---
title: 'Gameplay Engineering Lead at Epic Games'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/gameplay-engineering-lead-epic-games-cary-56v2yrn95t61'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Gameplay Engineering Lead at Epic Games

- **Company:** Epic Games
- **Location:** Cary, NC
- **Posted:** 2026-06-11
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://epicgames.com/careers/jobs/6008339004?gh_jid=6008339004

## Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?

At the core of Epic’s success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it’s building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we’re always innovating.

Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We’re constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.

## ENGINEERING - GAMES

## What We Do

Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We’re always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.

## What You'll Do

Part of the Unreal Engine Gameplay department, you will lead a team of experienced programmers aimed at transforming Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) and Unreal Editor for Fortnite  (UEFN) gameplay technology toward Unreal Engine 6 (UE6) based on Scene Graph and Verse.

As a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you will be in a leadership role on a small and focused team, playing a critical role in driving current and future projects. You will be responsible for driving core transformative changes and supporting collaborative development between programmers, UEFN developers, and licensees. You will have opportunities to work on a variety of initiatives, get hands-on with cutting-edge technologies, and work with talented internal and external teams, all while building impactful technology that affects thousands of game developers and millions of gamers.

In this role, you will

- Lead development for a project or initiative, championing both technical excellence and developer experience
- Guide, mentor, and help build a highly effective engineering team
- Work closely with product design to create and iterate on gameplay API and tools, while maintaining strong architectural and algorithmic direction
- Collaborate with Unreal Engine or Fortnite teams to contribute to ongoing feature development
- Optimize, refactor, and fix bugs in existing systems, and write robust, maintainable code
- Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the project’s production and development
- Leverage AI to enhance your daily work and empower your team.

## What we're looking for

- Significant experience developing games with Unreal Engine
- Experience as a leader in an engineering role, with demonstrated ability to lead a team effectively
- Demonstrates proactive, courageous leadership: speaks up, challenges assumptions respectfully, communicates directly, and creates an environment where honest feedback is welcomed.
- Deep understanding of the creator ecosystem, including game engines such as Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) or Roblox Studio, and the unique challenges of building tools, workflows, and platforms that empower developers rather than shipping a game directly.
- A keen analytical mind with creative problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box
- Proficiency in C++ with a deep understanding of gameplay systems, mechanics, and tools
- Strong teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, including the ability to deliver and respond to constructive feedback
- Knowledge of Scene Graph and Verse is a plus

EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE

Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.

## ABOUT US

Epic Games​ ​is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.

Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!

Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy [here](https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/eeo-policy).

Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found [here](https://www.epicgames.com/note-to-recruitment-agencies).

## About Epic Games

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company and provider of 3D engine technology, best known for developing Fortnite and Unreal Engine.
- **Entity Type**: Private
- **Headquarters**: Cary, North Carolina, USA (with dozens of offices worldwide)
- **Founded**: 1991
- **Founders**: Tim Sweeney

## Core Business
- **Primary industry/industries**: Video games, game engine development, digital storefronts, online services
- **Target customers**: B2C (gamers, especially through Fortnite) and B2B (game developers, film/TV studios, automotive, architecture, simulation professionals using Unreal Engine)
- **Mission or purpose statement**: To empower creators and provide an end-to-end digital ecosystem for developers and creators to build, distribute, and operate games and other content.

## Products & Services
- **Fortnite**: A vibrant ecosystem of social entertainment experiences including Fortnite Battle Royale, LEGO® Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival, as well as creator-made experiences. Available across multiple platforms.
- **Unreal Engine**: The most powerful real-time 3D creation engine, used not only for games but also for film/FX, automotive design, architectural visualization, broadcast/live events, and simulation.
- **Epic Games Store**: A digital storefront for PC games and apps, offering developers an 88/12 revenue split and free games programs.
- **Epic Online Services**: A suite of backend services for multiplayer games, including matchmaking, voice chat, leaderboards, and cross-platform play.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available (privately held)
- **Key Metric**: Over 800 million accounts and over 6 billion friend connections across Fortnite, Fall Guys, Rocket League, and the Epic Games Store.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not disclosed in official materials; historically, Tencent acquired a minority stake (~40%) in 2012 and 2020 (source not in provided web results).
- **Growth Signals**: Ongoing expansion of Fortnite ecosystem (LEGO, racing, music); widespread adoption of Unreal Engine across industries; consistent hiring across engineering, art, production, and corporate roles; active investment in the metaverse and creator economy.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Unreal Engine dominance**: Industry-leading real-time 3D technology used by a vast range of developers and enterprises, creating a strong ecosystem and lock-in.
- **Fortnite’s massive, engaged user base**: Over 800 million accounts provide a built-in audience and a platform for content creators.
- **End-to-end digital ecosystem**: Epic owns the full stack – engine, store, online services, and games – enabling seamless integration and data feedback loops.
- **Proprietary technology and R&D**: Continuous innovation in rendering, networking, and interactive experiences.

## Strategic Focus
- Building the metaverse through Fortnite’s creative and social experiences.
- Expanding Unreal Engine’s use beyond games into film, TV, broadcast, architecture, automotive, and simulation.
- Growing the Epic Games Store and Epic Online Services to attract and support developers.
- Investing in creator tools and economy (e.g., UEFN – Unreal Editor for Fortnite).

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Epic describes itself as a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment where talented, passionate employees are at the core of its success.
- **Disciplines**: Opportunities span Engineering, Art & Animation, Audio & Design, Production, Publishing (Marketing, Community), Data & Analytics, Product Management, Corporate (HR, Legal, IT, InfoSec, Finance), and more.
- **Global presence**: Dozens of offices worldwide including major hubs in Cary (HQ), Montreal, Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, Porto Alegre, Shanghai, and others.
- **Remote/Hybrid**: Not explicitly stated in provided materials, but many roles list specific locations; likely a mix of in-office, hybrid, and limited remote based on role.
- **Perks and growth**: Internship programs, opportunities to work on award-winning games and cutting-edge engine tech, and a “Be Epic” ethos that encourages innovation and quality.

## Sources
1. [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/careers) – Careers overview and culture
2. [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com/site/about) – About page with company facts
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/epic-games) – LinkedIn company profile (funding and revenue data not shown)
4. [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/about) – About page (alternative URL)
5. [epicgames.com](https://www.epicgames.com/site/careers/jobs) – Current job listings and departments

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