Senior Gameplay Programmer, Game Prototypes

Position Summary

Senior Gameplay Programmer to join Netflix Games’ in‑house strategic incubation team. The role focuses on establishing the gameplay foundation for Netflix Games, including work on the cloud streaming platform, the Netflix Game Controller (NGC), and potential future platforms. The successful candidate will design, implement, and refine gameplay systems across a diverse range of game prototypes spanning many genres, from children’s titles to AAA Action Adventures.

• Build across genres:
  Contribute to a rotating slate of projects and adapt engineering approaches to fit genre, audience, and platform.
• Own feature areas end‑to‑end:
  Lead multiple complex gameplay features from prototype to polished implementation, producing reliable, maintainable code.
• Prototype in UE5:
  Translate design intent into functional, playable systems and mechanics using Unreal Engine 5, C++, Blueprints, Gen AI, and custom tools to validate hypotheses quickly.
• Optimize & debug:
  Profile, optimize, and debug both code and content to keep prototypes performant on TV via the cloud streaming platform and other targets.
• Collaboration catalyst:
  Partner closely with designers, artists, producers, and engineers to integrate and improve features, ensuring cohesion between design intent and execution.
• Participate in code reviews and create documentation and functional tests for the features built.

• Proven experience prototyping and shipping two or more titles as a Gameplay Programmer/Engineer across varied genres, with a focus on excellent player experience.
• Excellent technical knowledge in C++, optimization, math, and debugging, with extensive hands‑on experience in Unreal Engine 5 and strong Blueprint implementation skills.
• Strong gameplay and design sensibilities; able to partner with designers to shape systems and articulate core elements that contribute to the "feel" and success of each genre.
• Demonstrated ability to develop complex features and systems end‑to‑end and produce reliable, maintainable code under fast iterative timelines.
• Thrives in a fast‑moving, prototype‑first environment where scope and direction evolve quickly, demonstrating exceptional adaptability to change.
• Strong communicator who translates complex technical ideas for other disciplines and actively communicates task status.
• Active engagement with games, providing well‑informed perspectives on player experience.
• Shows good judgement on quality level and technical approach for tasks ranging from quick prototypes to shippable features.
• Demonstrates commitment to task planning and timely delivery of tasks.

Remote position based in Canada. Candidates must be willing to travel for work‑related events and operate on an Eastern Standard Time (EST) schedule.

Annual salary range: $140,000 – $250,000. Salary versus stock option composition is negotiated annually. Benefits include supplemental health and dental plans, mental health support, an RRSP retirement plan with employer match, a stock option program, disability programs, family‑forming benefits, life and serious injury benefits, paid leave of absence, and paid time off (35 days annually for hourly employees and flexible time off for salaried employees).

Resume and portfolio examples are welcomed. Candidates requesting accommodations for a disability or other reasons during the hiring process should submit a request to their recruiting partner.

Netflix is an equal‑opportunity employer and values diversity. We actively reinforce inclusion in all hiring stages and provide a transparent interview experience.

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. We celebrate diversity and believe it builds stronger teams. Please note that we have an obligation to comply with the production of non‑discriminatory hiring practices. Netflix is committed to creating an inclusive workforce and welcoming applications from individuals who contribute differently.