Senior Gameplay Engineer

Join our studio in Austin, TX as a Senior Gameplay Engineer, responsible for building core gameplay systems for our first AAA game. This role will involve design, development, and optimization of player‑facing features and networked multiplayer gameplay in Unreal Engine.

• Design, implement, and iterate on gameplay systems and player‑facing features using C++ in Unreal Engine.
• Collaborate closely with Gameplay Design to translate concepts into scalable, maintainable systems.
• Implement features with awareness of replication, shared state, and multiplayer considerations.
• Partner with animation and technical animation teams to ensure gameplay feels responsive and cohesive.
• Debug, profile, and optimize systems to ensure performance, stability, and scalability.
• Contribute to code reviews, technical discussions, and shared engineering practices across the team.
• Design and implement AI‑related gameplay features, including behavior logic, decision‑making, and player interactions.

• 5+ years of professional experience as a Gameplay Engineer on shipped games.
• Strong C++ experience with Unreal Engine gameplay systems.
• Experience implementing gameplay features in real‑time 3D environments.
• Familiarity with gameplay systems that operate across multiple players or shared game states, including Unreal Engine AI systems such as behavior trees, AI controllers, or navigation.
• Experience collaborating closely with design and content teams.
• Strong debugging, problem‑solving, and systems‑thinking skills.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross‑disciplinary team.

• Experience working on multiplayer or co‑operative gameplay systems.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine replication or multiplayer gameplay patterns.
• Experience working on action‑oriented or systems‑heavy games.
• Background contributing to early pre‑production or foundational gameplay systems.

Skeleton Key is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status or any other legally protected status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process and need to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or coordinator.

Base salary range for this position is $ to $. The hiring range will vary based on factors such as experience, skills, location and market conditions. Employees may be eligible for annual and long‑term incentives as part of their overall compensation package.

• Health & Wellness:
  Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Vacation & Holidays
• Generous 401(k) Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Volunteer & Employee Giving Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Product Discounts & More