Senior Engineer, Gameplay

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Senior Engineer, Gameplay to join the NPC team working on The Witcher 4. In this role, you'll design, develop, and improve gameplay systems focused on NPC animation, locomotion, and navigation, helping bring the world and its characters to life. You'll work closely with designers, animators, and other engineers to create responsive, believable NPC behaviors and interactions.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of one of the most beloved RPG series in the world. We're looking for someone with strong technical expertise, hands-on gameplay programming experience, and a passion for creating memorable experiences for players.

(This position requires working in our Warsaw Hub. Hybrid working mode available.)

Daily Responsibilities

• Design, implement, maintain, and extend gameplay and engine systems focused on NPC animation, locomotion, and navigation.
• Develop and improve systems that support responsive, believable NPC movement and interactions within the game world.
• Create tools and debugging utilities that support efficient development and iteration of NPC gameplay systems.
• Collaborate with game designers, animators, and other disciplines to develop and refine NPC movement, behaviors, and gameplay mechanics.
• Write, improve, and maintain automated and gameplay-focused tests.
• Debug, profile, optimize, and resolve technical issues in collaboration with QA and other teams.
• Write clean, maintainable, and well-tested C++ code.
• Take ownership of gameplay features, from technical design through implementation, testing, and iteration.
• Share technical knowledge, provide constructive feedback, and support the growth of other engineers.
• Collaborate with the engineering team and Producer to identify technical priorities, address challenges, and support project goals.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of professional experience in gameplay programming.
• Strong proficiency in C++.
• Experience contributing to the development of a commercial game, ideally at AAA scale, through significant production milestones or release.
• Strong understanding of game engine architecture, algorithms, and multithreaded systems.
• Strong proficiency in 3D vector mathematics, matrices, and linear algebra.
• Advanced experience designing and implementing gameplay systems, such as animation, locomotion, navigation, combat, or physics.
• Ability to debug, profile, and optimize complex gameplay systems.
• Experience collaborating with designers, animators, QA, and other disciplines throughout game development.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to approach technical challenges collaboratively.
• Working proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Values open, constructive feedback and respectful dialogue.
• Brings their own perspective while remaining open to different ideas and approaches.
• Willingness to share knowledge and support other engineers.

Nice to Have

• Hands-on experience working with Unreal Engine, particularly Unreal Engine 5.
• Experience developing NPC animation, locomotion, navigation, or NPC-related gameplay systems.
• Experience developing or optimizing animation and locomotion systems for third-person games.
• Experience or interest in mentoring other engineers, coordinating technical tasks, and supporting effective team communication.
• Interest in developing technical leadership skills and taking on broader responsibilities within the engineering team.

Additional Information

Working mode

• In-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity in Warsaw, Poland. Relocation is required.

Relocation Support

• Relocation package — flight ticket, company apartment for your first month, relocating your pet and family, shipping your belongings.
• Relocation assistance — processing your legalization operations for you and  tax settlements — all you need to feel right at home is taken care of.
• Polish lessons for foreign employees — and for your spouse or partner, too.

Health & Well-Being

• Private medical healthcare — a selection of medical plans with dental care and unlimited rehabilitation to choose from, which are also accessible for your partner and relatives.
• Life insurance — comprehensive pension and insurance plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Annual screenings for cancer prevention covered by the company.
• Psychological and psychiatrist care — free mental health support and various well-being initiatives.
• Sports card — gain access to a wide number of sporting and fitness facilities across the city.
• Menstrual leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
• RED Parents Network — support for working parents, including childcare benefits, and family-friendly events.
• RED Summer Camp for Kids — a fun summer program for children aged 5–12, majoritively paid by the company.
• Paid Leave — from 20 to 26 days of holiday per year, and paid sick leave.

Perks & Professional Growth

• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.
• Trainings, lectures, and courses — workshops and trainings for each employee, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• REDs have access to the cafeteria platform through which they can receive subscription benefits, additional medical packages or vouchers and codes to shops, cinemas, and public transport reimbursement.
• Gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together.
• Healthy selections — ​​canteens.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
• Sustainability is an ongoing commitment for us, and our campus has  electric car charging points, green zones, and much more. Read all about it on our Beyond the Game Blog.
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them.
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support, and yoga and boxing classes.
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.

Estimated pay range for this position: 23 700 – 37 455 PLN gross monthly. Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience and qualifications. 
Type of contract: Employment Contract ("Umowa o pracę").

If you've observed any irregularities (i.e. legal or ethical violations) in our recruitment process, please click here to report them anonymously.

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