Lead Game QA Engineer

Company: Red Elk

Website: Visit Website

Business Type: Startup

Company Type: Product & Service

Business Model: Others

Funding Stage: Bootstrapped

Industry: Gaming

Salary Range: ₹ 20-25 Lacs PA

Job Description

At Red Elk Studious (www.redelk.co), we’re crafting immersive and unforgettable gaming experiences. Our latest endeavor is a partnership with Battle Creek Games, USA on next-gen open sandbox hunting simulation game that pushes the boundaries of realism, exploration, and player freedom. We're looking for a seasoned Senior QA Engineer with a passion for open-world systems and player-driven narratives to help shape this ambitious project.

Role Overview

As Senior QA Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development lifecycle, overseeing quality assurance testing across game features, systems, and platform builds. You’ll lead the charge in creating robust test plans for complex sandbox mechanics, from AI and weapon systems to mission logic, progression, and multiplayer elements (when applicable). You'll also act as a bridge between QA, development, and production teams to uphold quality benchmarks throughout development and live operations.

Key Responsibilities

• QA Strategy & Test Planning: Design and implement detailed test plans, cases, and suites tailored to sandbox, shooting, and hunting gameplay systems.
• Gameplay Systems Testing: Own the QA process for complex gameplay systems such as weapon mechanics, AI behavior, tracking systems, missions, progression, and open-world events.
• Automation & Tools: Drive the integration and use of automated testing tools, telemetry systems, and performance monitoring frameworks to scale testing across large maps and ecosystems.
• Bug Tracking & Triage: Identify, document, prioritize, and track bugs using tools (like JIRA), and work closely with developers to ensure timely resolution.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with design, engineering, and production teams to ensure features meet quality standards before deployment.
• Platform & Build Testing: Conduct multi-platform compatibility testing (PC, consoles) and manage build validation cycles including smoke tests and regression checks.
• Live Ops Readiness: Support live event testing, leaderboard integrity, and gun upgrade systems to ensure real-time updates don’t compromise player experience.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Mentor junior QA testers, provide technical guidance, and contribute to refining QA best practices.
  
  

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) / Metrics for Success

We measure success based on the below mentioned KPIs. Please showcase your achievements when you connect with us.

• Bug Closure Rate: High percentage of critical and high-priority bugs resolved pre-release with minimal regressions.
• Test Coverage: Broad and deep coverage of all gameplay systems, especially emergent mechanics and edge cases in the sandbox environment.
• Automation Impact: Increase in test efficiency and repeatability through automation for key systems (AI, weapon logic, world events).
• Release Quality Metrics: Number of high-severity bugs found post-launch or in public builds remains within acceptable thresholds.
• Efficiency in Triaging: Reduced cycle time from bug identification to triage to resolution, particularly in high-pressure pre-release windows.
• Cross-Team Collaboration Scores: Positive feedback from production, design, and engineering leads on communication, documentation clarity, and QA reliability.
• Live Operations Stability: Minimal disruption during live events, seasonal rollouts, or content updates — especially related to progression, gear, and leaderboard systems.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years in QA roles within the gaming industry, with at least 2 titles shipped in a senior or lead QA role.
• Deep understanding of sandbox/open-world testing principles and systemic gameplay verification.
• Hands-on experience with QA automation tools and scripting for functional or performance tests.
• Proficient with JIRA, TestRail, or equivalent bug-tracking and test case management tools.
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills.
• Experience testing systems such as AI behavior, weapons and ballistics, gear progression, and mission logic.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or Unity-based workflows is a strong plus.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience testing hunting, survival, or simulation-based games.
• Familiarity with telemetry and analytics tools for quality validation.
• Background in scripting or programming (e.g., Python, C#) for custom QA tool development.
• Understanding of multiplayer/network QA and leaderboard integrity.
  
  

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & performance bonuses
• Flexible work environment (remote/hybrid)
• Health and benefits comparable to the best companies in India
• Creative autonomy and ownership
• A collaborative and respectful team culture
  
  

Help Us Perfect the Wild

We’re crafting a living, breathing hunting game filled with endless gameplay possibilities. If you’re passionate about ensuring every moment of the experience is rock-solid and immersive, we want to hear from you.

Apply today with your resume and a short note about your QA philosophy and favorite system to break.