Lead Game Programmer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Company holidays

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, South Africa, seeks a seasoned Lead Game Programmer to guide the engineering team in creating cutting-edge interactive entertainment. You will architect robust game systems, mentor programming staff, and drive technical excellence across projects.

You will collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to translate creative vision into high-performance gameplay, optimize engines, and maintain code quality through reviews and standards in a dynamic studio setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in game programming, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven experience architecting and implementing complex game systems (e.g., AI, physics, networking, graphics).
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and optimization skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with a passion for mentoring junior developers.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game programmers, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems and features.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to translate gameplay concepts into functional code.
• Optimize game performance, memory usage, and overall system stability.
• Conduct code reviews, establish coding standards, and ensure code quality and maintainability.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Code reviews

Problem solving

Communication

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

C++

Job description

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Game Programmer to guide their engineering team in the development of cutting-edge interactive entertainment in Benoni . This leadership role is responsible for architecting robust game systems, mentoring programming staff, and ensuring the technical excellence of our projects. You will collaborate closely with designers, artists, and producers to translate creative vision into functional, high-performance gameplay. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned programmer to take on a key leadership position, influence technical direction, and contribute to the creation of unforgettable gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game programmers , fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems and features.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to translate gameplay concepts into functional code.
• Optimize game performance, memory usage, and overall system stability.
• Conduct code reviews, establish coding standards, and ensure code quality and maintainability.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in game programming , with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proven experience architecting and implementing complex game systems (e.g., AI, physics, networking, graphics).
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and optimization skills.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities, with a passion for mentoring junior developers.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A dynamic and innovative studio culture in Benoni .