Lead Software Engineer at Dream Reality Interactive, United Kingdom, £Contract Rate

🚀 Lead Programmer - Narrative PC Deck Builder (Contract)

Are you a Senior or Lead Unity Programmer who enjoys writing clean code over navigating corporate red tape? Dream Reality Interactive, an award winning indie studio founded by former Sony PlayStation London Studio leadership, is looking for a Lead Programmer to own the technical architecture of our new, fully funded narrative deck builder for PC (Steam). Come and join a small, highly experienced team with a massive passion for making high-quality games that players obsess over. No fluff, just a focus on solid mechanics and a polished Steam release.

📍 The Details

• Location: Remote (London, UK base) with ad-hoc team days
• Contract Type: Contract
• Start Date: June 1st, 2026

💻 What You’ll Do

As our technical lead, you will manage a highly capable, small engineering team while remaining hands-on with the codebase. You will have the autonomy to set the technical standard and keep development moving forward.

• Architecture: Build and scale the core systems, including card logic, turn-based state machines, and deck management.
• Leadership: Manage and mentor the programming team, conduct code reviews, and ensure a scalable codebase.
• Custom Tooling: Build robust tools that empower our design team to tweak card balance without needing a developer every time.
• Steam Integration: Oversee the implementation of Steamworks (achievements, cloud saves, etc.) and ensure Steam Deck verification.
• Refinement: Collaborate closely with Art and Design leads to ensure the game looks, feels, and plays flawlessly on PC.

🛠️ What You Bring

• Unity/C# Expertise: You have successfully shipped at least one PC title as a Lead or Senior Programmer.
• Systems Thinking: You know how to build a scalable, bulletproof rule engine that won't break when we expand to 500+ game cards.
• Technical Chops: Strong experience with Unity’s UI systems, Addressables, platform support, and proven release management.
• PC Focus: You understand exactly what a Steam audience expects: high-res support, rebindable keys, and optimized performance.
• Good Taste & Directness: You know when to build custom and when it’s smart to use an Asset Store plugin. You prefer clean code over engineering and clear communication over corporate speak.

✨ Why Work With Us?

Founded in 2016, we are a tight-knit team of diverse, veteran developers. We offer a highly social, flexible working environment where you have the freedom to be your best self. If you want to leave the fuss behind and make the best game of your career alongside a talented and ambitious crew, you belong here.

📩 How to Apply

Ready to build an awesome indie game? Apply directly via Linkedin with a brief cover note and a link to your portfolio/GitHub or email us at hello@drihq.com. Important if emailing in: Please include Lead Programmer in the subject line of your email.

(Feel free to tag anyone in the comments who might be a great fit!)