Principal Engine Programmer
Principal Engine Programmer

Principal Engine Programmer

North East Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engine development, solve complex problems, and shape team practices.
  • Company: Ubisoft is a global leader in gaming, committed to inclusivity and creativity.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, flexible hours, 25 days leave, and wellness support.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in developing AAA titles and influence the wider Ubisoft Group.
  • Qualifications: Significant engine development experience and proficiency across multiple platforms required.
  • Other info: Join a supportive culture prioritising mental health and community engagement.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Job Description

As a Principal Engine Programmer, you will be a reliable solution finder, somebody who’s able to jump in with any problem while showing that you’re a collaborative leader in our engineering teams.

For this role, having the ability to switch between multiple threads and using your experience of working in complex codebases, you’ll be taking ownership on core engine technology while bringing innovative solutions and de-bugging hard problems. We want you to be able to expand on your knowledge and shape the best practice across the team.

Joining as our Principal Engine Programmer, your ideas will be highly valued while you work alongside your Lead and Technical Director assisting with shaping and contributing to the direction of the team. We want you to be hands on covering a range of skills with an overview on architectural systems and a broad view of different systems helping to the project hit it’s potential.

This is a great opportunity to become a real leader on a currently unannounced AAA title and a chance to develop the codebase not only on your immediate project but the potential to influence the wider Ubisoft Group too. We want you to have the freedom to test your abilities while being free to research and implement what is possible within the realms of AAA Game Development.

What you\’ll bring

At Ubisoft, we aim to be a destination of choice for the best talent. We want people like you, who will be instrumental in driving our studios to success.

  • Significant experience in engine development;
  • Ability to own the delivery of core engine technology for a scalable project(s);
  • Experienced with optimisation and performance metrics for hardware;
  • Proficiency across multiple hardware/platforms;
  • Understanding of project planning and a collaborative approach;

Joining Ubisoft, you’ll be part of an inclusive global brand. With us, you will build upon your ongoing success and place your stamp on the production of our games and the development of our people. You’ll have the prestige of developing and producing exciting world-class AAA games and help showcase our studio as a market leader within our industry.

With us, you will find your future in one of the strongest knowledge bases in the games industry coupled with brilliant opportunities for career progression on a critically acclaimed brand portfolio.

What we\’ll provide

We put our people first through nurturing their creativity and wellbeing and the reason we continue to create engaging and compelling AAA titles that are loved across the world. We also value the art of collaboration and a sense of belonging, which is why we\’ve embraced a hybrid working model that requires our team members to be on-site for an average of 3 days per week, fostering a vibrant and creative work environment that unites us in pursuing our shared goals.

  • Everything you need to keep your life in balance – hybrid working, flexible core hours, 25 days of annual leave, Christmas shutdown, and a plan that will enable you to work from anywhere in the EU for up to four weeks per year
  • Life insurance, income insurance, private healthcare, an annual well-being allowance, and more
  • Generous resources committed to your perpetual personal and professional development
  • Investment in our community – with paid volunteering days
  • Fun and entertainment – with free games, activities, and celebrations
  • Generous relocation support – should you need it

Positive mental health and wellbeing at work are priorities for us. We are a Gold Employer in the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index, and partners of Safe in Our World. We run an inclusive Wellbeing Champions programme and provide a wide range of training and resources to support all of our people to proactively discuss and manage their own mental health, as well as support their team members.

Ready to Apply?

We aim to build the world’s most distinctive and diverse gaming studio; therefore, we strongly encourage you to apply. We’d love to hear about you and your background.

Find out more about Ubisoft Reflections by contacting Luke Murtagh, our Talent Acquisition Partner managing this vacancy:

Website:

TA Partner:

Our Social Channels: linktr.ee/UbisoftReflections

Link to Job Description

Principal Engine Programmer (last updated June 2025)

Company Description

At Ubisoft, we aspire to be a workplace where EVERYONE is supported, empowered and invited to join the game. We believe that by prioritising equity and inclusivity, we fuel creative endeavours and craft gameplay experiences that reflect and respect our uniquely talented game-makers and outstanding players.

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Principal Engine Programmer employer: Ubisoft

Ubisoft is an exceptional employer that prioritises creativity, collaboration, and employee wellbeing, making it a fantastic place for a Principal Engine Programmer to thrive. With a hybrid working model, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, and a strong commitment to personal and professional development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of AAA game development while being part of an inclusive and vibrant team. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to a globally recognised brand that values your ideas and fosters a supportive work environment.
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Contact Detail:

Ubisoft Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Engine Programmer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in engine development and optimisation techniques. Being well-versed in current technologies will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation during discussions with the team.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your collaborative skills by engaging with other professionals in the industry. Attend game development meetups or online forums where you can share ideas and learn from others, which will help you build a network that could be beneficial when applying for this role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with complex codebases and how you've tackled challenging problems in the past. Be ready to provide specific examples that highlight your problem-solving abilities and leadership qualities, as these are key aspects of the Principal Engine Programmer role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Ubisoft's current projects and their approach to AAA game development. Understanding their vision and values will allow you to align your own experiences and ideas with what they are looking for, making you a more attractive candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Engine Programmer

Engine Development
Core Technology Ownership
Performance Optimisation
Multi-Platform Proficiency
Complex Codebase Management
Debugging Skills
Architectural Systems Understanding
Project Planning
Collaborative Leadership
Innovative Problem Solving
Scalable Project Delivery
Performance Metrics Analysis
Hands-On Development Experience
AAA Game Development Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your significant experience in engine development and showcases your ability to deliver core engine technology. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and collaborative approach.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for AAA game development and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the job description, particularly your experience with optimisation and performance metrics across multiple hardware/platforms.

Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership qualities and your ability to shape best practices within a team. Provide examples of how you've successfully led projects or contributed to team direction in previous roles.

Highlight Continuous Learning: Demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional development by mentioning any relevant courses, certifications, or self-directed learning you've undertaken. This shows your willingness to expand your knowledge and adapt to new challenges in the gaming industry.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ubisoft

✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

As a Principal Engine Programmer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to tackle complex problems. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully identified issues and implemented effective solutions, especially in engine development.

✨Highlight Collaborative Leadership

This role requires a collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams or projects in the past, focusing on how you fostered teamwork and encouraged innovative ideas among your colleagues.

✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency

Make sure to brush up on your knowledge of various hardware and platforms. Be prepared to discuss optimisation techniques and performance metrics, as these are crucial for the role. Showing your technical depth will impress the interviewers.

✨Express Your Vision for AAA Game Development

Ubisoft values creativity and innovation. Share your thoughts on the future of AAA game development and how you envision contributing to the team’s success. This will show your passion for the industry and your alignment with their goals.

Principal Engine Programmer
Ubisoft
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  • Principal Engine Programmer

    North East
    Full-Time
    48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-09-05

  • U

    Ubisoft

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