Lead Network Engineer

Description

Spark is looking for a lead network engineer for a 3rd Person Action/Adventure title in a high-profile science fiction franchise currently in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets. You will be tasked with providing leadership and direction in all aspects of network engineering for a AAA next-generation project. With input from team engineers, artists, designers in an agile development (SCRUM) environment, oversee and supervise core multiplayer and network game technologies within the Unreal 3 engine for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets.

Responsibilities:
• Develop comprehensive network ready infrastructure to allow Engineers to seamlessly and easily create network ready code in order to minimize network coding development time during production.
• Provide solutions that take into account network latency, de-synchronization of data between networked machines/players, packet compression, cheating and interrupted connections
• Assist in reviewing all design and code implementations to ensure that it meets multiplayer/coop functionality and requirements in regards to client/server state replications, latency, synchronization, cheating, etc. etc.
• Guide and train Engineers on creating network ready code.
• Work with designers to help guide the design of multiplayer features ensuring that content is created appropriately to support networked games.
• Collaborate with designers to create and implement various game types for multiplayer.
• Implement systems for online game sessions and other forms of player persistence (lobbies, match-making, leaderboards, etc. etc.).
• Ensures that all aspects of the game meets networking technical requirement certifications for all platforms.
• Ensures that all systems are ready for DLC and patches before ship.
• Keep abreast of latest technology and technique and provide usability/feasibility analysis for the project's networking requirements.
• Write well architected, robust, and maintainable code with good coding standards for all platforms with an eye towards usability for multiple games.
• Maintain code performance through profiling and optimization.
• Contributing innovative and original ideas towards all aspects of game production and development.
• Participate in the development of core disciplines (gameplay, UI, graphics or multiplayer)
• Ability to lead, manage, and guide other team members from various departments to complete a level.
• Actively seek review and input from team members
• Assist in writing TDD for the game
• Assist in creating schedule including helping others ensure their schedules are realistic and accurate.
• Create tools, features and engine components in other areas of development as needed with good coding standards.
• Provide documentation and support of implemented
features.
• Communicate closely with Engineering Lead and CTO regarding the status of assigned tasks as well as potential pitfalls that require redesign.
• Be proactive at fixing issues that are discovered.
• Provide user support in all aspect of the engine and its tools.
• Willingness to assist in all areas of game development.