Games
Quality assurance (QA) build engineer
Also known as: Build engineer, Build release engineer, Development operations (DevOps) engineer, QA build programmer, QA build release engineer
What does a build engineer do?
Games need to be continually updated, improved and kept free from errors. A build engineer's primary role is to make sure an up-to-date build of the game can be created when needed as quickly as possible.
This involves automating and optimising processes, maintaining software and hardware systems, creating tests and helpful tools, and communicating with every member of the game team.
The improvements go through various stages. This is known as the release schedule. Build engineers solve technical problems that might interfere with a release, so it goes smoothly for programmers and players alike.
The scope of the roles depends on the size of the games studio. In smaller studios, build engineers write the code themselves. In larger ones, they pass on the tasks to other programmers. They also look at how the build could be easier. They see if there are elements in the build and release that could be automated freeing up the programmers for other jobs.
What is a build engineer good at?
- Organisation: plan the release, manage the making of the new build while maintaining the old one
- Programming: develop code to improve the build
- Innovation: spot problems with the code and be able to find solutions
- Communication: be able to share thinking with designers, programmers, project managers and QA technicians - it’s important everyone agrees the build engineers’ plans
- Attention to detail: spot imperfections in code, write detailed documents about each release
Who does a build engineer work with?
Build engineers will work with the programmers, QA technicians, and games producers.
How do you become a build engineer?
Build engineers usually have several years’ experience in software development. This is not an entry level role.
At school or college:
If you want to go straight to university take A-levels or Highers in maths or computer science. If you enjoy art and design or graphic design, take those too. They are very much relevant to the games industry. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in computing, art and design or media production. Look at what your local college offers, and the qualifications offered by training providers like Pearson, UAL, NCC Education and T Levels.
Take a degree:
Most people in the games industry have degrees. A degree in computer science is the most relevant to this role.
Work on your own projects:
Solve some problems. Build some tools. It will be useful to show these to potential employers as well as your professional and academic experience.
Search for jobs:
Use the UK Games Map to find out if there are games companies near you, then go to their websites directly and check out their open roles. You could also check out ScreenSkills jobs board.
Get to know games companies:
Use the UK Games Map to find games companies near you, then go to their websites directly. Check out what they do and think about how you might be useful to them.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and any local community arts and media organisations and attend their events. Go to how to network well for some tips.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in...
Being a level designer, gameplay programmer, tools engineer or an engine programmer in the games industry. You might also be interested in being a post-production supervisor in the film and TV drama industries, or a pipeline technical director (TD), assistant TD or software developer in visual effects (VFX).
