required).
What You’ll Tackle
- Gameplay Implementation – Build and iterate on gameplay features such as player movement, abilities, interactions, and environmental systems using C++ and Blueprints.
- Prototyping & Polish – Help translate design intent into responsive, tuned gameplay systems that feel great and are fun to play.
- Collaboration & Iteration – Work closely with senior engineers, designers, and animators to bring features to life and refine them through playtesting and feedback.
- Learning & Growth – Explore UE5 subsystems like GAS, MassEntity, and Chaos, and expand your knowledge through pairing, code reviews, and studio-wide knowledge sharing.
- Code Quality & Tools – Write clean, maintainable code and contribute to tooling and systems that help improve workflow efficiency across disciplines.
You’ll Thrive Here If You…
- Have 1–2 years of professional or academic experience with C++, ideally in a game development context.
- Hold a BSc in Computer Science or a college diploma in software engineering, game programming, or a closely related field.
- Are familiar with Unreal Engine 4 or 5, either through school, mods, indie development, or shipped features on a larger team.
- Are eager to learn gameplay architecture, systems thinking, and best practices in real-time game development.
- Enjoy working with others and value clear communication and feedback.
- Are comfortable using Git, Perforce, or similar version control systems and modern debugging tools.
Bonus XP
- Experience with Blueprint scripting, UE5 sample projects, or gameplay prototypes.
- Exposure to systems like Gameplay Ability System, Behavior Trees, or AI navigation.
- A passion for games with tight mechanics, satisfying feedback, or emergent systems.
- Contributions to game jams, student projects, mods, or indie releases.
$70,000 - $95,000 a year
