Lead Game Programmer

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with bonus

Hybrid work model

Health insurance

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Game Programmer in Sandton to steer the programming team on innovative game projects. You will guide technical direction, mentor junior programmers, and deliver high-performance, robust gameplay systems.

You will collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to architect features for multiple platforms while upholding coding standards and performance budgets in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in CS/Engineering.
• 7+ years of professional game programming experience, with at least 2 years in a lead/senior role.
• Expert proficiency in C++ and OO programming principles.
• Extensive experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Strong understanding of graphics programming, AI, physics, and network programming.
• Proven experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration in a hybrid setting.
• Experience with Git or Perforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of game programmers.
• Architect and implement core gameplay systems, engine features, and tools.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to translate concepts into code.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and stability across platforms.
• Oversee code reviews and establish coding standards.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges and bottlenecks.
• Optimize game performance and memory usage.
• Contribute to technical roadmap and planning.
• Stay current with technologies and industry trends.

Skills

C++

Object-oriented programming

Graphics programming

Team leadership

Mentoring

Unreal Engine/Unity

Version control

Problem solving

Networking

Debugging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Git

Perforce

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly successful game development studio in Sandton, is seeking an experienced Lead Game Programmer to spearhead their programming team. This is a hybrid role, offering a dynamic blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. As the Lead Programmer, you will be instrumental in guiding the technical vision and execution of our game projects, mentoring junior programmers, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, performant code. You will work closely with designers, artists, and producers to architect and implement robust gameplay systems, engine features, and tools. We are looking for a technically brilliant individual with strong leadership qualities and a passion for creating innovative and engaging gaming experiences. This is an exceptional opportunity to take on a leadership role, influence the technical direction of ambitious projects, and contribute to a thriving studio culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game programmers, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Architect, design, and implement core gameplay systems, engine features, and tools.
• Collaborate with designers and artists to translate game concepts into technical specifications and executable code.
• Ensure code quality, performance, and stability across all target platforms.
• Oversee code reviews, establish coding standards, and champion best practices.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges and bottlenecks.
• Optimize game performance and memory usage.
• Contribute to the technical roadmap and strategic planning for game development.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends in game development.
• Manage project timelines and resource allocation for the programming team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in game programming, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Expert proficiency in C++ and object-oriented programming principles.
• Extensive experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Strong understanding of graphics programming, AI, physics, and network programming.
• Proven experience in leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid setting.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).
• A passion for video games and a deep understanding of game development cycles.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Hybrid work model offering excellent work-life balance.
• Creative and collaborative studio environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and development tools.
• Relocation assistance may be provided.
• Be part of creating award-winning games.