Lead Engineer

About the role

This is a project-based opportunity contingent on client needs and project availability. Side is a global game development and services partner, working alongside many of the world's leading developers and publishers. From co-development and engineering to art, audio, QA, localization, and player support, we help teams solve production challenges and deliver exceptional player experiences.

We're looking for a Lead Engineer / Technical Director to help drive both project success and engineering excellence across our co-development engagements. This role starts as the Lead on one of our live projects, maturing into a department leadership role in the future while still maintaining project activity. This is a role for an experienced engineer who is equally comfortable leading a project team in a hands-on manner, leading by example, mentoring developers, and building strong cross-discipline relationships. You'll play a key role in shaping technical solutions for our clients while helping grow and strengthen the engineering practice within Side.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering efforts across active co-development projects.
• Partner closely with production, design, art, QA, and client stakeholders to deliver high-quality experiences.
• Provide technical direction, identify risks early, and drive pragmatic solutions throughout development.
• Communicate technical trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Support estimation, planning, and execution throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contribute hands-on to development when needed, particularly within Unreal Engine.
• Architect and review gameplay systems, tools, integrations, and performance-critical features.
• Guide teams through debugging, profiling, optimization, and technical problem-solving.
• Support projects across multiple engines and technologies where required.
• Ensure code quality, maintainability, scalability, and performance standards are consistently met.

Requirements

• Background as a Lead Engineer or Technical Director, with professional experience in engineering roles in games or related tech fields.
• Shipped at least two titles on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR with Unreal Engine.
• Experience in one or more areas such as gameplay, AI, tools, systems, engine, animation tech, backend services, cloud, or DevOps.
• Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, or equivalent languages.
• Hands-on Unreal Engine expert, with solid experience in Unity and proprietary engines.
• Familiarity with source control, debugging tools, performance profiling, and agile workflows.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Dynamic, multicultural, and fun environment.
• Work for the world's leading provider of game services.
• Empowerment and regular progression opportunities to ensure employees flourish.

About Side

Side (formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has grown to become a global force with 20 studios in 14 countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.