Lead Gameplay Programmer

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.  

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.

Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.  

The Role

We’re looking for a Lead Gameplay Programmer to join our talented engineering team. In this role, you’ll lead one half of the gameplay engineering group on our AAA fidelity fighting game built in Unreal Engine. You’ll work closely with Designers, Animators, and fellow Engineers to deliver engaging, responsive, and high-quality gameplay systems that bring the game’s vision to life.

You’ll be responsible for one of two key areas of the game—either core combat and player interaction, or broader game progression systems. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends technical contribution with strategic direction, helping shape both the experience and the development culture of the gameplay team.

This role can be based onsite full time at our Sheffield and/or Leamington Spa office, hybrid or remote.

Responsibilities

· Lead and mentor the gameplay team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

· Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of Gameplay that support the vision of our game.

· Liaise with design and production team to deliver a compelling vision.

· Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.

· Ensure high-quality code and robust player experience through best practices and automated testing.

· Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.

· Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Gameplay development.

· Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

· Proven experience as a Gameplay programmer on one or more AAA titles.

· Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 implementation of UI/UX or 3Cs.

· Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.

· Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.

· Excellent communication and documentation skills.

· Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.

· Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.

· Familiarity with supporting hybrid teams.

· A genuine passion for games and game development.

What we offer

Healthy work-life balance:

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service, up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Christmas shut down

• Holiday exchange programme

• Flexible working hours & pattern (Certain Hybrid models available)

Support for family life:

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay (subject to eligibility requirements)

• Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental

Great office environment:

• Friendly studios based in Sheffield and Leamington, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!

• Free parking - At our Sheffield site

Health & wellbeing support:

• Company sick pay

• 2 days Wellbeing Days leave per year

• Access to 24/7 doctors

• Employee Assistance Programme

Learning support:

• Learning days

Additional financial support:

• Technology scheme (salary sacrifice up to £750)

• Relocation benefits (subject to eligibility requirements)

• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme (subject to eligibility requirements)

• Discretionary Bonus

Connection and perks:

• Wrap parties & company paid outings

• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events

Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation.

If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

Please be aware that all applications for roles submitted through our website will be managed by our external recruitment partner, Amiqus. While they will handle the processing and management of your application, your data will remain securely stored within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. By submitting your CV through our website, you give your permission for your application to be managed by Amiqus and to be contacted by them on SCI’s behalf.