Rendering Software Engineer in Cardiff

Please note that this is a hybrid position based in Cardiff, requiring 3 days onsite each week, with the option for remote work on the remaining days.

Part of the Rocket Science Group, Atomic Theory comprises a multinational team of seasoned AAA veterans with roots extending from Blizzard, PUBG, Epic, and Unity. We have a track record of delivering player-centric, AAA-quality experiences, and we're unwavering in our commitment to performance, accessibility, and the meticulous attention to the engineering tools and frameworks that underpin exceptional gameplay. But Atomic Theory is also more than just a studio; for us, it's a sanctuary, a place where our diverse experiences can intersect and combine to carry our solutions to the next level. We're dedicated to aiding studios and publishers in navigating the toughest challenges across today's game development landscape -- and with offices in Albany, NY; Austin, TX; and Cardiff, UK, we thrive at the opportunity to Get Sh!t Done on a global scale.

About the Role: We're looking for a talented and passionate engineer focused on building and maintaining rendering technology and features. You'll be responsible for designing, implementing, optimising, and evolving rendering features to build high quality, visually stunning player experiences. Working as a rendering engineer requires a deep understanding of graphics pipelines, performance considerations, and collaboration with technical and non-technical developers to achieve innovative visual results that delight players.

What We Value:

• 3+ years of programming experience with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal, proprietary) or related graphics technology.
• Proficiency with C++ and strong math skills, particularly in 3D math.
• Experience with rendering pipelines, techniques, and optimisation for real-time applications.
• Understanding of shader fundamentals and tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external teams.
• Strong critical-thinking skills and the know-how to solve problems and debug programs.
• Strong collaborative skills with a willingness to accept and respond to critical feedback.
• Capacity for self-motivation, the ability to work independently, and a strong work ethic.
• A commitment to writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code.

What You May Also Have:

• Experience shipping one or more titles.
• Experience implementing and optimising GPU particle systems.
• Experience with lighting models and global illumination techniques, such as baked lighting.
• Experience integrating rendering systems with content creation pipelines or build processes.
• Experience analysing game performance and implementing optimisations.
• Experience working with larger teams and/or collaborating on large projects.
• Experience developing for current-generation consoles (e.g., Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5).
• Experience collaborating with artists and technical artists to achieve visual targets.

What We Can Offer:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits Package: Your health and wellbeing is important to us, so we offer a variety of benefits including: Private Pension via Salary Sacrifice, Optional Private Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, Annual Leave, Plus Bank Holidays and Winter Break Office Closure.
• Annual Research Credit: We always encourage personal growth, so we provide all of our team members with an annual credit to further enhance your skills!
• Professional Development: We offer biannual reviews, as well as opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, internal tech talks, and the chance to learn from specialists with backgrounds from across the games and software development industries.
• Work-Life Balance: We really believe that home life comes first and we promote a flexible working environment. And as an added bonus: We don’t crunch!
• Family Friendly: We understand the importance of family, which is why we offer 6 weeks full of Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave to support you during this exciting time!
• Office Perks: In addition to everything above, we also provide: Weekly Team Lunches, Snacks, Including the Good Tea (Yorkshire), Fully Equipped Team Lounge, Including our Favourite Consoles and Games, and, most importantly, a supportive and creative working environment made up of talented and friendly people, as well as the opportunity to work on some pretty cool games and projects – if we do say so ourselves!

A Friendly Note from the Recruitment Team: Let us do the work for you: Even if your profile isn’t an exact match for all of the qualifications listed above, we still want you to apply. Our team members come from a variety of different industries, not all of which are immediately relevant to game or software development, and we welcome all candidates of similarly varied backgrounds, communities, and identities. Rocket Science is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a worry-free workplace void of discrimination or harassment. Rocket Scientists are expected to foster and champion an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.