Senior Game Programmer (Engine)

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus structure

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Generous annual leave and holidays

Professional development and training

Modern office facilities and amenities

Job summary

Placements24– Durban-based game development studio is seeking an experienced Senior Game Programmer specializing in engine development. You will design, implement, and optimize core engine systems, collaborating with artists, designers and engineers to deliver high-performance titles.

Candidates should have deep C++, graphics knowledge (DirectX/Vulkan/OpenGL), multi-threaded experience, and a passion for cutting-edge game tech.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years in game development with engine programming.
• Expertise in C++ and OO design.
• Strong graphics knowledge (DirectX, Vulkan, OpenGL).
• Experience with multi-threading and performance optimization.
• Familiarity with game engine architecture and design patterns.
• Experience with Git or Perforce.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Passion for video games and game development.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems (rendering, physics, AI, networking).
• Write high-quality, optimized C++ code.
• Collaborate with engineers to integrate engine features and tools.
• Profile and optimize engine performance across platforms.
• Contribute to engine architecture decisions and technical design.
• Mentor junior programmers and provide code reviews.
• Identify and resolve complex technical issues in the engine.
• Research and implement new technologies to enhance engine capabilities.
• Work with designers and artists to meet creative needs.

Skills

C++

Object-oriented design

Multi-threaded programming

Game engine programming

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Git

Perforce

DirectX

Vulkan

OpenGL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned game development studio located in the vibrant city of Durban , is seeking an experienced Senior Game Programmer with a specialization in game engine development. This is a crucial role where you will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and optimizing core engine systems that power their innovative titles. You will work closely with a talented team of artists, designers, and other engineers to build robust, high-performance, and scalable game engines. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of C++, computer graphics, and system architecture, coupled with a passion for pushing the boundaries of game technology. You will contribute to architectural decisions, write clean, efficient code, and mentor junior programmers. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of game development at a leading studio in Durban . We are committed to fostering a creative and collaborative environment where your expertise will be highly valued. Join us and help build the next generation of immersive gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems, including rendering, physics, AI, and networking.
• Write high-quality, optimized, and maintainable C++ code.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines to integrate engine features and tools.
• Profile and optimize engine performance across various target platforms.
• Contribute to engine architecture discussions and technical design decisions.
• Mentor and guide junior programmers, providing technical support and code reviews.
• Identify and resolve complex technical issues and bugs within the game engine.
• Research and implement new technologies to enhance the capabilities of the game engine.
• Work closely with designers and artists to ensure the engine meets their creative needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of professional experience in game development, with a strong focus on engine programming.
• Expertise in C++ and object-oriented design principles.
• Solid understanding of computer graphics concepts and rendering techniques (e.g., DirectX, Vulkan, OpenGL).
• Experience with multi-threaded programming and performance optimization.
• Familiarity with game engine architecture and design patterns.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Passion for video games and game development.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and attractive bonus structure.
• Opportunity to work on exciting AAA game titles.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture in Durban .
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and company holidays.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Access to modern office facilities and amenities.