Senior Engine Programmer

At Cast Iron Games, we build technically ambitious games in a calm, focused environment, where every team member has a voice. Based in Tileyard North, we collaborate with high quality partners on high- quality projects, guided by clarity, consistency, and mutual respect.

We're a young and growing studio delivering AAA games. Our experienced team has contributed to some of the industry's biggest AAA and independent titles, and we're building a supportive, balanced environment where great work happens without crunch.

The Role

As a Senior Engine Programmer, you'll work on the foundational systems that power game development. You'll develop and maintain core engine technology, improve performance and scalability, and build systems that enable teams across engineering, design, art, and production to work effectively.

You'll be trusted to own complex technical problems, contribute to long-term architecture decisions, and mentor less experienced developers.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and maintain core engine systems

Improve engine performance, memory usage, scalability, and stability

Develop tools and workflows that improve team productivity

Work across systems including memory, threading, IO, streaming, asset management, and platform support

Debug complex technical issues across large codebases

Collaborate with multiple disciplines to support project requirements

Contribute to technical planning, estimation, and architecture discussions

Mentor junior and mid-level programmers through reviews and knowledge sharing

Help maintain engineering standards and best practices

What We're Looking For

Technical Experience

Strong C++ programming experience within large game codebases

Strong understanding of memory management, multithreading, and performance optimisation

Comfortable working with proprietary technology and solving complex technical challenges

Experience profiling and debugging complex technical issues

Familiarity with console and PC platform requirements

Comfortable using Perforce and Jira

Ways of Working

Comfortable owning complex systems from design through delivery

Able to balance short‑term development needs with long‑term maintainability

Strong communicator across technical and non-technical disciplines

Proactive in identifying risks and proposing solutions

Bonus Points

Experience shipping games using proprietary engines

Familiarity with platform compliance and certification requirements

Experience building internal tools and development pipelines

Knowledge of rendering systems or graphics architecture

Experience working with external partners or co‑development teams

Why Cast Iron Games

A people‑first studio with a clear focus on craft, clarity, and collaboration

A high‑trust team where experience is valued and voices are heard

A respectful, experienced team with a strong engineering culture

The opportunity to ship performance‑optimised, cross‑platform games you're proud of

Projects that offer real variety. Different game engines, new challenges, constant growth

Creative surroundings at Tileyard North, with a supportive creative community

Competitive salary, flexible hours and professional development support

Opportunities to lead with clarity, autonomy, and real impact

No crunch. No egos. Just good code, good people and good games

What to Expect / Key Benefits

Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am

35 working hours per week with a 1‑hour lunch break (with the opportunity to flex down to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours)

25 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday

1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you're moving house

Length of service increases are 1 day per year of service up to maximum of 8 additional days

Up to 8 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break

Potential for annual performance bonus

Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit

Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)

Group Life Assurance – 4 x annual salary payable to nominated beneficiaries through an expression of wishes form.

Income Protection – covers you up for up to 50% of monthly salary for 2 years (after a 26 week deferred period, i.e. when SSP runs out)

Critical Illness Cover – lump sum of 1 x annual salary on diagnosis of a critical illness

Cycle to Work Scheme

EV & Hybrid Car Scheme

Tech Purchase Scheme – split the cost of Tech or Home electronics through salary deduction, interest free

Healthcare Cash plan – claim back the cost of everyday healthcare, dental, physio, chiropractor, opticians, podiatry etc

Private Medical Insurance with Vitality

Reward Gateway with cashback and discounts on 900+ retailers

Employee Assistance Programme including Virtual GP service

Wellbeing Centre based on Mind, Move, Munch and Money

#J-18808-Ljbffr