Senior Gameplay Online Engineer

Job summary

The role involves building the real-time multiplayer backbone for a AAA sports title using Unreal Engine 5 and custom game servers, focusing on solving complex networking challenges like prediction and synchronization. Responsibilities also include partnering with other disciplines, writing high-quality code, and mentoring team members.

Job details

WHO WE ARE Founded in 2023, Small Axe Studios is 2K’s newest stand-alone studio, built to push the boundaries of game development and bring 2K’s next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in Burnaby, we are assembling a world-class team of visionaries, builders, and passionate gamers who thrive on creative collaboration, technical excellence, and bold ideas. At Small Axe Studios, we believe big things start with sharp focus—and we’re crafting an exceptional, player-first experience from the ground up. If you’re ready to tackle unique challenges, leave your mark on a brand-new IP, and help shape the future of interactive sports entertainment, we want you on our team! WHAT WE NEED We’re looking for a Senior Online Software Engineer to help build the multiplayer backbone of our next AAA sports title. You’ll work across Unreal Engine 5 and custom game servers, partnering with designers, artists, and producers to create seamless connected experiences. We value technical depth, a collaborative mindset, and adaptability as our team and technology evolve together. WHAT YOU WILL DO ● Build real-time multiplayer experiences across UE5 and custom game servers ● Solve complex networking challenges like prediction, synchronization, and latency ● Partner with design, art, and production to shape online features ● Write clean, performant, and well-tested code ● Mentor team members and contribute to engineering culture ● Conduct code reviews to uphold quality and consistency WHAT WILL MAKE YOU A GREAT FIT ● 5+ years of software engineering experience in game development ● Proficiency in C++ ● Strong understanding of Unreal Engine networking ● Professional experience developing features for large-scale, multiplayer games ● Knowledge of distributed server architectures and managing player transitions across server instances ● Familiarity with low-latency networking concepts such as Rollback, Lockstep, or Client-Side Prediction ● Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines ● Adaptable and comfortable navigating a growing organization ● Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience BENEFICIAL QUALIFICATIONS ● Hands-on experience with UE5 replication or custom netcode ● Track record of shipping AAA multiplayer titles ● Passion for playing or watching sports The pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between $96,400 and $142,660 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

What you’ll do

The role involves building the real-time multiplayer backbone for a AAA sports title using Unreal Engine 5 and custom game servers, focusing on solving complex networking challenges like prediction and synchronization. Responsibilities also include partnering with other disciplines, writing high-quality code, and mentoring team members.

Requirements

Candidates must have over 5 years of game development experience, proficiency in C++, and a strong understanding of Unreal Engine networking concepts for large-scale multiplayer games. Desired qualifications include experience with UE5 replication or custom netcode and shipping AAA multiplayer titles.

Listed skills

• C++ · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• C++
• Unreal Engine 5
• Networking
• Game Servers
• Multiplayer
• Synchronization
• Latency
• Code Reviews
• Prediction
• Rollback
• Lockstep
• Client-Side Prediction
• Distributed Server Architectures
• UE5 Replication
• Custom Netcode

Job areas

• Software
• Engineering
• Sports & Recreation
• Creative & Media