Senior Technical Director - Game Development

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary + bonuses

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan

Dynamic work environment in EastLondon

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Technical Director in East London to steer the technical direction of game projects and oversee engine development. You will lead engineers, collaborate with art and design, and drive high-performance, scalable software foundations for critically acclaimed titles.

The role requires a deep background in C++, engines like Unreal or Unity, and strong architecture skills, with a track record of leading teams to technical excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in game development
• 5+ years in technical leadership roles
• Strong C++ and engine experience
• Deep understanding of software architecture and performance optimization
• Proven ability to lead engineering teams effectively

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the technical vision and architecture for game projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, fostering technical excellence and innovation.
• Oversee development, optimization, and maintenance of the game engine and core systems.
• Collaborate with art, design, and production teams to ensure technical feasibility.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges for stability and performance.

Skills

C++

Game engines

Software architecture

Leadership

Performance optimization

Console development

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Proprietary engines

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected game development studio in East London , is seeking an experienced and technically astute Senior Technical Director . You will be responsible for overseeing the technical direction of game projects, ensuring the implementation of robust, scalable, and high-performance game engine technology. This pivotal role requires a leader with a deep understanding of software architecture, engine development, and optimization techniques. You will guide a team of engineers, collaborating closely with art and design departments to translate creative visions into reality, driving technical excellence and innovation within the studio. This is a unique opportunity to shape the technological foundation of critically acclaimed games.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement the technical vision and architecture for game projects.
• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Oversee the development, optimization, and maintenance of the game engine and core systems.
• Collaborate with art, design, and production teams to ensure technical feasibility and efficient workflows.
• Identify and resolve complex technical challenges, ensuring the stability and performance of the game.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry best practices in game development .

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in game development , with at least 5 years in a technical leadership role (e.g., Lead Programmer, TD).
• Strong background in C++ and experience with major game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines).
• Deep understanding of software architecture , system design, and performance optimization.
• Proven ability to lead and manage engineering teams effectively.
• Experience with console development and deployment pipelines is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead technical innovation on flagship game titles .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous retirement savings plan.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment in vibrant East London .