Nightingale Interactive is a small UK indie outfit working on our first game, a co-op tactical FPS in Unreal Engine 5. We're looking for an experienced UE5 gameplay programmer to come in on a contract basis and help us get our first prototype off the ground.

The project

It's a first-person shooter built in UE5, with up to 4-player co-op as one of the core design pillars. Think Tarkov-style weapon handling, non-hitscan ballistics, wound-based health, and combat that rewards thinking over twitch reflexes. Concept art is in hand and the visual direction is taking shape. We can talk about the setting and the wider design under NDA once a conversation gets going.

The role

You'd be working alongside our existing programmer on the core combat and gameplay systems for the prototype milestone. The work covers the FPS controller and weapon handling, the wound and stabilisation system, slot-based inventory and looting, and eventually the multiplayer replication layer (though that's a later phase, so we're treating it as a bonus rather than a hard requirement up front).

We're pretty open on how this is structured. Day rate, monthly retainer, full-time, part-time, all of it is on the table. Honestly we care more about finding someone who fits than locking down a specific shape from the off.

You're probably a fit if

• You've shipped at least one title in UE5 (or come from UE4 and have made the jump properly)
• You're comfortable in C++ and Blueprint
• Gameplay systems work is your wheelhouse: weapons, inventory, character mechanics, that kind of thing
• Bonus points for UE5 replication and netcode experience, and bonus points again for FPS or tactical shooter background, but neither is essential for the first phase

One thing worth saying directly: we're not looking for someone who's learning UE5 on the job. The rest of the team is already doing that and we need someone who can bring real experience to the table.

What's on offer

Around £4,000/month, structure negotiable. Remote, flexible hours, small team, your work has a direct visible impact on the game. Serious candidates get an NDA conversation and a proper look at the project.

Get in touch

Drop us an email with a brief intro, links to relevant work or portfolio, and a line or two on what catches your eye about the project.