Senior / Intermediate Software Engineer (Unreal Engine 5 – Online Platforms & Crossplay) at Blackbird Interactive

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

NoVisa

Gaming, Video GamesIndustries

Requirements

4+ years of professional game development experience (intermediate and senior levels; title/level will match experience)
Strong experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 and modern C++
Solid background in online/platform development: integrating console platform services (PSN, Xbox, Nintendo, etc.) and/or cross-platform features
Experience shipping at least one console or PC title that includes meaningful online or platform integration (e.g., achievements, matchmaking, invites, crossplay)

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain core online systems in Unreal Engine 5 to support crossplay across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2
Integrate platform services via Epic Online Services (EOS) for login, friends, invites, achievements/trophies, and rich presence
Implement and maintain crossplay-related systems such as matchmaking, lobbies, parties, and session management tailored to a survival horror experience
Work with Unreal’s Online Subsystem (and related plugins/services) to unify platform functionality behind clean, maintainable interfaces
Own the implementation of platform-specific requirements for online features, ensuring compliance with TRC/XR/TCR guidelines across all consoles
Collaborate with production and QA to prepare online features for certification, including handling platform edge cases, error states, and resilience
Work closely with backend and services teams (internal or third-party) to ensure secure, reliable communication between game clients and services
Partner with gameplay, design, and UX teams to shape how online and crossplay features support the game’s survival horror experience (e.g., co-op flows, joining friends, shared progression)
Mentor junior and intermediate engineers on console platform development, online systems, and best practices for robust cross-platform code
Lead or participate in code reviews and technical discussions, helping the team converge on high-quality, maintainable solutions
Take ownership of the online platform architecture, ensuring it scales reliably across all supported consoles and regions
Establish and maintain technical standards for platform integration, error handling, telemetry, and diagnostics in online features
Evaluate and introduce tools, SDKs, and workflows that improve developer efficiency and stability for online systems
Profile and optimize online-related code, reducing latency, avoiding stalls, and minimizing platform-specific performance pitfalls
Diagnose and fix complex, platform-specific issues in areas like matchmaking, session handling, entitlements, and user state synchronization
Build robust logging and diagnostics paths to support QA and live-ops in tracking down online issues across multiple platforms
Provide accurate task breakdowns and estimates for online and platform-related features, helping align scope with schedule and risk
Communicate clearly with production and stakeholders on technical risk, platform constraints, and trade-offs affecting online and crossplay features

Skills

Unreal Engine 5

Epic Online Services

Crossplay

Online Subsystem

Matchmaking

Lobbies

Session Management

PS5

Xbox Series X|S

Switch 2

TRC

TCR

Blackbird Interactive

Develops immersive video games and experiences

About Blackbird Interactive

Blackbird Interactive is an independent game development studio located in Vancouver, Canada, known for creating immersive video games and interactive experiences. The studio's products include high-quality video games, with a notable history linked to the sci-fi classic "Homeworld." Their games are developed with input from all team members, fostering a creative culture. BBI also provides services in art direction, concept art, and intellectual property development to other gaming studios, allowing them to earn revenue from both game sales and service contracts. Unlike many competitors, BBI offers flexible work arrangements, including in-studio, remote, and hybrid options, which helps attract and retain talent. The company's goal is to produce engaging games while maintaining a productive and secure work environment.

Vancouver, CanadaHeadquarters

2007Year Founded

DEBTCompany Stage

Consumer Software, GamingIndustries

201-500Employees

Benefits

4-Day Work Week & Generous Vacation

Employee Profit Sharing Plan

Paid Parental LEave Top Up

Comprehensive Extended Health & Wellness Benefits

Research & Developemnt Opportunities

New IP Pitching Program & Bonus

Fully Equiped Onsite Gym

Dog-Friendly Studio

Risks

Homeworld 3's delay to May 13 could impact revenue and player engagement.

Layoffs and project cancellations may indicate financial instability or strategic misalignment.

Stopping work on Minecraft Legends could result in lost revenue and affect partnerships.

Differentiation

Founded by industry veterans, Blackbird Interactive has a strong pedigree in gaming.

The studio specializes in high-quality, immersive sci-fi games like Homeworld 3.

Blackbird Interactive offers flexible work arrangements, attracting top talent and enhancing productivity.

Upsides

Increased interest in VR gaming benefits Blackbird's upcoming VR title, Homeworld: Vast Reaches.

The rise of roguelike games aligns with Blackbird's Homeworld 3's War Games mode.

Growing popularity of sci-fi genres boosts interest in Blackbird's games like Homeworld 3.

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