Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)
Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)

Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
D

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a talented programming team to create amazing gameplay experiences.
  • Company: Join Double Eleven, an award-winning global gaming company based in beautiful Middlesbrough.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, hybrid working options, and 28 days annual leave plus more perks!
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative culture that values creativity and work-life balance while making top-tier games.
  • Qualifications: Strong C++ knowledge and experience in the games industry are essential.
  • Other info: Relocation support available; no visa sponsorship for this role.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a Lead Programmer to join our award winning team in Middlesbrough (UK), home to the beautiful North Yorkshire coastline and countryside. As a Lead Programmer at Double Eleven, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping cutting-edge gameplay experiences. You’ll be working alongside the developers of some of the best selling and highest rated video games of all time. Leading a skilled code team, developing robust systems, optimising performance and ensuring top-tier code quality - all while fostering a collaborative and motivated environment. You’ll work closely with designers, artists and other disciplines, collaborating to bring ideas to life. As a key technical point of contact, you’ll also engage directly with clients, presenting game changing solutions and managing expectations to keep the project on track.

As a global gaming company, we’ve enabled millions to conquer Minecraft Dungeons, battle in Rust Console Edition and create new adventures in Fallout 76. Recently, we collaborated with Rockstar Games to bring Red Dead Redemption to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as well as partnered with Obsidian Entertainment on Grounded: Fully Yoked Edition for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and 5. Double Eleven is a place where our people come first. Our 400-person team proudly represents over 30 nationalities. We strive to avoid crunch, we offer flexible working hours to allow you to truly enjoy work/life balance whilst making great games and any overtime is always planned, optional and paid. We can support UK relocation and have both a dedicated People and Operation teams on standby to assist you. On this occasion, we’re unable to sponsor a visa for this role.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Design, develop, test and implement systems and game code to a high quality
  • Perform code reviews with the development team to ensure code quality
  • Work with designers, artists and publishing as required to create the highest possible quality titles
  • Lead a team, taking responsibility for their personal development and work delivery
  • Work with production on a project roadmap and deliver according to that schedule
  • Take part in regular client meetings and become the first technical point of contact for the project

What we’re looking for:

  • Excellent knowledge of C++
  • Experience as a Lead or Associate Lead in the games industry
  • Working on multiplayer games
  • Experienced with proprietary engines
  • Experience with code optimisation
  • Experience in project roadmapping
  • Experience in project risk management
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with team members outside the code team
  • Ability to coach a small team of programmers
  • Able to break down and structure tasks to meet deadlines efficiently

Qualifications:

  • All relevant qualifications are considered

What to expect:

  • Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am
  • 35 working hours per week with a 1 hour lunch break (with the opportunity to flex down to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours)
  • Opportunity to apply for hybrid working (up to 2 days working from home per week)
  • 28 days annual leave (20 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday)
  • 1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you’re moving house
  • Up to 10 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break
  • Potential for annual performance bonus
  • 5 additional days annual leave for 5 years service and a further 5 days annual leave for your 10 years service milestone
  • A brand new, state-of-the-art studio facilities that includes a market hall serving nutritious, subsidised meals, round-the-clock gym access, an auditorium and more
  • Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit
  • Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)
  • Electric Car Scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Free game codes, game swag and merchandise
  • Family-friendly leave available
  • Christmas Saving Scheme
  • Free parking
  • Best-in-class tools and workflows so you can focus on creativity
  • Professional development and wellbeing
  • Vitality Private Healthcare, discounts and rewards for you, your spouse and children (upon the successful completion of your 6 month probationary period)
  • Access to mental health and wellbeing support via Plumm (includes 4 free video therapy sessions per month for both the employee and up to 3 family members aged 18+), unlimited text therapy, courses, meditations
  • A personalised development plan with dedicated support tailored to your growth and goals
  • Access to an accredited Academy providing professional qualifications (and access to 500 UK discounts and offers via TOTUM when registered as a student)
  • A dedicated Workplace Experience team responsible for work environments, workplace and quality of employee life services to help foster collaboration, creativity and innovation
  • In-studio wellbeing programmes and People team support
  • Free activities via our Bus Tours programme (where on occasion, partners and children are welcome to join you)
  • Many team events to celebrate team and game milestones
  • Sponsored team activities including football, basketball, book club, movie club and more
  • Opportunity to contribute to our internal Employee Diversity and Equality Network

If you have a general query or if you need support with your application and/or an alternative way to apply, please do not hesitate to contact our Talent team at jobs@double11.com

Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine) employer: Double Eleven

Double Eleven is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant town of Middlesbrough, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With flexible working hours, generous leave policies, and state-of-the-art facilities, we foster a collaborative environment where creativity thrives. Our commitment to avoiding crunch time and providing comprehensive support for relocation makes us an attractive choice for those seeking a fulfilling career in the gaming industry.
D

Contact Detail:

Double Eleven Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the proprietary engines used in the gaming industry. Understanding their architecture and common challenges can give you an edge during interviews, as you'll be able to discuss specific experiences and solutions you've implemented.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully led a team in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and motivate your team, as this is crucial for the Lead Programmer position.

✨Tip Number 3

Engage with the gaming community online, especially forums or platforms where developers share insights about C++ and game development. This not only helps you stay updated but also allows you to network with potential colleagues or industry professionals.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience with project roadmapping and risk management. Being able to articulate how you've navigated challenges in past projects will demonstrate your readiness for the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)

Expertise in C++ programming
Experience in leading development teams
Proficiency with proprietary game engines
Strong understanding of multiplayer game development
Code optimisation techniques
Project roadmapping experience
Risk management in project delivery
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to coach and mentor junior programmers
Task breakdown and structuring for efficient deadlines
Collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams
Experience in conducting code reviews
Client engagement and expectation management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with C++ and any leadership roles you've held in the gaming industry. Emphasise your work on multiplayer games and proprietary engines, as these are key requirements for the role.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for game development and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Lead Programmer position. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and optimise code.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated with non-technical team members or clients in past projects.

Highlight Project Management Experience: Discuss your experience with project roadmapping and risk management in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and expectations in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the Lead Programmer position.

How to prepare for a job interview at Double Eleven

✨Showcase Your C++ Expertise

As a Lead Programmer, your knowledge of C++ is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've used C++, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your technical proficiency and problem-solving skills.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since the role involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored other programmers. Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and motivating your team, as this will show that you're not just a coder but also a leader.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect in-depth technical questions related to game development, proprietary engines, and code optimisation. Brush up on these topics and be ready to explain your thought process when tackling complex coding problems. This will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.

✨Communicate Effectively

Excellent communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to collaborate with designers and artists. Being able to convey your ideas clearly will demonstrate your ability to work across disciplines.

Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)
Double Eleven
D
  • Lead Programmer (C++ / Proprietary Engine)

    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-15

  • D

    Double Eleven

Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>