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 working hours, private medical care, and a fun, anti-crunch environment.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for professional growth and team support.
- Why this job: Make an impact on AAA games while collaborating with talented teams globally.
- 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 FC 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.
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
At d3t we work flexibly, but value in-person collaboration: this position is offered on a hybrid basis only at either of our UK sites (3 days per week in the studio: Wednesday, Thursday and another day of your choice). We value work/life balance and have a discretionary flexible hours system and operate a no-crunch policy as a studio.
d3t Studio Benefits & Perks
- 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 to still apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles within our team.
Principal Programmer d3t - 12 Month Contract employer: Keywords Studios Plc.
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. Our commitment to work-life balance, anti-crunch ethos, and flexible working arrangements ensures that our employees thrive both personally and professionally. With opportunities for mentorship and involvement in high-profile projects, joining our team means being part of a passionate community dedicated to pushing the boundaries of videogame technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Programmer d3t - 12 Month Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those at d3t or similar studios. 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 using Unreal, Unity, or any engines you’ve mastered. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your problem-solving abilities. We love seeing what you can do!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms, as you’ll need to communicate with both techies and non-techies. We want to see how you collaborate and lead!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re all about building a diverse team, so don’t hesitate to throw your hat in the ring even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique perspective could be just what we need!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Programmer d3t - 12 Month Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Programmer role. Highlight your experience with the engines and technologies mentioned in the job description, and show us how your skills align with our projects.
Show Off Your Projects:Include links to your previous work or projects that showcase your programming skills. We love seeing what you've done, especially if it relates to AAA games or the specific areas we’re looking for expertise in!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your experience and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at d3t.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keywords Studios Plc.
✨Know Your Engines
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the engines mentioned in the job description, especially Unreal and Unity. Be ready to discuss your experience with these engines and how you've tackled challenges in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of complex programming tasks you've handled. Highlight your approach to problem-solving and how you collaborated with teams to deliver solutions. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership of large systems.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in a way that non-technical team members can understand. Being able to communicate effectively with various disciplines is crucial, so think of examples where you've successfully done this in the past.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Mentoring
Be ready to discuss your experience in supporting less experienced team members. Share specific instances where you've provided guidance or conducted code reviews, as this aligns with the mentoring ethos at d3t.
