Lead Graphics Programmer: Rendering & Tech Visionary

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester is seeking a Lead Graphics Programmer to push the rendering technology behind Star Citizen and Squadron 42. You will own major rendering features, lead a team of graphics programmers, and drive the technical direction of graphics and rendering across the studio.

You will work with art, design, and engineering to align visuals with technical goals, optimise the rendering pipeline, and advance shader building, content streaming, and cross‑API rendering on modern

Qualifications

• Expert-level C++ in large shared codebases.
• Strong knowledge of shader languages and modern graphics APIs.
• Deep knowledge of 3D rendering and 3D math.
• Proven experience owning graphics/engine-level systems.
• Experience managing engineers and performance reviews.
• Excellent debugging and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical direction of graphics and rendering systems.
• Drive research and implementation of new graphics technology and tools.
• Own major rendering features and systems from design through to delivery and long-term maintenance.
• Analyse, refactor and improve upon existing graphics technology.
• Manage a team of graphics programmers, including performance reviews and planning.
• Coordinate workload and priorities within the graphics team in collaboration with production and engineering leadership.
• Work closely with art, design, and engineering teams to align visuals with technical solutions.
• Assist and advise other software developers in use of graphics/rendering features, while debugging and fixing complex problems.
• Profile and optimise the entire rendering pipeline, including lighting and shading components of the game.
• Help define technical standards, workflows, and performance targets for the rendering team.
• Keep up to date with the latest graphics and rendering techniques and tools.

Skills

Expert-level C++

Shader languages

Graphics APIs

3D rendering / 3D math

Engineering management

Debugging skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Performance optimization

Job description

Cloud Imperium Games in Manchester is seeking a Lead Graphics Programmer to push the rendering technology behind Star Citizen and Squadron 42. You will own major rendering features, lead a team of graphics programmers, and drive the technical direction of graphics and rendering across the studio.

You will work with art, design, and engineering to align visuals with technical goals, optimise the rendering pipeline, and advance shader building, content streaming, and cross‑API rendering on modern