Lead Graphics Programmer

Lead Graphics Programmer

Newport Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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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 remote work, flexible hours, 23 days leave, private healthcare, and a dog-friendly studio.
  • Why this job: Be part of a diverse team, shaping AAA gaming with innovative graphics and a culture of excellence.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in graphics programming, C++, HLSL, and Unreal Engine; leadership skills are a plus.
  • Other info: Access to learning resources, wellbeing support, and fun company outings await you!

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.

Remote working within the UK only

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.

Benefits

  • 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

To apply please send your CV to simon.pittam@amiqus.com - Exclusive SCI Recruiter

Lead Graphics Programmer employer: Steel City Interactive

Steel City Interactive is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer generous benefits such as enhanced maternity and paternity pay, flexible working hours, and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Located in Sheffield, our dog-friendly studio provides a unique atmosphere with free snacks and drinks, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to contribute to the exciting world of video game development.
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Contact Detail:

Steel City Interactive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Graphics Programmer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Unreal Engine 5, as this is a key focus for the role. 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 relevant meetups or online forums to discuss trends and challenges in AAA game development.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills by thinking of examples where you've successfully mentored others or led a team. Be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration and inclusivity in a technical environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your passion for games by discussing your favourite titles and what you admire about their graphics. This will help convey your genuine interest in the industry and align with SCI's culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Graphics Programmer

Proven Experience in Graphics Programming
Deep Knowledge of C++ and HLSL
Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 Rendering Pipeline
Strong Understanding of 3D Maths and Data Structures
Solid Understanding of Software Architecture and Engineering Best Practices
Debugging and Performance Optimisation Skills
Excellent Communication and Documentation Skills
Leadership and Team Management Experience
Attention to Detail
Ability to Collaborate with Artists and Designers
Proactive Mindset
Passion for Games and Game Development
Experience in Establishing Performance Budgets
Championing Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Lead Graphics Programmer position. Familiarise yourself with the technologies mentioned, such as C++, HLSL, and Unreal Engine 4 or 5.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in graphics programming and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your knowledge of AAA game development and your ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for gaming and game development. Discuss specific projects where you've demonstrated your skills in rendering features and performance optimisation, and how you can contribute to Steel City Interactive's vision.

Showcase Your Portfolio: If applicable, include a portfolio of your previous work that demonstrates your graphics programming skills. Highlight any projects that involved Unreal Engine and showcase your ability to create visually appealing and high-performance graphics.

How to prepare for a job interview at Steel City Interactive

✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your experience with graphics programming, particularly in C++ and HLSL. Highlight any projects where you've implemented rendering features or optimised performance, especially using Unreal Engine 4 or 5.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since the role involves leading a team, share examples of how you've successfully mentored others or led engineering teams in the past. Emphasise your ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment.

✨Prepare for Aesthetic Discussions

You’ll need to liaise with artists and designers, so be ready to discuss visual aesthetics. Bring examples of how you’ve worked with art teams to ensure that graphics fit seamlessly into gameplay.

✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities

Discuss your approach to debugging and performance optimisation. Be ready to provide specific instances where you've identified risks and implemented effective mitigation strategies in previous projects.

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