THE OPPORTUNITY

Unknown Worlds is seeking a Lead Core Tech Engineer to lead the development of core engine systems, features, and tools for Subnautica 2.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You will guide a team of engineers focused on foundational systems within Unreal Engine 5, while contributing directly to architecture and implementation. You’ll partner closely with design, art, production, and engineering leadership to ensure our core technology supports ambitious creative goals with reliability, scalability, and performance in mind.

The Lead Core Tech Engineer reports directly to the Project Engineering Lead.

As part of a fully distributed team, you communicate clearly, create alignment across disciplines, and bring structure and predictability to complex technical work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leading the Core Tech team to deliver reliable, high-quality engine systems, tools, and frameworks that support our creative and technical goals.
Owning technical direction and execution for core engine work in Unreal Engine 5.
Contributing directly to engineering efforts, providing hands-on implementation, architectural guidance, and problem-solving where it adds the most impact.
Driving predictability and clarity by partnering with the Project Engineering Lead and production to plan work, manage priorities, and proactively address risks.
Supporting and growing engineers through mentoring, feedback, and clear expectations.
Championing performance and technical health across platforms, ensuring systems meet performance targets and scale with the needs of the project.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience leading and mentoring a team of engineers in a technical leadership capacity.
Proven experience architecting and delivering core engine systems on at least one shipped title.
Expert-level C++ development experience.
Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine systems, workflows, and best practices.
Experience shipping on current-generation consoles, including profiling and optimization.
Experience collaborating across disciplines to translate creative goals into scalable technical solutions.
Strong communication skills and the ability to create alignment across distributed teams.

PREFERENCES

Experience developing large-scale or open-world systems.
Experience shipping multiplayer titles.
Experience collaborating with co-development partners.
Experience working on graphics or rendering systems within Unreal Engine.

Reasonable Accommodation

KRAFTON Americas is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the Company will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to apply for an open position, perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the HR Talent team at KRAFTON Americas, to begin the interactive process.

EEOC statement

KRAFTON Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.

Due to recent scams, our recruiters will only reach out to you via @sds.com, @krafton.com, @unknownworlds.com or @pubg.com. If you received an email and are unsure you can always email [email protected].

_{We make games that are accessible and engaging for players all over the world. We believe in hiring and supporting the most talented and creative people of diverse backgrounds. That support includes annual professional development and home office stipends, as well as paid time off for volunteer/non-profit work. Join us and be a part of our growing and innovative studio.}

_{Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.}

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Lead Core Tech Engineer

TLDR