Lead Graphics Programmer — Rendering Architect & Team Lead

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games is seeking a Lead Graphics Programmer to push rendering technology across the Manchester Studio, from shading interstellar gas clouds to human hair rendering. You will drive the core rendering tech, shader tooling, and multi-threaded cross-API architecture on high-end PC hardware to deliver ambitious visuals.

You will lead a team, set technical direction, review performance, and collaborate with art, design, and engineering to align visuals with technical feasibility.

Qualifications

• Expert-level C++ skills in a large shared codebase with architecture reviews and performance-critical systems.
• Deep knowledge of 3D rendering, 3D math, and optimisation of the rendering pipeline.
• Proven experience owning significant graphics or engine-level systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction of graphics and rendering systems within your domain.
• Drive research and implementation of new cutting-edge graphics technology and tools.
• Own major rendering features from design through delivery and maintenance.
• Analyse, refactor and improve existing graphics technology.
• Manage a team of graphics programmers, including performance reviews and planning.
• Coordinate workload with production and engineering leadership.

Skills

C++ expert

Shader programming

Graphics rendering

Performance optimization

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Debugging graphics

Tools

Shader languages

Graphics APIs

Job description

Cloud Imperium Games is seeking a Lead Graphics Programmer to push rendering technology across the Manchester Studio, from shading interstellar gas clouds to human hair rendering. You will drive the core rendering tech, shader tooling, and multi-threaded cross-API architecture on high-end PC hardware to deliver ambitious visuals.

You will lead a team, set technical direction, review performance, and collaborate with art, design, and engineering to align visuals with technical feasibility.