Game Systems Engineer

Company: Salvo

Location: Hybrid - Los Angeles, California

Employment Type: Full-time, Contract to Permanent

Compensation: $120,000 to $144,000 + Potential Equity

About Us

We're creating a new category in gaming, building truly interactive experiences over the top of live media and sports, way beyond current second screen experiences. As a pre-revenue startup with limited resources, everybody on the team needs to be a builder, hands-on with the work of creating this new business. 

Your Mission

As a Game Systems Engineer, you will architect, develop and implement multiple core gameplay systems, along with the front-end structure to support those systems, for the first game built on our platform. You're a critical thinker who enjoys collaborating with and leading teammates to find fun solutions that turn live sports content into compelling, engaging, and monetizable gaming experiences. You’ll work directly with the Product Lead and Game Designer. 

Position Responsibilities

Priorities can often change in a startup environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to:

• Core Systems Development: Build highly efficient core gameplay, progression, and engagement systems along with the virtual currency economy and monetization mechanics. 
• Development & Implementation: Leverage technical experience to rapid prototype, implement A/B testing frameworks for feature optimization, iterate based on play testing, and analyze user data to continuously optimize development.
• Live Ops & Analysis: build analytics to track behavior and performance, create tools and systems for live content updates and seasonal events, and optimize across those areas. 
• Collaboration & Leadership: Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary, disbursed team to create a cohesive architecture and product; consistently play competitors' games for knowledge and inspiration; document development with attention to detail. 

Required Experience

• Minimum 5+ years experience developing in Unity for live games or similar systems-driven digital consumer products
• Deep experience with social competitive multiplayer core gameplay systems, progression systems and economies, free-to-play monetization 
• At least one shipped title or content patch in professional or personal careers
• Previous experience working collaboratively in a technical implementation environment
• Demonstrated ability to bring a positive attitude and energy when engaging cross-functionally with a global team

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Proven expertise with Unity Engine 6, Unity Cloud, and C# development environments
• Proven ability with rapid prototyping and development, and game development best practices
• Proven experience developing real-time multiplayer systems and server authoritative architectures on mobile and/or web platforms
• Strong knowledge of backend services integration (APIs, databases, authentication)
• Strong experience with LiveOps tools and content management systems
• Experience or familiarity with strategy games, including TCGs
• Experience or familiarity with professional sports and sports games, including traditional sports games, fantasy sports, or sports betting
• Familiarity with UX/UI best practices for mobile gaming and digital consumer applications 
• Kindness, empathy, curiosity

Extra Points

• Games start-up coding experience 
• Development team or discipline leadership experience
• Experience with prediction / betting game mechanics 
• Understanding of sports; no need to be a die-hard but need to know what’s going on

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary plus equity compensation
• Opportunity to define a new category of gaming from the ground up
• Work with cutting-edge technology at the intersection of gaming, live media, and AI tools
• Collaborative startup environment with opportunity for significant impact
• Hybrid work flexibility in and around Los Angeles

Note: We are a pre-revenue startup with limited resources, seeking candidates who understand this situation and are ready to go the extra mile.

Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover letter, including:
• A bit about you and why you're interested in working at a games startup
• Brief explanation of how you'd approach designing engagement mechanics for live sports content
• Games you are currently playing (and why)
• Your favorite games of all-time (and why)
• Any work portfolio / code sample references, as applicable

We're an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.