Network Programmer

Contract Manager: Providing Permanent & Contractor / Freelancer Recruitment Solutions to the Games Industry

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.

The Role

You are an experienced Gameplay Network Engineer, having worked on fast-paced multiplayer titles such as FPS games or similar genres within Unreal Engine, where you demonstrated expertise in optimizing network replication patterns at the transport layer to ensure seamless, low-latency gameplay for competitive environments.

We're looking for an Intermediate/Senior Gameplay Network Engineer to help shape the future of our multiplayer boxing game, ‘Undisputed’. As we pivot to UE5, you’ll be responsible for developing and optimizing network systems to ensure reliable, high-performance data transmission for fast-response gameplay between two players, maintaining AAA fidelity in a competitive multiplayer context.

You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world-class networked gameplay.

Location: Sheffield (Hybrid / Monthly visit) or Leamington Spa (Hybrid / Monthly visit)

Visa sponsorship / transfer isn't available on this occasion

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain network systems for our game, focusing on Unreal Engine’s replication framework to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission for two-player boxing matches.
• Optimize network packet transportation at the transport layer, minimizing latency and bandwidth usage for critical gameplay elements like character movements, player-to-player interactions, and physics-based world interactions.
• Collaborate with gameplay and server teams to integrate networked systems with character physics and animation pipelines, ensuring synchronized states across clients.
• Implement and refine replication patterns, such as prioritized data, delta compression, and predictive systems, to support fast-paced, responsive multiplayer gameplay.
• Debug and resolve network-related issues, including desyncs, packet loss, and latency spikes, using profiling tools and network debugging techniques.
• Prototype new networked features, such as lag compensation or rollback to enhance the multiplayer experience.
• Optimize network performance for cross-platform play (consoles and PC), ensuring scalability and reliability under varying network conditions.
• Contribute to code reviews, best practices, and documentation for the networking and gameplay teams.
• Stay current with Unreal Engine networking updates and emerging multiplayer technologies.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in gameplay network programming, particularly for multiplayer titles like FPS or melee-combat focused games.
• Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine’s networking architecture, including replication, RPCs, and transport layer data optimization.
• Experience with C++ and Unreal Engine 4 or 5 networking pipelines and tools.
• Strong understanding of network protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP) and techniques for optimizing data sent over the wire in real-time games.
• Proven experience with network debugging, profiling, and performance optimization for low-latency gameplay.
• Strong understanding of 3D maths, data structures, and multiplayer synchronization techniques.
• Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
• A genuine passion for games and game development.
• Experience with rollback netcode is a bonus.
• Experience of Character AI Systems a bonus.

What we offer

• Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increases with service.
• Christmas shutdown
• Holiday exchange programme
• Flexible working hours & pattern (Certain Hybrid models available)

Benefits and support

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Private healthcare including optical & dental
• Dog-friendly studio in Sheffield with free snacks, fruit and drinks
• Free parking
• Company sick pay
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
• Access to 24/7 doctors

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Technology scheme (up to £750)
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
• Relocation benefits (subject to eligibility)
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Discretionary Bonus

Contact

CVs to - SCI Exclusive Recruiter

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Industries: Computer Games

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• Proven experience in gameplay network programming, particularly for multiplayer titles like FPS or melee-combat focused games.
• Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine’s networking architecture, including replication, RPCs, and transport layer data optimization.
• Experience with C++ and Unreal Engine 4 or 5 networking pipelines and tools.
• Strong understanding of network protocols (e.g., UDP, TCP) and techniques for optimizing data sent over the wire in real-time games.
• Proven experience with network debugging, profiling, and performance optimization for low-latency gameplay.
• Strong understanding of 3D maths, data structures, and multiplayer synchronization techniques.
• Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
• A genuine passion for games and game development.
• Experience with rollback netcode is a bonus.
• Experience of Character AI Systems a bonus.

• Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increases with service.
• Christmas shutdown
• Holiday exchange programme
• Flexible working hours & pattern (Certain Hybrid models available)

Benefits and support

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Private healthcare including optical & dental
• Dog-friendly studio in Sheffield with free snacks, fruit and drinks
• Free parking
• Company sick pay
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
• Access to 24/7 doctors

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Technology scheme (up to £750)
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
• Relocation benefits (subject to eligibility)
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Discretionary Bonus

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.