Lead Graphics Programmers

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

As a Lead Graphics Programmer in the Manchester Studio, you would be pushing forwards the rendering technology that powers a huge sandbox universe, spanning every conceivable scale from shading interstellar gas clouds, planets and asteroid belts, down to rendering individual human hairs. You Will also advance the core rendering technology that aspires to achieve photo-real visuals, such as physically based light, eye and lens simulations, as well as more low‑level engine technologies such as shader building & compilation, content streaming systems, and the multi‑threaded and cross‑API renderer architecture. All of this will be achieved using the latest PC hardware, technology and APIs to produce a fast and scalable suite of visual technology to power some of the most ambitious games ever developed. Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting‑edge videogames that defy expectations. We're currently developing Star Citizen, a record‑breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single‑player adventure set in the same universe. What does a Lead Graphics Programmer at Cloud Imperium Games do? In short, on a daily basis you will:

• 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 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, development planning, and day‑to‑day support.
• 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 visual goals 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, helping us to innovate, plan, and deliver full features.
• Expert‑level C++ skills in a large shared codebase, including architecture, code reviews, and performance‑critical systems.
• Strong experience with shader languages and modern graphics APIs.
• Deep knowledge of 3D rendering, 3D math, and optimisation of the complete rendering pipeline.
• Proven experience owning significant graphics or engine‑level systems.
• Experience managing engineers, including performance management and career development.
• Strong software debugging skills to effectively track, diagnose and solve complex issues.
• Work well in a cooperative, cross‑functional team environment; ability to translate technical jargon to non‑technical audiences.
• Diversity Statement CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.