Gameplay Engineer

The Company

Classic video games deserve better. At Digital Eclipse, we treat them with the same care and respect given to other artistic mediums. In its original incarnation in 1994, Digital Eclipse pioneered accurate video game re-releases, emulating vintage arcade games well before “emulation” was a household word. 25 years later, we’ve been reborn as a new kind of studio - one dedicated to not only restoring gaming’s heritage, but to preserving it and keeping it alive and available for future generations.  

We've released critically acclaimed games like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection and Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, worked with Mega Man, Street Fighter, and Disney, and developed successful original IP like #IDARB. And we're just getting started.

The Role

We are seeking a talented and creative Gameplay Engineer to join our development team. The ideal candidate will be a skilled programmer with strong communication skills. You will work with our custom engine, developing new features, solving technical challenges, and contributing directly to the design and feel of our games. You will report directly to our Technical Director and interact directly with all disciplines of the development team.

What You’ll Do

• Design, implement, and maintain gameplay systems, mechanics, and features using C/C++ and LUA within our proprietary game engine.
• Work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to translate gameplay ideas into polished, interactive experiences.
• Ensure code quality by profiling, debugging, and optimizing for performance and memory usage.
• Identify opportunities to improve gameplay systems and create tools to enhance the development process.
• Rapidly prototype and iterate on gameplay features to test and refine their design.
• Write clear, maintainable, and well-documented code.

Must Haves

• Passion for video games, especially retro games and an understanding of what makes gameplay fun and compelling.
• 2+ years of experience as a gameplay engineer or similar role in the video game industry.
• A solid understanding of game design principles and a proven ability to implement gameplay systems that feel intuitive and engaging.
• Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and performance optimization skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills with a proactive attitude toward problem-solving.
• Ability to commute or relocate to the Emeryville, California area.

Bonus Points

• Strong knowledge of shaders and graphics programming for real-time rendering.
• Proficiency in C/C++, with experience working in custom or proprietary game engines.
• Hands-on experience with LUA scripting for game logic and automation.
• Familiarity with SDL for cross-platform game development.
• Experience using ImGui for developing in-game debugging and UI tools.
• Background in online game development, including networking and multiplayer systems.
• Bachelor's in Computer Science or related field. 
• Demonstrated ability to write clean, readable, portable, reliable, and optimized code on current-gen console and lower-powered handheld devices. 
• Previous experience with small teams or indie projects, where flexibility and versatility are valued.

Compensation, Benefits + Perks

• Salary Range: $100,000 - $125,000/year.  Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
• Medical, vision, and dental benefits.
• Generous parental leave.
• 15+ paid holidays + vacation and sick leave.
• A friendly office with collaborative and talented colleagues, an arcade, and rooftop deck to enjoy office lunches and BBQs

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

EEO Statement

Digital Eclipse is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.  We are committed to equal employment regardless of race, religion or lack thereof, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.