Senior Game Programmer - Impact Theory

About Impact Theory 

Impact Theory is a mission-driven modern media company designed to create positive change in people’s lives through the creation of entertaining and empowering content. Designed as an integrated studio, Impact Theory develops and produces video games (Project Kyzen), webcomics, film & TV, as well as world-class YouTube and podcast content that has garnered half a billion views on YouTube alone. Regardless of type, Impact Theory’s content underscores the company's mission to ensure the global spread of a growth mindset through ideas and entertainment.

About Kyzen

Project Kyzen, in its current public release, is a casual, multiplayer game in which players will have the choice to compete against each other in several different mini-games. Users can craft unique avatars and explore the Kyzen universe. Project Kyzen will be developed in phases throughout its lifetime in which players will be able to provide feedback to create the ultimate immersive experience in gaming. We are looking to assemble a team of A-players to work on our next game mode and achieve our goal of being the number one genre-defining game in our niche.

Job Summary

We are seeking a versatile Senior Unreal Engine Game Programmer with deep expertise in gameplay programming, character controls (3Cs), game mechanics, networked gameplay, and AI bot systems. This role demands a well-rounded programmer passionate about creating immersive experiences and skilled at collaborating across disciplines to deliver a polished, scalable game. You’ll be instrumental in developing AI bots, core gameplay mechanics, and character interactions that provide players with an engaging, responsive game world.

Responsibilities

• AI Bot Development: Design, implement, and refine AI bot behaviors, enhancing interactions and responsiveness to create a challenging and immersive experience.
• Develop Gameplay Features: Build and integrate gameplay mechanics, character controls, player movement, combat, and UI to create a cohesive game experience.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with designers, artists, and programmers to iterate on gameplay and AI features, contributing technical insights that enhance the player experience.
• Architect Core Systems: Develop foundational systems supporting gameplay, networking, and AI, with scalability and stability in mind.
• Optimize and Troubleshoot: Identify and address performance issues across CPU, GPU, and network, focusing on improving both the game's stability and the AI systems' efficiency.
• Maintain Code Quality: Write, review, and maintain robust, scalable code that supports efficient workflows and empowers the team.
• Prototype and Iterate: Rapidly prototype gameplay and AI features, integrating feedback and iterating to align with the game’s vision.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Experience: 4+ years in game development, with experience in Unreal Engine and at least one shipped title, ideally a multiplayer game.
• Technical Skills: Strong Blueprints and C++ skills with experience in gameplay mechanics, AI bot development, networking, character movement, and optimization.
• AI Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with AI techniques that encompass buildings engaging and interactive bots using Behavior Trees, EQS, SubTrees, Blackboards, and done with performance of these bot behaviors in mind.
• Collaborative Mindset: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with cross-disciplinary teams.
• Problem-Solving Ability: A proactive, innovative approach to solving technical challenges and improving the game experience across all systems.
• Passion and Drive: Personally driven to create insanely fun, engaging gameplay experiences that captivate players

Application questions:

1. What are some of the favorite game mechanics you've programmed around player combat and movement? What did you make and how did you incorporate feedback to make it something you're proud of?
2. Describe a challenging gameplay system you built in Unreal Engine that involved both multiplayer functionality and AI interaction.
3. Share an example where you had to optimize a game feature for performance. What was the issue, and how did you resolve it?

Compensation range for this role is $120,000 to $210,000 salary per year.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans
• Life Insurance
• 401k
• Flexible, “Unlimited” PTO Policy
• 1-year subscription to Audible
• Full employee access to Impact Theory University
• 2 Complimentary Books (Radical Confidence by Lisa Bilyeu and Principles by Ray Dalio)

FRAUD/SCAM NOTICE
Please note that Impact Theory interview requests and job offers only originate from an @impacttheory.com email address. We have a robust interview process that includes phone, video Google Meets calls, and in-person interviews at our Los Angeles, California-based office prior to any person receiving an offer of employment. Impact Theory will also never ask for bank account information (including routing or account numbers), social security numbers, passwords or any other sensitive information to be delivered over email or phone. Always reference our career site, Impact Theory Careers, to see if the position that you are applying to is legitimate. If you receive a scam issue or a security issue involving Impact Theory, please notify us at hr@impacttheory.com.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & FAIR CHANCE HIRING
Impact Theory is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate and embrace diversity, and believe the strongest teams are from a broad tapestry of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.