Lead Graphics Programmer

Steel City Interactive; Royal Leamington Spa; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game studio based in Royal Leamington Spa is seeking a Lead Graphics Programmer. This role focuses on developing new rendering features and optimizing graphical performance to AAA fidelity. Ideal candidates will have strong graphics programming experience, particularly with C++ and Unreal Engine, and a passion for game development. The position offers a hybrid working model, a healthy work-life balance, and a variety of employee benefits, including enhanced maternity/paternity pay and unlimited access to training resources.

Benefits

23 days annual leave

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay

Private Healthcare

Wellbeing stipend

Learning days

Technology scheme

Bonus

Company outings

Qualifications

• Proven experience in graphics programming.
• Deep knowledge of technologies used in AAA games.
• Strong understanding of software architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Graphics team.
• Oversee the development of Rendering features.
• Champion continuous improvement in Graphics development.

Skills

Graphics programming

C++

HLSL

Unreal Engine 4 or 5

3D maths

Performance optimization

Documentation skills

Line management

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 Integration and substance—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 is hybrid, minimum 2 days per week in the Leamington Spa studio

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. At the start as we pivot to UE5 you'll be responsible for the development of new rendering features for our game, optimрыгancing 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.
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• 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 declarat98
• 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.
< li>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.
• 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 wellbeingپاک 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.