📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game Systems Engineer - Old School RuneScape
Company: Jagex Limited
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Job Type: Hybrid (Remote within the UK with team onsite days in Cambridge office approx. once per month)
Category: Game Development, Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Remote within the UK

🚀 Role Summary

Develop and maintain game engine technology for Old School RuneScape, one of the world's most popular MMORPGs.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance game performance, build scalable systems, and contribute to exciting initiatives like graphical upgrades and platform expansion.
Become an expert in assigned areas of the codebase, identify improvements, and share knowledge with the team.
Provide realistic time estimates for assigned tasks, communicate risks, and contribute to overall project strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong problem-solving mindset and a passion for building and improving complex systems. The remote work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining team cohesion with occasional onsite days.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Programming & Development: Write clean, efficient code using C++, Java, and other languages as required to service assigned tasks.
Research & Innovation: Stay updated with industry trends and tools to innovate and develop game engine technology for new audiences.
Maintenance & Support: Keep internal tools and build systems working in good order, performing maintenance tasks as needed.
Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with team members and stakeholders to ensure tasks are completed on time and meet project requirements.
Risk Management: Identify and mitigate dependencies and risks related to your work, communicating solutions effectively to stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for formal education.

Experience: Proven experience working across the full software development lifecycle in the video games industry.

Required Skills:

Deep proficiency in C++ with strong software engineering fundamentals.
Experience with software development tools and methodologies.
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Java or other programming languages used in game development.
Familiarity with game engines and MMO development.
Knowledge of performance profiling and optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific experience with Old School RuneScape or Jagex's tech stack is not required, a passion for the game and a willingness to learn the intricacies of the codebase are essential for success in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A portfolio showcasing your programming skills, with a focus on C++ and systems programming projects.
Examples of your problem-solving abilities and how you've optimized performance in previous projects.
A demonstration of your ability to work in a team and collaborate with stakeholders, such as case studies or testimonials from colleagues.

Technical Documentation:

Well-commented code with clear documentation and version control.
Evidence of your ability to write technical specifications and design documents.
Examples of your performance analysis and optimization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working on a highly successful and deeply community-driven game, a strong understanding of user experience and community impact is essential. Include examples of how you've considered user needs and feedback in your portfolio projects.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £65,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for mid-senior level game systems engineers in the UK)

Benefits:

Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan.
Minimum 6% Pension contributions.
Employee Assistance Programme & onsite Counselling.
Life Insurance.
Discretionary annual performance bonus.
Enhanced family leave policies from day 1.
Flexible working hours.
25 days annual leave + Bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays.

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours and the option to work remotely within the UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and the experience level required for this role. The final salary offer will depend on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development, specifically Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games.

Company Size: Medium-sized (250-999 employees), with a focus on fostering an inclusive workplace built on trust, autonomy, and a shared passion for creating forever games.

Founded: 2001, with over two decades of experience in live game development and a commitment to player-first game design.

Team Structure:

Cross-functional, agile teams consisting of developers, artists, and designers working together to enhance performance and build scalable systems.
Close collaboration with the Old School RuneScape and Central Technology groups.

Development Methodology:

Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative improvement and continuous integration.
Regular team meetings and stand-ups to ensure open communication and collaboration.

Company Website: Jagex Limited

📝 Enhancement Note: Jagex values its employees and players highly, fostering a collaborative and community-driven culture. This is reflected in their commitment to enhancing the player experience and continuously improving their games.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Game Systems Engineer Career Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Responsible for developing and maintaining game engine technology, contributing to project strategy, and driving the department's tech forward.
Collaborates with team members and stakeholders to ensure tasks are completed on time and meet project requirements.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Game Systems Manager, with close collaboration with the Old School RuneScape and Central Technology groups.

Technical Impact: Directly impacts the performance and user experience of Old School RuneScape, contributing to the game's continued success and expansion to new audiences.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Develop expertise in specific areas of the codebase, become a mentor to junior team members, and contribute to the department's tech roadmap.
Leadership Growth: Demonstrate strong project management skills, take on more responsibilities, and progress to a senior or lead engineer role.
Career Progression: Pursue opportunities in other departments or teams within Jagex, such as Central Technology or other game projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth at Jagex is driven by individual performance, initiative, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The company offers opportunities for technical and leadership development, as well as career progression within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with remote work available within the UK and occasional onsite days in the Cambridge office.

Office Location(s): Cambridge, United Kingdom

Workspace Context:

A collaborative workspace with a focus on open communication and teamwork.
Access to the latest development tools and technologies to support your work.
Opportunities for professional development and growth within the team and organization.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours and the option to work remotely within the UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while maintaining team cohesion and collaboration. Occasional onsite days in the Cambridge office provide opportunities for face-to-face interaction and team-building.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to discuss your experience, skills, and fit for the role.
Technical Assessment: A take-home coding challenge or live coding exercise to evaluate your problem-solving skills and programming abilities.
Onsite/Video Interview: A series of interviews with team members and stakeholders to assess your cultural fit, communication skills, and understanding of the role and project.
Final Decision: A decision will be made based on your performance throughout the interview process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your problem-solving abilities and performance optimization techniques in your portfolio projects.
Include examples of your collaboration and communication skills, such as case studies or testimonials from colleagues.
Tailor your portfolio to showcase your understanding of the Old School RuneScape game and its community.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your C++ and systems programming skills, with a focus on performance optimization and problem-solving.
Familiarize yourself with the Old School RuneScape game and its technology stack.
Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit.

ATS Keywords: C++, Java, Game Engine Technology, Software Development Lifecycle, Problem-Solving, Communication, Collaboration, Game Development, MMO, Old School RuneScape, Jagex, Hybrid Work, Remote Work, Cambridge, United Kingdom

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to evaluate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and tailoring your application and portfolio to the role and company, you'll increase your chances of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Programming Languages:

C++ (Primary)
Java (Secondary)

Game Engine & Tools:

Old School RuneScape Game Engine (Custom)
Other game development tools and engines as required

Database & Server Technologies:

Relational databases (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL)
NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, Cassandra)
Server platforms (e.g., Linux, Windows Server)
Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)

Development & DevOps Tools:

Version control systems (e.g., Git)
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello)
Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role is primarily focused on C++ and game engine development. Familiarity with the Old School RuneScape game engine and other game development tools is beneficial but not required, as training and support will be provided.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Game Development Values:

Passion: A deep love for games and a commitment to creating forever games that connect millions of players worldwide.
Craftsmanship: A dedication to honing our craft and continuously improving our skills and techniques.
Collaboration: A commitment to working together and supporting each other in our shared goal of creating the best possible games.
Innovation: A willingness to explore new ideas, take risks, and push the boundaries of what's possible in game development.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Teams: Close collaboration with developers, artists, designers, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time and meet project requirements.
Agile Methodologies: Regular team meetings and stand-ups to ensure open communication and iterative improvement.
Knowledge Sharing: A culture of learning and growth, with a focus on sharing knowledge and supporting each other's development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Jagex's team culture is built on a foundation of passion, craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation. This is reflected in their commitment to creating forever games and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Performance Optimization: Identify and optimize performance bottlenecks in the Old School RuneScape game engine and other systems.
Scalability: Develop and maintain scalable systems that can support the game's continued growth and expansion to new audiences.
Platform Expansion: Contribute to initiatives that bring the game to new platforms and audiences, such as graphical upgrades and mobile support.
Emerging Technologies: Stay updated with industry trends and explore new technologies that can enhance the game and player experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Develop your expertise in C++, game engine development, and other relevant technologies through training, workshops, and mentorship.
Conferences & Events: Attend industry conferences, webinars, and other events to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in game development.
Community Involvement: Engage with the Old School RuneScape community, gather feedback, and contribute to the game's continued success and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and growth opportunities for this role are driven by the game's continued success and expansion. By embracing these challenges and pursuing continuous learning and improvement, you'll contribute to the game's ongoing development and your own professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Coding & Problem-Solving: Prepare for coding challenges and problem-solving questions that assess your ability to write clean, efficient code and optimize performance.
System Design: Brush up on your system design skills and be prepared to discuss your approach to designing scalable, maintainable systems.
Game Engine Technology: Familiarize yourself with the Old School RuneScape game engine and be prepared to discuss your experience with game engine development.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Knowledge: Research Jagex's history, values, and games to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its culture.
Game Knowledge: Brush up on your knowledge of Old School RuneScape, its community, and its development roadmap.
Cultural Fit: Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your cultural fit, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Tailored Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to showcase your problem-solving abilities, performance optimization techniques, and collaboration skills.
Live Demo: Prepare a live demo of your portfolio projects, highlighting your approach to problem-solving and performance optimization.
Storytelling: Practice telling the story of your projects, emphasizing the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the impact you made.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to evaluate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. By preparing thoroughly and tailoring your application and portfolio to the role and company, you'll increase your chances of success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Game Systems Engineer - Old School RuneScape position:

Submit Your Application: Click the "Apply for this job" button on the job listing and follow the instructions to submit your application.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Highlight your problem-solving abilities, performance optimization techniques, and collaboration skills in your portfolio, with a focus on C++ and systems programming projects.
Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to showcase your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments, with a focus on the required and preferred skills for this role.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your C++ and systems programming skills, with a focus on performance optimization and problem-solving. Familiarize yourself with the Old School RuneScape game and its technology stack.
Research the Company: Learn about Jagex's history, values, and games to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its culture. Brush up on your knowledge of Old School RuneScape, its community, and its development roadmap.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and game development industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Jagex before making application decisions.

Content Guidelines (IMPORTANT: Do not include this in the output)

Game Development-Specific Focus:

Tailor every section specifically to game development, with a focus on game systems engineering, performance optimization, and scalability.
Include game engine technology, systems programming, and MMO development principles throughout the description.
Emphasize problem-solving skills, collaboration, and user experience design in the context of game development.

Quality Standards:

Ensure no content overlap between sections; each section must contain unique information.
Only include Enhancement Notes when making significant inferences about game development processes, team structure, or company culture.
Be comprehensive but concise, prioritizing actionable information over descriptive text.
Strategically distribute game development and server administration-related keywords throughout all sections naturally.
Provide realistic salary ranges based on location, experience level, and game development specialization.

Industry Expertise:

Include specific game engines, programming languages, and development tools relevant to the role.
Address game development career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in game teams.
Provide tactical advice for game portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies.
Include game development-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize performance optimization, accessibility standards, and user experience principles in the context of game development.

Professional Standards:

Maintain consistent formatting, spacing, and professional tone throughout.
Use game development and server administration industry terminology appropriately and accurately.
Include comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities relevant to game development professionals.
Provide actionable insights that give game development candidates a competitive advantage.
Focus on game development team culture, cross-functional collaboration, and user impact measurement.

Game Development & Systems Engineering Emphasis:

Emphasize game engine technology, systems programming, and MMO development principles throughout the description.
Include specific game engines, programming languages, and development tools relevant to the role.
Address game development career progression paths and technical leadership opportunities in game teams.
Provide tactical advice for game portfolio development, live demonstrations, and project case studies.
Include game development-specific interview preparation and coding challenge guidance.
Emphasize performance optimization, accessibility standards, and user experience principles in the context of game development.

Avoid:

Generic business jargon not relevant to game development or systems engineering roles.
Placeholder text or incomplete sections.
Repetitive content across different sections.
Non-game development terminology unless relevant to the specific role or company context.
Marketing language unrelated to game development, systems engineering, or user experience.

Generate comprehensive, game development-focused content that serves as a valuable resource for game developers, systems engineers, and infrastructure professionals seeking their next opportunity in the game development industry.

Game Systems Engineer - Old School Runescape