YOUR ROLE

As a Principal Core Engine Programmer, you will play a key role in shaping the foundational systems of our proprietary ECS and Data-Oriented Design based engine. Positioned between our core engineering staff and technical leadership, you’ll take end-to-end ownership of major subsystems, drive critical technical decisions, and collaborate closely with both peers and technical leadership.

You will work on performance-critical, low-level systems, investigate and define scalable solutions, and help evolve the processes and workflows that underpin our core technology. This role is ideal for a highly experienced engineer ready to operate with a high degree of autonomy, while still collaborating and mentoring others across the technology team.

You will contribute directly to our highly data-driven, simulation-based, open-world sandbox project, ensuring our engine remains cutting-edge, robust, and scalable.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take technical ownership of core engine systems, from architecture through implementation, ensuring performance, scalability, and long-term maintainability.
• Design and implement platform-independent, scalable solutions with a breath-first mindset: design for the long term, deliver iteratively.
• Collaborate with the CTO, Engine Tech Lead and other senior engineers to architect systems, solve complex problems, and evaluate trade-offs.
• Drive performance and memory optimisation initiatives across the codebase.
• Expand and maintain system libraries for our proprietary ECS and DOD-based engine, improving their usability and efficiency.
• Investigate and improve development workflows and core engine processes, contributing to the studio’s pursuit of continuous improvement.
• Help integrate advanced technologies, such as machine learning and GPGPU compute, in collaboration with specialist teams.
• Provide technical mentorship and share knowledge with peers across the team.
• Contribute to planning and architectural discussions, and support cross-discipline collaboration.

YOUR PROFILE

• Extensive professional experience in game engine programming, with a proven track record of owning and delivering complex technical systems.
• Strong expertise in C/C++ with a deep understanding of performance-critical and low-level programming.
• Deep knowledge of scalable software architecture, particularly in the context of ECS and DOD paradigms.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate existing systems and develop practical, elegant custom solutions.
• Passion for technical excellence, continuous learning, and working with new and emerging technologies.
• Strong understanding of mathematics, algorithms, and data structures.
• Experience with performance and memory profiling, debugging, and optimisation.
• Comfortable collaborating across teams and disciplines, with excellent communication skills in verbal and written English.
• Self-driven, organized, and capable of managing your own priorities effectively.

NICE-TO-HAVE SKILLS

• Experience working with proprietary engines.
• Experience mentoring or managing other engineers
• Background in console development and multi-platform deployment.
• Familiarity with machine learning, Python, or GPGPU programming.
• Prior experience integrating or adapting 3rd-party technologies.

LOCATION

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Hybrid), or Fully Remote (in Europe).

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About us

At PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions we believe in a flexible work environment driven by honesty and transparency, empowering both developers and researchers to build the tools that can form the foundation of a new generation of interactive worlds. We are a passionate team of committed individuals from all over the world, working towards building the kind of experience that is only now becoming possible. We believe that the longstanding dream of a massive, immersive world where players are free to do whatever they want is closer than ever before, and we believe that we can make it happen.

PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions is an independent development studio based in Amsterdam, focused on creating massive sandbox worlds. Our multi-disciplinary team is using an array of new and emerging technologies to push the envelope of what is possible with open worlds in gaming. Our goal is to build deep, systemic playgrounds on a planetary scale, populated by thousands of players.

MELBA Team is PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions’ applied research division. Project Melba is a new simulation engine being built from the ground up, utilizing data-driven design, multi-core processing and machine learning at its foundation in order to power virtual worlds on a scale beyond the capabilities of current technology.

BENEFITS (NETHERLANDS)

Building a world
Join our group of talented and passionate people from all over the world working towards building the future of gaming.

Going Dutch
We go by the Dutch law and start with a 12-month contract with the intent to offer a permanent contract afterwards.

Relocation support
If you are not living in the Netherlands yet, we will support, you and your close ones during the relocation process.

Convenient location & commuting allowance
Our centrally located office is easy to get to from any part of the Netherlands, and we will reimburse you for your commute.

Comprehensive benefits
We provide a contribution to your health insurance and pension as well as a work from home allowance - we got you covered!

13th month salary
Enjoy a 13th month of salary at the end of the year for a little extra holiday money. If you haven’t been with us a full year, you’ll still get a pro-rata bonus based on how long you’ve been employed.

Flexible Schedule
You are free to work and hang out with us every day in our Amsterdam Studio. If you prefer to work from home, you can take advantage of three work-from-home days a week.

All you can eat
No need to worry about drinks, snacks, and lunch while in the studio.

Vacation
You will have 25 days off and 3 extra studio days off throughout the year. You can also celebrate your birthday with an extra day off!

EMPLOYEES WORKING REMOTELY

Benefits differ per country, but we grant a 13th month salary to all our employees. We'll discuss the benefits that we can offer to your country of residence in the recruitment process. 

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Thinking about applying but not sure you tick every box?

No problem - neither did most of us when we applied. At PLAYERUNKNOWN Productions, we value potential. If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you. Diverse perspectives make our team stronger and our games better, and we know that people in some groups tend to count themselves out applying for roles when they think they don't tick every box. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. You might be exactly who we’re looking for!