Hello! I’m William, the designer of Manifold Garden and the Creative Director of William Chyr Studio (WCS). We are a small indie game studio based in Chicago, with a remote team located around the world. 

We are currently working on an unannounced original game as a follow-up to Manifold Garden and are looking for an experienced programmer to join us. 

The position is full-time and remote. 

Background

Manifold Garden’s development began in 2012. It was inspired by the works of M.C. Escher, physics, and architecture. While the game started as a solo project, it was a team that took it through the finish line. The core team came together beginning in 2017, and the final product is a collaborative effort with all of our contributions.

Manifold Garden was released in October 2019 to critical acclaim. It was nominated for a BAFTA and Game Developers Choice Award and has since been exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Design Museum in London. The game is available on Apple Arcade, Steam, Epic Games Store, Itchio, PS4/PS5, Xbox One /Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. In addition, we partnered with iam8bit to release a physical edition for PS5 and Switch, as well as a beautiful edition of the soundtrack on vinyl that won the Best Vinyl Gatefold Award.

What are we working on? 

Since Manifold Garden was released, we’ve been working on several new projects. We are excited about the creative potential of new technologies. Our focus is to create innovative games that push the boundaries of gameplay and reimagine space, physics, and architecture. One of the projects we are working on is an original VR title that explores impossible geometry. 

What are we looking for in a Generalist Programmer?

Our ideal candidate is a programmer that has done a little bit of everything in Unity. You've got enough experience to know where to look in Unity to implement character movement or audio or UI or Editor tools or whatever the game may need. You're a keen problem solver and have a sense of what system to look into when something isn't working as expected. Your workday may begin in one system and end somewhere completely different, while the ultimate goal of delivering a polished game always motivates  you.

Responsibilities

• Work with the design team to create new features, refine existing functionality and assist in general development.
• Code Unity-specific features such as UI, animations, effects, and audio.
• Review, optimize and maintain code, fix bugs, and troubleshoot problems.
• Update, maintain, and develop Unity Editor tools and processes.
• Regularly interface with the Technical Director on matters critical to the team’s success
• Advance the holistic vision of the game by regularly participating in team playtests and contributing your ideas and feedback to group discussions.
• Communicate well-considered, accurate timescales for delivery and can anticipate where issues may arise ahead of commitment.
• Regularly update and troubleshoot with the project’s producer regarding the estimated timeline of deliverables and any potential roadblocks. 

Qualifications

• Need to be well-versed in creating games or experiences in Unity through the entire development process.
• Strong C# programming skills.
• Comfortable working closely with other engineers and across disciplines.
• Familiarity with a wide variety of Unity libraries, such as UI, Input, Physics, Audio, Particle Systems, and others.
• Strong understanding of Unity's 3D Math libraries.
• Ability to constantly learn and stay in touch with evolving game standards and development technologies.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team.
• Possess good self-starter instincts and an ability to work with little oversight.
• Passion for game development and desire to be a part of a company that works on highly polished games.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, estimate time for deliverables, and communicate regularly regarding these matters.

Skills and Experience that would be beneficial but not required:

• 3+ years of experience using Unity.
• 1+ shipped Unity games.
• Experience developing code for VR or AR.
• Familiarity with building Unity projects for multiple platforms.
• Experience writing or modifying shaders using Cg, HLSL, or GLSL.

Flexible Hours

We value flexibility and independence. Flexibility means each team member can decide what is the best way for them to work while staying open-minded to input. Independence means being self-motivated, having the ability to run with 75% of a task, and having the confidence to know when and how to ask for guidance and offer ideas.

We are primarily a remote work environment, with team members and collaborators working in multiple cities and various time zones. We use a synchronous/ asynchronous model to ensure we can have real-time meetings as a group, as well as time for each of us to do deep work according to our own schedule. Our synchronous hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am - 2 pm US Central Time. During these hours, you’re expected to be available and responsive. Outside of these 4 hours, you can manage your time however you want.

Location

• Anywhere in the United States.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid Medical Insurance and 50% coverage for dependents
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Matching
• Paid time off for holidays, vacation, and personal matters 
• Options for family leave
• Stipends for home office, games, and wellness
• Remote work
• Flexible work schedule (Be available Monday to Friday 10 am - 2 pm CT, all other time is for you to manage)

To Apply

Please send an email with "WCS - Generalist Programmer'' in the subject line. Please also include 

• A brief outline of why you think you'd fit the position
• Contact information for two professional references
• Attach any relevant supporting documents –resume, CV, or portfolio
• Your location and time zone
• Confirmation that you have the right to work in the USA

William Chyr Studio is an equal-opportunity employer committed to facilitating an inclusive environment for all team members. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply for our open positions.

Application and Interview Process

The job posting period is from January 9, 2023, to February 3, 2023. After this period,  we will look over all applications and reach out to select candidates for interviews. If you are selected for an interview, we will coordinate with you to set up a video call in order for us to get to know each other.