Our client, TobSpr Games, the independent studio behind shapez and shapez 2, is developing a brand-new 3D factory and automation game in Unreal Engine 5. We’re looking for an experienced Senior Unreal Engine Networking Engineer to take ownership of the game’s co-op multiplayer architecture and help tackle some exciting technical challenges.
Unlike traditional multiplayer games, this project involves a large-scale, deterministic factory simulation with hundreds of thousands of machines running simultaneously. Your challenge will be to build a reliable and efficient networking solution that keeps everything synchronized between players without compromising performance.
As one of the first engineers joining the project, you’ll work closely with the Principal C++ Engineer and Engineering Team Lead, having a real influence on the technical direction of the game from its early stages.
The studio is open to both a 6–12-month freelance contract focused specifically on networking and a permanent position combining networking expertise with broader Unreal Engine development.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Designing and implementing co-op multiplayer systems in Unreal Engine 5, from session management to network replication.
Working closely with the Principal C++ Engineer to ensure synchronization across a large-scale deterministic factory simulation.
Developing efficient networking solutions that minimize bandwidth usage, latency, and synchronization issues.
Profiling, investigating, and resolving network performance bottlenecks, replication issues, and desynchronization bugs.
Building tools and testing workflows to validate multiplayer functionality throughout development.
Defining and documenting networking architecture, best practices, and technical guidelines.
Sharing networking expertise with other Engineers and Designers, helping the team develop multiplayer features efficiently.
REQUIREMENTS
Proven professional experience with C++ and Unreal Engine 4 or 5, including at least one shipped game where you worked on networking systems.
Strong hands-on experience with Unreal Engine networking and replication, including Replication Graph, dormancy, RPCs, and network relevancy.
Solid understanding of multiplayer architecture, network optimization, latency management, and synchronization challenges.
Ability to determine which game systems should rely on Unreal Engine replication and which should be handled by a deterministic simulation.
Experience with deterministic lockstep or input-based networking, or the ability to demonstrate a strong technical approach to implementing such systems.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently design and implement complex networking solutions.
Good communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to other team members.
Professional working proficiency in English.
NICE TO HAVE
Experience with Steam networking or Unreal Engine Online Subsystems.
Previous experience developing and shipping co-op multiplayer games, particularly in the factory-building, survival, or construction genres.
Familiarity with Iris, Unreal Engine’s newer replication system.
Broad experience across other areas of Unreal Engine development, particularly for candidates interested in a permanent role.
A genuine interest in factory-building and automation games.
WHAT THEY OFFER
Fully remote working environment, with direct employment available in Germany.
Flexible working hours, with core collaboration hours approximately 11:00–15:00 CET.
An opportunity to shape the multiplayer architecture of a new game from its early development stages.
A small, international team with a strong engineering culture, direct communication, and minimal bureaucracy.
Sustainable development practices with no crunch and paid overtime on the rare occasions it occurs.
Hardware and home office budget to support a comfortable working environment.
Monthly personal development allowance for courses, books, and other learning resources.
Dedicated focus days for learning, research, and exploring new technologies.
Annual in-person team gatherings.
Yearly salary reviews and an automatic 2% annual salary increase for permanent employees.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
TobSpr is an independent game development studio specializing in factory-building and automation games, best known for shapez and shapez 2. With a team of approximately 17 people from five continents, the studio focuses on creating deeply engaging, systems-driven games in close collaboration with its player community. The team believes in sustainable game development, prioritizing quality, thoughtful design, and a healthy work-life balance over unnecessary bureaucracy and crunch.
Studio size: ~17 people Location: Germany / Remote Work mode: Fully remote (direct employment in Germany) Engine: Unreal Engine 5