Remote Lead Game Programmer

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); Remote; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Equity options

Flexible PTO

Home office budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Lead Game Programmer to join a fully remote team. You will lead a team of programmers, architect core game systems, and contribute to the technical direction of next-generation titles.

Requirements include 10+ years in game programming, expert C++ skills, and experience with Unreal Engine or Unity. Collaboration with designers and artists is essential, along with strong leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Game Development, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of professional game programming experience, with leadership exposure.
• Expert proficiency in C++ and OO programming principles.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven design/implementation of complex game systems (AI, physics, networking).
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and algorithms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with debugging and performance profiling tools.
• Ability to work independently in a remote team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of game programmers.
• Design and optimize core game systems (AI, physics, gameplay, networking).
• Architect and maintain scalable codebases using C++ and related languages.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to translate concepts into features.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks for target platforms.
• Set coding standards, review processes, and best practices.
• Research and integrate new technologies to boost efficiency and quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex programming issues.

Skills

C++ proficiency

Unreal/Unity experience

Leadership

Performance profiling

Software architecture

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in CS/Game Development

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed independent game studio recognized for its innovative gameplay mechanics and compelling narratives, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Lead Game Programmer to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role will involve leading a team of talented programmers, architecting robust game systems, and contributing directly to the core programming of their next generation of titles. You will play a crucial part in defining technical direction, ensuring code quality, and fostering a collaborative and productive programming environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned programmer to make a significant impact on exciting new projects while enjoying the flexibility of a remote-first workplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game programmers, overseeing their technical development and project contributions.
• Design, implement, and optimize core game systems, including gameplay mechanics, AI, physics, and networking.
• Architect and maintain clean, efficient, and scalable codebases using C++ and other relevant programming languages.
• Collaborate closely with designers, artists, and producers to translate game design concepts into functional features.
• Identify and address performance bottlenecks, ensuring optimal game performance across target platforms.
• Establish and enforce coding standards, best practices, and code review processes.
• Research and integrate new technologies and tools to enhance development efficiency and game quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex programming issues and bugs.
• Participate in technical planning and provide accurate estimations for development tasks.
• Contribute to the overall technical vision and strategy of the studio.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years of professional experience in game programming, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
• Expert proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex game systems (e.g., AI, physics, gameplay mechanics, networking).
• Strong understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and algorithm design.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with debugging and performance profiling tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively in a remote team environment.
• Passion for creating high-quality video games and staying current with industry advancements.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers a highly competitive salary of R per annum , commensurate with experience, plus performance-based bonuses and equity options. Our client provides comprehensive health insurance coverage, a flexible paid time off policy, and a dedicated budget for professional development and home office equipment. You will join a passionate and talented team working on ambitious projects, with ample opportunities for career growth and making a lasting impact on the future of gaming.