Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects across multiple genres and platforms.
We’re looking for a senior software engineer to help evolve and support the gameplay experience of a classic AAA real-time strategy title. This role is focused on developing, maintaining, and improving core gameplay systems in C++, with an emphasis on moment-to-moment gameplay, simulation, unit behaviors, abilities, and long-term system stability. You will work closely with designers, artists, QA, production, and other engineers to implement features, diagnose complex issues, improve workflows, and modernize systems while preserving the feel and legacy of an iconic RTS.
This role is remote-friendly in Canada, with Pacific time overlap required.
What You’ll Tackle
● Core RTS gameplay systems: Design, implement, maintain, and improve player-facing gameplay features such as unit behaviors, abilities, commands, selection, movement, combat interactions, targeting, and game-state systems using C++. ●Mission and scenario gameplay: Build and support scripted gameplay content including triggers, objectives, events, encounters, victory conditions, progression logic, and campaign or custom scenario systems. ●Simulation and systems architecture: Develop modular, data-driven gameplay systems that support iteration, determinism, save/load reliability, multiplayer stability, and maintainability across a large legacy codebase. ●Technical leadership and collaboration: Partner closely with design, art, audio, production, QA, and engineering peers to prototype features, tune game feel, guide implementation approaches, review code, and resolve gameplay issues efficiently. ●Performance and stability: Debug and optimize gameplay systems with attention to CPU, memory, desync risk, determinism, save/load issues, and edge-case behavior in both single-player and multiplayer contexts. ●Legacy stewardship and improvement: Work within an established codebase to extend and refactor existing systems, modernize workflows where appropriate, reduce technical debt, and preserve the responsiveness and readability players expect from a classic RTS experience.You’ll Thrive Here If You
●Have 6+ years of professional software development experience using C++, ideally in games. ●Hold a BSc in Computer Science or a college diploma in software engineering, game programming, or a closely related field, or have equivalent professional experience. ●Have shipped at least one commercial game or major update where you contributed significantly to gameplay, simulation, AI, tools, or engine systems. ●Are comfortable working in mature or legacy codebases and can improve existing systems without losing sight of gameplay feel, stability, and maintainability. ●Can independently own medium-to-large gameplay features from investigation and design through implementation, debugging, polish, and support. ●Have experience implementing or debugging gameplay systems involving state, timing, scripting, AI, player input, mission logic, or simulation. ●Care deeply about responsiveness, clarity, polish, and long-term maintainability in player-facing systems. ●Communicate clearly, work well with cross-functional teams, and can provide constructive technical feedback through code reviews, design discussions, and mentoring.Bonus Experience
●Experience working on real-time strategy, simulation-heavy, tactics, or systems-driven games. ●Familiarity with gameplay scripting, trigger systems, event systems, mission logic, or content pipelines. ●Experience with AI systems such as state machines, behavior trees, utility systems, navigation, targeting, or tactical decision-making. ●Experience working on live, remastered, or long-running titles with an established player base. ●Familiarity with multiplayer gameplay considerations such as synchronization, determinism, replay systems, lockstep simulation, or networked simulation. $125,000 - $155,000 a yearSenior Software Engineer (C++ / Gameplay Systems) • Vancouver, BC, Canada
A leading video game developer is seeking a Senior Unreal Gameplay Programmer to join their growing Engineering team.This role involves collaborating with designers and artists to create and iterat... Show more
Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a w... Show more
Bring your programming skills to High Voltage as a Senior Unreal Gameplay Programmer, working remotely to shape the next big AAA games.Collaboration and creativity are key.Join the High Voltage Eng... Show more
Elevate game design at EA SPORTS as a Senior Software Engineer specializing in C++.Drive innovations that enhance user experiences and improve game creation workflows.You'll be part of a dynamic te... Show more
A leading game development company in Canada is seeking an experienced Senior Unreal Programmer to drive the development of future gameplay features.In this role, you will collaborate closely with ... Show more
Take your engineering career to the next level as a Senior Software Engineer specializing in C++.Design innovative solutions for real-time data processing and intelligent decision-making.This role ... Show more
Shape the future of gaming at Unity as a Senior Developer on the Diagnostics Systems team.This role offers the technical challenge of managing data for live game operations.As a key member of the D... Show more
Join as a Senior Technical Artist specializing in Environment creation.Collaborate remotely to enhance gameplay and deliver intricate artistic visions that resonate with players.This role seeks an ... Show more
Become a Senior Programmer at Offworld Industries and contribute to multiplayer gaming excellence.This role emphasizes Unreal Engine skills and C++ knowledge.In this pivotal role, you will shape th... Show more
Drive innovation in game development as a Gameplay Systems Engineer at 2K Games in Vancouver, BC.Leverage your expertise in C++ and tools development to enhance team productivity and optimize gamep... Show more
CD PROJEKT RED seeks a Senior Gameplay Engineer to architect revolutionary RPG experiences.This position allows work in a hybrid model, focusing on C++ and Unreal Engine proficiency.As a Senior Gam... Show more
Founded in 2023, 2K Sports Lab is the newest stand alone studio at 2K looking to push game development boundaries to bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life.We're building a world-c... Show more
At Create Talent Group, we are on a mission to revolutionize the gaming experience, and we need a passionate Senior Gameplay Engineer to join our dynamic team! In this pivotal role, you will be at ... Show more
A leading video game studio in British Columbia is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to join their dynamic Foundations team.The role involves designing and building technology that enhances player... Show more
Lead the development of gameplay features as a Senior Gameplay Engineer.Architect high-performance systems in Unreal Engine 5, accessible through hybrid or remote work setups.This role encompasses ... Show more
A leading supply chain technology company in Calgary is looking for an Algorithm Developer.You will design scalable algorithms and write high-quality code.The role demands 5+ years of C++ experienc... Show more
A leading internet technology company is looking for a Game Developer to create innovative football gaming experiences.The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in game development, ... Show more
A leading mobile games company in Toronto is seeking a Senior Software Engineer II to contribute to game development and collaboration within a team.Responsibilities include translating ideas into ... Show more
A stealth mode AAA developer/publisher.Renowned for creating exceptional gaming experiences, the studio is currently working on its first major title, a fully funded AAA project already several yea... Show more
Join Escape Velocity as a Senior Gameplay Designer and leverage your scripting skills to play a key role in game development.This fully remote position focuses on designing engaging gameplay mechan... Show more
