Game Programmer

Gattaca; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Birthday day off

Bank holidays & yearly increments

Option to purchase extra days

Job summary

Gattaca in Portsmouth is seeking a Lead Unreal Developer to drive XR projects from concept to delivery. You will lead a small immersion tech team and work closely with R&D specialists across defence and private sector projects.

The role focuses on Unreal Engine development, architecture, and high‑quality code, with opportunities to broaden into web, mobile, AR, and AI tooling. This is a dynamic, growth‑mocussed environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience with game technologies and real-time 3D development.
• Strong proficiency with Unreal Engine.
• Working knowledge of C++ and standard industry development practices.
• Familiarity with source control systems and IDEs.
• Proven experience in XR performance profiling and optimisation (e.g., GPU/CPU bottlenecks, draw calls, occlusion culling).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the immersive development team by defining and implementing core coding architecture for projects.
• Providing technical guidance to subcontractors throughout project development and delivery.
• Ensuring high code quality through industry best practices and maintaining clear technical documentation.
• Supporting the change management team in producing outline and detailed proposals for immersive projects.
• Monitoring emerging technologies and identifying opportunities for innovative solutions.
• Undertaking additional responsibilities that contribute to team success and business unit goals.

Skills

Unreal Engine

C++

XR profiling

Real-time 3D

Technical leadership

Code architecture

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Source control

IDE

Job description

Successful candidate must be able to obtain SC (Security Check) clearance and be willing to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) clearance

About the Company

The company is a forward‑looking technology organisation specialising in immersive training solutions and advanced simulation. Based in Portsmouth, it focuses on applying current and emerging technologies to help clients modernise training, accelerate capability development, and enhance operational performance.

The organisation prides itself on delivering exceptional results through innovation, quality, and a commitment to exceeding customer their expectations.

The Role – Lead Unreal Developer

The organisation is seeking a motivated and highly skilled Lead Unreal Developer to join its immersive technology team. This newly created position offers the opportunity to work closely with R&D specialists across both defence and private sector projects.

The successful candidate will lead the structure and delivery of XR‑focused projects, with Unreal Engine development forming the core of the role. In addition, the position offers opportunities for professional growth, including training in web development, mobile development, augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI).

A key secondary responsibility will be horizon scanning—identifying new technologies, tools, and opportunities that could enhance the future of immersive training solutions. This role is ideal for a driven developer looking to lead innovation in a growing and dynamic technology environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading and supporting the immersive development team by defining and implementing core coding architecture for projects.
• Providing technical guidance to subcontractors throughout project development and delivery.
• Ensuring high code quality through industry best practices and maintaining clear technical documentation.
• Supporting the change management team in producing outline and detailed proposals for immersive projects.
• Monitoring emerging technologies and identifying opportunities for innovative solutions.
• Undertaking additional responsibilities that contribute to team success and business unit goals.

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

• Proven experience with game technologies and real‑time 3D development.
• Strong proficiency with Unreal Engine.
• Working knowledge of C++ and standard industry development practices..
• Familiarity with software tools including source control systems and IDEs.
• Proven experience in XR performance profiling and optimisation (e.g., GPU/CPU bottlenecks, draw calls, occlusion culling).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Why Apply?

The successful candidate will join a growing, ambitious team shaping the future of immersive training technology. The company offers:

• A friendly, relaxed, and supportive working culture.
• 25 days annual leave, birthday day off, bank holidays, and yearly increments (with the option to purchase an additional 5 days after one year).
• Opportunities to contribute to the development of working processes, culture, and values.