Lead Unreal Engineer (UE4/5)

Job DescriptionJob Description

Title: Lead Unreal Engineer

Employment Type: Direct hire, full time

Compensation range: $120-$190k, based on experience

Location: Remote but MUST reside in US. Travel 15%. Possible relocation to Salina, KS at later date.

Overview

The Lead Unreal Engineer directs the engineering track for interactive and simulation projects. This role leads a small team, develops core gameplay systems in Unreal (C++/Blueprints), oversees vendors, and ensures technical quality across performance, stability, and maintainability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team, mentor developers, and enforce coding standards.
• Build core gameplay systems, tools, and features in Unreal (UE4/UE5) using C++ and Blueprints.
• Optimize runtime performance for PC and console, focusing on memory, frame rate, and stability.
• Collaborate with design, art, and production teams to deliver on both creative and technical goals.
• Define technical tasks, review vendor deliverables, and integrate cleanly into the project build.
• Prototype and iterate on gameplay mechanics and interactive features.
• Conduct code reviews, document systems, and uphold engineering best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years recent professional Unreal experience (UE4/UE5) with advanced C++ and Blueprint expertise.
• Shipped multiple PC or console titles in Unreal (AA or AAA) as lead or owner of technical direction.
• Advanced proficiency in C++ including gameplay systems, optimization, and engine internals.
• Proven leadership and mentorship experience, including oversight of internal teams and vendors.
• Strong knowledge of multiplayer architecture including networking, replication, and backend systems.
• Skilled at debugging, profiling, and performance optimization.
• Familiar with VR/AR development tools and workflows.
• Proficiency with version control (Perforce, Git).
• Familiarity with other game engines (Unity, CryEngine, Godot, etc.) a plus.
• Experience with Python/DCC scripting (Maya, Houdini) and rendering or asset optimization a plus.