Senior Game Programmer (Engine Focus)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Programmer (Engine Focus) to join a renowned game studio in Stellenbosch. The role combines studio collaboration with remote work, focusing on core engine technologies, performance, and cross-platform optimization.

You will lead the design and implementation of engine systems, mentor juniors, and drive technical excellence across rendering, physics, AI, and gameplay frameworks within a hybrid working model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 6 years in game development with strong engine programming focus.
• Expert-level C++ and OO design principles.
• In-depth knowledge of game engine architecture (Unreal/Unity/proprietary).
• Experience with profiling and optimization across hardware.
• Strong problem-solving and debugging skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems (rendering, physics, AI, gameplay frameworks).
• Optimize engine performance across platforms for smooth framerates and efficient resources.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to integrate engine features and fix issues.
• Write clean, maintainable C++ code following best practices and standards.
• Develop tools to support game development workflows.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex engine problems.
• Mentor junior programmers and participate in design discussions.
• Research and implement new technologies to enhance engine capabilities.

Skills

C++ expert

Engine programming

Performance optimization

Debugging

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Unreal Engine

Git

Perforce

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned game development studio celebrated for its groundbreaking titles, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Game Programmer (Engine Focus) . This hybrid position offers the flexibility to work both from our Stellenbosch studio and remotely, blending collaborative in-studio sessions with the comfort of a home office. You will play a critical role in developing, optimizing, and maintaining the core engine technologies that power our client's ambitious game projects. This role demands exceptional C++ programming skills, a deep understanding of game engine architecture, and a passion for performance optimization. You will collaborate with a talented team of engineers, artists, and designers to push the boundaries of what's possible in interactive entertainment. We are looking for a proactive problem-solver who thrives in a challenging yet rewarding environment, contributing to the creation of visually stunning and technically superior gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain core game engine systems, including rendering, physics, AI, and core gameplay frameworks.
• Optimize engine performance for various platforms, ensuring smooth framerates and efficient resource utilization.
• Collaborate with other engineering disciplines and cross-functional teams to integrate engine features and resolve technical issues.
• Write clean, maintainable, and efficient C++ code, adhering to best practices and coding standards.
• Develop tools and utilities to support the game development process.
• Troubleshoot and debug complex technical problems within the game engine.
• Contribute to technical design discussions and provide mentorship to junior programmers.
• Research and implement new technologies to enhance engine capabilities and game performance.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in game development, with a strong focus on engine programming.
• Expert-level proficiency in C++ and experience with object-oriented design principles.
• In-depth knowledge of game engine architecture (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines).
• Experience with performance profiling and optimization techniques across different hardware.
• Strong understanding of graphics APIs (e.g., DirectX, Vulkan, OpenGL), physics engines, and memory management.
• Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, suitable for a hybrid work environment.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual bonus.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and public holiday leave.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to cutting-edge development hardware and software.
• Work on industry-leading game titles with a talented team.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.