At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting programming projects for top-tier video game clients and tackle complex challenges.
- Company: Join d3t, a leading studio in game development with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 22 days holiday, private medical care, and fun company events.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values growth, collaboration, and creativity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the gaming industry while working on AAA titles and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of programming experience and expertise in C++ and game engines.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
d3t is at the forefront of videogame technology and creativity, delivering experienced co‑development services to some of the biggest AAA clients in the world. Our studio, part of the global Keywords Studios Group, works on multiple exciting projects at any one time, offering plenty of variety and involvement. Our studio projects have included EA SPORTS FCTM 26, Hogwarts Legacy, Exoborne, Mafia: The Old Country, Alan Wake Remastered, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Vampire The Masquerade - Blood Hunt, Mafia II: Definitive Edition, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. We also work in partnership with our global clients including Playground Games, EA and Archetype Entertainment. The d3t studios are based near Daresbury (Cheshire), Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) and Madrid where we offer an amazingly professional and supportive working environment. We are passionate about what we do and pride ourselves on our anti‑crunch mentality, mentoring ethos and have been awarded ‘Best Places to Work’ multiple times by gamesindustry.biz. In addition, we won ‘Best Creative Service Provider’ at Develop 2022 and were nominated in 2023 & 2024.
The Programming Team is expanding and this exciting opportunity for a Principal Programmer will be a 12 month fixed‑term contract (with potential extension), based in either of our UK studio sites (Daresbury or Newcastle), on a hybrid working basis. The working pattern is 3 days per week in the studio: Wednesday, Thursday and another day of your choice.
We are looking for a Principal Programmer to join our world class Engineering Team. At d3t we expect our programmers to be generalists, able to adapt to any technical challenge, but also play to their strengths and passions. A Principal Programmer at d3t works alongside our Tech Directors and Leads to form the experienced core of the department. Our Principal Programmers can expect to take ownership on large, complex and interesting technological challenges for our high‑profile clients around the globe on a variety of projects from AAA new IP and world renowned franchises to ports, remasters, remakes and embedded co‑dev. At this time we are particularly looking for Principal Programmers with professional experience in at least two of the following engines: Proprietary, Unreal, Unity or Frostbite and experience/ ownership in any of the following: UI / Animation / Physics / Core Tech / Systems / Gameplay / 3Cs / Vehicle Physics.
Responsibilities
- Researching, owning, implementing and delivering large systems autonomously and as part of a team.
- Work on a variety of projects and low‑level programming challenges, across PC and consoles.
- Take on the most complex programming tasks and bugs.
- Communicating and collaborating with multiple disciplines to deliver work on time, to spec and to a high standard.
- Work closely with local teams and global clients to gather requirements and update on progress.
- Support less experienced members of the engineering team through advice, code reviews and calls.
- Technical point of contact or lead on small projects or teams reporting to production and engineering leadership.
Requirements
Essential Experience + Skills
- Experience: 10+ years
- Languages: Expertise in many including C++
- Engines: Experienced with commercial and bespoke game engines
- Knowledge: Developed large scale systems in any of (e.g. animation, gameplay, UI, physics, networking, memory, animation, core tech, graphics, profiling etc.)
- Technology: IDEs, source control, build infrastructure
- Confidence: Will take on any challenge or responsibility
- Dependability: Works autonomously, flexibly, proactively and to deadlines
- Growth: A desire to continually update knowledge and expertise
- Teamwork: Enjoy working as part of a team and supporting others as well as being the initial person working with clients on small teams.
- Communication: Able to clearly discuss technical detail, solutions and progress with multiple disciplines including non technical developers and clients.
- Documentation: Able to write clear and detailed technical plans, schedules and usage documents to the highest standard.
Desirable Experience + Skills
- Knowledge of render tech
- Released games
- Low level console development
- Full development cycle
- Porting games
- Tools development
- Build and infrastructure
- Small team or sub team leadership
Benefits
- 22 days holiday (+ bank holidays + 3 days festive studio closure)
- Company Pension Scheme (+ Employer Contribution)
- Flexible Working Hours
- Private Medical (including dental) – BUPA
- Anti‑crunch ethos – a professional, fun and supportive working environment!
- Free Parking
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Company Socials, Monthly Lunches + Annual d3t Events
- Breakout Areas – filled with perks such as games, BBQ area, complimentary snacks to suit all dietary preferences etc.
Interviews will be held by video call. Don't meet every single requirement? Not a problem - please apply. At d3t we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and culture. If this opportunity excites you but your current skills or past experience don't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you still to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles within our team.
Principal Programmer d3t - 12 Month Contract in Gateshead employer: Keyword Studios
At d3t, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the gaming industry, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment that fosters creativity and innovation. With a strong anti-crunch ethos, flexible working hours, and a commitment to employee growth through mentorship and collaboration, our studios in Daresbury and Newcastle provide an exciting opportunity for Principal Programmers to work on high-profile projects with some of the biggest names in gaming. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Programmer d3t - 12 Month Contract in Gateshead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those at d3t or similar companies. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to game engines like Unreal or Unity. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your problem-solving abilities. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on technical challenges you might face. Practice coding problems and be ready to discuss your past projects in detail. Remember, they want to see how you tackle complex issues, so come armed with examples!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the d3t team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your experience with the specific technologies mentioned in the job description!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Programmer d3t - 12 Month Contract in Gateshead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Programmer role. Highlight your expertise in engines like Unreal or Unity, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how you can bring your unique strengths to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for game development and why you're excited about working with d3t. Mention specific projects or technologies that resonate with you, and let us know how you can contribute to our amazing team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In your application, don't shy away from detailing your technical prowess. Whether it's C++ or low-level console development, we want to see your experience laid out clearly. Include examples of large systems you've developed or complex challenges you've tackled.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you'll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keyword Studios
✨Know Your Engines
Make sure you brush up on your experience with Unreal, Unity, and Frostbite. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've used these engines, focusing on the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex programming tasks you've tackled in the past. Highlight your approach to debugging and how you collaborated with other disciplines to deliver solutions on time.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-technical team members can understand. This will be crucial when discussing your work with clients or less experienced colleagues during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Mentoring
Be ready to share experiences where you've supported junior programmers or led small teams. d3t values collaboration, so showcasing your ability to mentor others will set you apart.
