Principal Combat Engineer

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior or Principal Programmer with a deep AAA game development background in the
Greater Toronto Area (Canada)
to join our high-concept indie project,
PROJECT_Hollow Husk
, as a
Part-Time, Core Equity Partner
.

We respect your current high-value role and
do not require you to resign
. We are offering a unique opportunity for exceptional ownership and significant long-term equity in exchange for your expert contribution during your off-hours over the next
5-6 months
, focusing on architecting our core combat system.

Core Project Focus

PROJECT_Hollow Husk is an action RPG aiming for
AAA visual fidelity
and
hardcore combat depth
, set in the oppressive "Rust-Grave Horizon". The success of our funding efforts hinges on the technical excellence of our innovative mechanics.

The goal
of this 5-6 month commitment is to deliver a fully functional, high-fidelity
Vertical Slice Demo
showcasing our unique combat depth, built for securing full production funding.

Key Innovation You Will Lead  (Details Protected by NDA)

• Architecting Core Combat
  : Design and implement the complex C++ systems required for unprecedented precision and feel in melee combat, targeting a frame-accurate high-performance system.
• Advanced Player/World Interactivity:
  Architect a proprietary system enabling dynamic, physics-driven interaction between the environment, characters, and their defensive layers. This system must translate high-level design concepts into immediate, measurable changes in player and enemy attributes (e.g., mobility, defense) based on combat state.

Your Core Responsibilities (Part-Time)

• Technical Ownership:
  Serve as the technical authority, leading the design and implementation of the core combat framework, character controller, and physics systems (Unreal Engine 5 C++ preferred).
• System Implementation:
  Focus on delivering the complex C++ code for the "Hitbox Precision" and "Cast-Off" mechanics to AAA standards.
• Project Guidance:
  Provide high-level technical direction to our compact team on asset integration, animation blueprints, and performance optimization.

Commitment

Work is flexible and milestone-driven, intended for completion during evenings and weekends,
ensuring no conflict with your primary employment
.

The Value Proposition

We aim to attract you through
Ownership, Freedom, and Potential Wealth
:

• Highest Founder-Level Equity:
  We commit to offering the highest non-founder equity stake in the company (
  15%–20%
  ), reflecting your indispensable role in establishing the technical foundation.
• Competitive Consultant Stipend:
  A retainer fee of
  $2,000 CAD per month
  is provided as fair compensation for your dedicated off-hours and time commitment.
• Technical Freedom & Legacy:
  You gain full technical autonomy over the core codebase, allowing you to implement innovative ideas often stifled in the traditional AAA development pipeline.
• Exceptional Future Upside:
  This low-risk, high-leverage opportunity offers significant financial rewards (via elevated salary and bonuses post-funding) and the chance to transition to a high-salaried
  Technical Director
  role, leading a highly anticipated AA/indie title.

Candidate Requirements

• 5+ years
  of experience in a Senior, Lead, or Principal Programming role at a major AAA or high-budget studio.
• Profound expertise in
  Unreal Engine 5 (C++)
  and the architecture of complex systems (Combat, Animation, Physics).
• A passionate drive for the technical challenges inherent in achieving perfect "feel" and "precision" in action RPGs.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, complex work with strong self-management skills.