Lead Game Programmer

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 980,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Comprehensive benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Game Programmer to guide the technical development of new gaming titles in Centurion. You will architect, implement, and optimize core game systems while mentoring junior programmers and setting coding standards.

You will collaborate with design and art teams to deliver high-quality gameplay experiences, optimize performance, and ensure technical integrity across platforms.

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience in game development, with a proven track record in a Lead Programmer or senior role.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and C#, along with deep knowledge of game development principles and algorithms.
• Experience with major game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Solid understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and performance optimization techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a passion for creating high-quality games.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust and efficient game systems, including gameplay mechanics, AI, physics, and UI.
• Lead and mentor a team of game programmers, fostering a collaborative and productive development environment.
• Establish and enforce high-quality coding standards, perform code reviews, and ensure code maintainability.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and producers to translate concepts into functional game features.
• Optimize game performance, memory usage, and stability across target platforms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues throughout the development cycle.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

C++

C#

Job description

Our client is searching for a highly skilled and experienced Lead Game Programmer to guide the technical development of exciting new gaming titles. In this critical role, you will be responsible for the architecture, implementation, and optimization of core game systems, working closely with design and art teams to bring innovative gameplay experiences to life in Centurion . You will mentor junior programmers, establish coding standards, and ensure the technical integrity and performance of the game. This is a prime opportunity for a passionate technologist to make a significant impact on flagship products and contribute to a studio culture that values collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain robust and efficient game systems, including gameplay mechanics, AI, physics, and UI.
• Lead and mentor a team of game programmers, fostering a collaborative and productive development environment.
• Establish and enforce high-quality coding standards, perform code reviews, and ensure code maintainability.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, artists, and producers to translate concepts into functional game features.
• Optimize game performance, memory usage, and stability across target platforms.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues throughout the development cycle.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience in game development, with a proven track record in a Lead Programmer or senior role.
• Strong proficiency in C++ and C#, along with deep knowledge of game development principles and algorithms.
• Experience with major game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Solid understanding of software architecture, design patterns, and performance optimization techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a passion for creating high-quality games.

Benefits

• Competitive salary, bonus structure, and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on diverse and innovative game projects in Centurion .
• Access to advanced development tools and technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture with opportunities for career growth.
• Flexible work arrangements and paid time off.