At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Graphics team and develop new rendering features for an exciting boxing game.
- Company: Join Steel City Interactive, a passionate team creating the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 23 days leave, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly office with free snacks!
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team shaping AAA gaming while fostering creativity and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven graphics programming experience, knowledge of C++, HLSL, and Unreal Engine 4 or 5 required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage all applicants to apply, even if you don't meet every requirement.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
About Steel City Interactive
SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade. SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other. Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.
The Role
We’re looking for a Lead Graphics Programmer to help shape the future of our game. In at the start as we pivot to UE5 you’ll be responsible for the development of new rendering features for our game, optimising and maintaining the graphical performance of our product to AAA fidelity. You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world-class gameplay.
Responsibilities
- Lead and mentor the Graphics team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of Rendering features and shaders that support our stated goal of AAA fidelity.
- Liaising with tech art and other disciplines to help art and design teams on multiple projects direct their efforts.
- Lead the establishment of pragmatic performance budgets in collaboration with other teams.
- Profiling and optimising existing code and systems.
- Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
- Ensure high-quality code through best practices and automated testing.
- Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
- Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Graphics development.
- Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven Experience in graphics programming.
- Deep knowledge of key technologies used in graphics programming for AAA games, such as C++ and HLSL.
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 Rendering pipeline.
- An eye for aesthetics - the ability to discuss with artists what works visually and how to make it fit into a game.
- Proven experience with Debugging and data and performance optimisation.
- Strong understanding of 3D maths and data structures.
- Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
- Excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
- A genuine passion for games and game development.
- Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.
What we offer
- Healthy work-life balance: 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
- Christmas shut down.
- Holiday exchange programme.
- Flexible working hours.
- Support for family life: Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay.
- Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental.
- Great office environment: A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
- Free parking.
- Health & wellbeing support: Company sick pay, 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year, Access to 24/7 doctors, Employee Assistance Programme, £300 wellbeing stipend every January.
- Learning support: Learning days, Unlimited access to Udemy courses.
- Additional financial support: Technology scheme (up to £750), Discount Club at over 350 high street stores, Discretionary Cost of Living Payments, Relocation benefits, Electric Car Vehicle Scheme, Bonus.
- Connection and perks: Wrap parties & company paid outings, Individual entertainment budget to cover team events.
Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation. If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
Please be aware that all applications for roles submitted through our website will be managed by our external recruitment partner, Amiqus. While they will handle the processing and management of your application, your data will remain securely stored within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. By submitting your CV through our website, you give your permission for your application to be managed by Amiqus and to be contacted by them on SCI’s behalf.
Lead Graphics Programmer Programming · Sheffield · employer: Steel City Interactive Ltd
Contact Detail:
Steel City Interactive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Graphics Programmer Programming · Sheffield ·
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Unreal Engine 5, as this role involves a pivot to UE5. Consider creating a small project or contributing to an open-source project that showcases your skills in rendering features and shaders.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the gaming industry, especially those who have experience with graphics programming. Attend game development meetups or online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to optimise graphical performance and lead a team. Be ready to share specific examples of challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for games and game development during any interviews or discussions. Share your thoughts on current trends in graphics programming and how they could apply to the future of boxing games, particularly in relation to 'Undisputed'.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Graphics Programmer Programming · Sheffield ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in graphics programming, particularly with C++ and HLSL. Emphasise any previous work with Unreal Engine 4 or 5, and showcase your understanding of AAA game development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for games and game development. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and optimise graphical performance. Show how your values align with Steel City Interactive's mission.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Include a section in your application that details your technical skills, especially those related to graphics programming. Highlight your experience with debugging, performance optimisation, and any relevant software architecture knowledge.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about the types of questions you might be asked during an interview. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring a team, your experience with performance budgets, and how you would contribute to the studio’s culture of excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive Ltd
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with graphics programming, particularly in C++ and HLSL. Highlight any projects where you've developed rendering features or optimised graphical performance, especially in Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since the role involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored others in previous positions. Discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and inclusivity within a team.
✨Prepare for Aesthetic Discussions
Given the importance of visual aesthetics in this role, be ready to talk about how you collaborate with artists. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to making visual elements fit seamlessly into gameplay.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Skills
The job requires identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in past projects and how you approached solving them, particularly in terms of debugging and performance optimisation.