Game Systems Engineer - Old School Runescape

Location: Cambridge, UK – (Remote available within the UK with team onsite days in the Cambridge office approx. once per month)

Are you an experienced Game Systems Programmer with a passion for MMO development, an eye for performance, who wants to work on one of the world’s most popular MMORPGs?

As a Game Systems Engineer on Old School RuneScape, you’ll play a critical role in advancing the game’s technology, supporting the roadmap, and developing the tools and features that power one of the world’s most enduring MMORPGs. You’ll work in a cross-functional, agile team alongside other passionate developers, artists, and designers to enhance performance, build scalable systems, and contribute to exciting initiatives such as graphical upgrades and platform expansion.

This is a great opportunity to apply your expertise in C++ and systems programming to a highly successful and deeply community-driven game, where your contributions will be felt by millions of players.

What you’ll be doing:

• Programming using C++, Java and other languages as required to service assigned tasks.
• Researching, innovating, and developing game engine technology to bring the game to new audiences.
• Working on a variety of projects in the department covering all aspects of the group’s technological domain, making good use of support tools (e.g. profiler, debugger, code-analysis tools) to ensure your code is of high quality.
• Taking ownership and responsibility for areas of the code base, becoming an expert, looking for improvements, and sharing that knowledge with the team.
• Performing maintenance tasks to keep internal tools and build systems working in good order for our internal customers.
• Being proactive in identifying and highlighting dependencies and risks relating to your work, providing mitigation and communicating solutions with stakeholders.
• Providing realistic time estimates for assigned tasks to stakeholders, with tasks broken down to a suitable size.
• Suggesting and championing projects or processes that drives the department tech forward.
• Contributing to overall project strategy. Be willing to put forward ideas, and to positively critique those put forward by others.
• Working to familiarise yourself with the product to develop and inform your decision making.
• Building strong working relationships with team members and with other groups across the organisation, especially the Old School RuneScape and Central Technology groups.

What we’re looking for:

• Deep proficiency in C++ with strong software engineering fundamentals and a willingness to adapt to different programming languages as required.
• Proven experience working across the full software development lifecycle in the video games industry.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a passion for building and improving complex systems.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to explain technical concepts clearly to non-engineering stakeholders.

What we offer:

When you join Jagex you can look forward to a generous Perks & Benefits package including:

• 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 + so much more!

About Jagex:

Jagex is a leader in developing and publishing deep, engaging online games that connect millions of players worldwide. Best known for the RuneScape franchise, which includes two of the world’s longest running and most successful MMORPGs, in Old School Runescape and Runescape, and the open-world survival crafting game, Runescape: Dragonwilds; we have proven success in delivering immersive Forever Games and fostering strong player communities.

We strive to foster an inclusive workplace built on trust, autonomy, and a shared passion for creating forever games.
Our values guide everything we do: We Embrace Fellowship by collaborating and sharing openly. We Hone our Craft by always learning and improving; we Honour our Vows by being honest and transparent; we are our Customers’ Heroes by striving to understand our team & player needs, and we Seize The Day by making the most of every opportunity.

With over two decades of experience, and over 400 people in our team, we continue to innovate in live game development, leveraging data-driven insights, and a commitment to player-first game design. We have a diverse and talented team where creativity, collaboration, and community-driven game development drives everything we do.

As part of Jagex, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a globally successful franchise, contribute to exciting new projects, and be part of a company that hugely values both our employees and our players.