Lead Graphics Programmer

Steel City Interactive; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic video game studio in Birmingham seeks a Lead Graphics Programmer to enhance rendering features for their flagship game. This role involves leading the graphics team, ensuring AAA-quality visuals, and collaborating closely with diverse teams. Applicants should have significant graphics programming experience, deep knowledge of C++ and HLSL, and leadership skills. The position offers flexibility with remote and hybrid options, generous benefits, and a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

23 days annual leave

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Private healthcare

Free snacks and drinks

Mental health leave

Learning days

Electric car vehicle scheme

Discretionary Cost of Living Payments

Bonus

Qualifications

• Proven experience in graphics programming.
• Deep knowledge in key technologies for AAA games, like C++ and HLSL.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 rendering pipeline is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Graphics team, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Oversee planning and delivery of Rendering features and shaders.
• Liaise with tech art and discipline teams on multiple projects.
• Profiling and optimizing existing code.
• Ensure high-quality code through best practices.

Skills

Graphics programming

C++

HLSL

Unreal Engine 4 or 5

Debugging

3D maths

Software architecture

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Job description

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.

Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.

This role can be remote (Monthly visit), hybrid or onsite, you choose.

Visa sponsorship isn't available on this occasion

The Role

We're looking for a Lead Graphics Programmer to help shape the future of our game. In the start as we pivot to UE5 you'll be responsible for the development of new rendering features for our game, optimising and maintaining the graphical performance of our product to AAA fidelity.

You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world‑class gameplay.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Graphics team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of Rendering features and shaders that support our stated goal of AAA fidelity.
• Liaise with tech art and other disciplines to help art and design teams on multiple projects direct their efforts.
• Lead the establishment of pragmatic performance budgets in collaboration with other teams.
• Profiling and optimising existing code and systems.
• Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
• Ensure high‑quality code through best practices and automated testing.
• Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Graphics development.
• Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Proven Experience in graphics programming.
• Deep knowledge of key technologies used in graphics programming for AAA games, such as C++ and HLSL.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 Rendering pipeline would be advantageous.
• An eye for aesthetics – the ability to discuss with artists what works visually and how to make it fit into a game.
• Proven experience with Debugging and data and performance optimisation.
• Strong understanding of 3D maths and data structures.
• Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Self‑driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
• A genuine passion for games and game development.
• Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.

Benefits

What we offer

Healthy work‑life balance

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Christmas shut down.
• Holiday exchange programme.
• Flexible working hours.

Support for family life

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Private healthcare which includes optical & dental.

Great office environment

• A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
• Free parking.

Health & wellbeing support

• Company sick pay.
• 2 days paid mental health leave per year.
• Access to 24 / 7 doctors.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• £300 wellbeing stipend every January.

Learning support

• Learning days.
• Unlimited access to Udemy courses.

Additional financial support

• Technology scheme (up to £750).
• Discount club at over 350 high street stores.
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments.
• Relocation benefits.
• Electric car vehicle scheme.
• Bonus.

Connection and perks

• Wrap parties & company paid outings.
• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events.

To apply please send your CV to [e-mail] – Exclusive SCI Recruiter.