Game Development Lead Specialist Engineer

Job Title : Game Development Lead Specialist Engineer Location : Phoenix, Arizona Experience Required : 12+ Years Employment Type : Contract Interview Type : In-Person or Webcam Job Description We are seeking an experienced Game Development Lead Specialist Engineer to oversee and guide the design, development, and technical implementation of high-performance gaming applications. This role requires strong leadership capabilities, deep technical expertise in modern game engines, and extensive hands-on experience in building scalable, immersive, and interactive game systems. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive architectural decisions, optimize game performance, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality game features. Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end game development process, from architecture and design through implementation and release. Manage and mentor a team of developers, ensuring best practices in coding standards, performance optimization, and technical problem-solving. Oversee creation and integration of core gameplay features, UI / UX elements, graphics, audio, AI, physics, networking, and platform requirements. Work closely with product, art, design, and QA teams to align technology with creative and business goals. Define and enforce coding standards, performance benchmarks, and development processes. Guide technical architecture decisions, system scaling strategies, and platform optimization. Evaluate new technologies, tools, and frameworks to improve development efficiency and game performance. Diagnose and resolve complex production issues related to memory, rendering, performance, or integration. Lead deployment and versioning processes for multi-platform releases. Manage project timelines, sprints, and deliverables using Agile / Scrum methodologies. Required Qualifications 12+ years of professional experience in game development, including at least 4+ years in a technical lead or leadership role. Strong proficiency in game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Solid programming expertise in C++, C#, or similar object-oriented languages. Proven experience with 2D / 3D engine architecture, rendering pipelines, shaders, and physics. Strong understanding of core game systems including AI, networking, animations, asset pipelines, and optimization techniques. Experience working with version control tools such as Git, Perforce, or SVN. Hands-on experience deploying games across multiple platforms (PC, Console, Mobile, VR / AR Strong understanding of performance profiling, debugging, optimization, and memory management. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills. Background working in Agile or iterative development environments. Preferred Skills Experience with multiplayer networking, real-time server systems, cloud services, or backend integration. Knowledge of DevOps pipelines and CI / CD for game build automation. Experience with DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan, or Metal APIs. Background in machine learning for gameplay analytics or procedural content generation. Familiarity with motion capture pipelines, VR / AR devices, and sensory technologies. Experience collaborating with large distributed or offshore development teams. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Game Engineering, or related technical field.