Lead software engineer Jobs in Surrey, BC

Who is SkyBox Labs? Recognized as one of , SkyBox Labs is a game development studio that works on some of the world’s most iconic games. The studio is currently working on projects in the Minecraft universe, supporting the dev team at Bungie on Destiny 2, supporting development of Fallout 76, in addition to work on unannounced IP. Since our inception in 2011, SkyBox Labs has evolved from a small team of eight individuals to a fully established team of Engineers, Artists, Animators, Designers, Producers, and more.Come join our hybrid team in our Burnaby, BC studio today! PLEASE NOTE: At this time, we are only able to hire candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada and reside within Canada.

Interested? Let’s talk about what we’re hiring for:

SkyBox Labs is looking for aSenior Gameplay Engineer to join our team on an ambitious AAA co-development project set within a highly anticipated universe.

Working in close collaboration with our partner studio, you'll play a key role in crafting gameplay experiences that players around the world will remember. Using UE5's cutting-edge toolset and your own deep technical chops, you'll tackle meaty architectural and performance challenges - the kind that make this job interesting.

If you're energized by collaboration, love pushing engines to their limits, and want a real hand in building something from scratch, we'd love to hear from you!

This team works in a hybrid capacity, with three days a week at our studio in Burnaby, BC.

A snapshot of your role:

• Build dynamic, compelling gameplay in UE5 using C++/Blueprints
• Take part in code reviews - and help level up our processes, tools, and workflows along the way
• Partner closely with the SkyBox game team and our external partners, keeping communication clear and collaboration front and center
• Test, debug, and hunt down performance issues before players ever see them
• Own your tasks independently while knowing when to lean on your team
• Keep growing - pick up new tools and systems as our technical and business needs evolve

Sound like you? This is what we're looking for:

• 7+ years of professional C++ experience in the video game industry, with a solid track record navigating tight performance and memory constraints
• Deep, multi-year hands-on expertise in UE5 - a shipped commercial UE5 title is a big plus
• A strong background in gameplay engineering, with real understanding of core player loops, mechanics, and system architecture
• Great communication skills and comfort collaborating across design, art, and production to work through complex problems
• Sharp analytical instincts and the flexibility to adapt your architecture as projects evolve

Nice-to-Haves:

• AI & Combat - advanced AI behaviors, combat systems, spatial/navigation grids
• Content & World Systems - encounter design, mission structures, large-scale world/streaming systems
• Metagame & UX - progression systems, gameplay economy loops, technical UI implementation
• Leadership - experience as a technical lead, pod lead, or mentor to junior/mid-level engineers

And here is why we think you'll love working at SkyBox:

• Annual bonus and up to 3% RRSP matching available
• Comprehensive health benefits, along with a supportive Maternity and Parental Leave policy
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements: leverage our beautiful studio spaces as needed and have the ability to work from home on certain projects
• Take care of your mental health with our Employee Assistance Program, 3 weeks of vacation leave, and our free gym at our Burnaby Studio
• We relentlessly support your growth and development! Level up your C++ skills at SkyBox University, explore other disciplines through our Guild Program, and expand your game dev knowledge with Lunch & Learns. You’ll join a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and personal growth.
• Social events! Have fun with the team at trivia nights, karaoke nights, movie nights, and various group activities. Join our soccer team, game jams, or a board game sesh after work. You name it, we’ve got it!
• Get involved with our diverse community through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and promote a supportive environment
• You’ll contribute to industry-leading titles!

The base salary range for this position is $125,000 to $170,000. The stated pay scale reflects the range that SkyBox Labs reasonably expects to pay for this position. Your base salary and level will be determined by various factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, skills, experience, and demonstrated competencies.Our commitment to you: SkyBox Labs is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing and maintaining a diverse workforce. You’ll join a collaborative, inclusive culture where we succeed together, and like-minded people work naturally together to achieve great things (and games!). Only candidates who reside in Canada or are willing to relocate will be considered for this role. Additionally, although we appreciate all interest, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Learn more about us at We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.