Core Tech Programmer in UNITED KINGDOM

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation and sponsorship for some of our positions (if the role is eligible, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and many of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote working basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for further information. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Core Tech Programmer (Junior / Regular / Senior / Principal)

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Core Tech Programmer to join our highly talented Core Tech team.

Role overview

In this role, you will work at the heart of our development process, creating and maintaining efficient, high-quality code while ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and subsystems within Unreal Engine. You will play a pivotal role in testing, debugging, and optimising code for multiple platforms, supporting the technical needs of content creators, and collaborating across departments to deliver exceptional results.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge game development, leveraging your technical expertise to solve complex challenges, evaluate new technologies, and enhance our production pipeline.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support, if required
• Work style:
• If Junior, fully on-site
• If Regular, fully on-site or hybrid (you must live within 50 miles of our studio or be able to relocate to Nottingham. You will be required on-site several days each week)
• If Senior or Principal, hybrid or fully remote from within the UK
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Write clean and maintainable code in accordance with coding guidelines
• Work sympathetically based on surrounding code / subsystems in Unreal Engine
• Test and debug code on a variety of platforms (PC/Xbox/Playstation)
• Fix bugs, including threading/concurrency issues and memory tramples
• Use 1st party performance analysis tools (PIX / Razor) to profile code and look for optimisation opportunities.
• Support content creators with improvements to Unreal Editor
• Represent Core Tech in cross-dept meetings to provide technical insight and identify technical risks
• Collaborate with both technical and non-technical teams
• Evaluate new technologies / middleware which may be beneficial to the game
• Work with JIRA as the primary source of work and project management
• Prioritise tasks effectively with support from line manager
• Continue to learn and build upon game development knowledge

Requirements

Essential:

• Strong C++ programming skills, including multithreaded code.
• Solid knowledge and application of 3D mathematics.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to understand and debug other programmers' code.
• Capable of working independently without supervision and collaboratively within a team.
• A desire and ability to learn and develop professionally.
• (Regular level or above) Shipped at least 1 AAA title.
• (Regular level or above) Over 3 years of relevant industry experience.

Desirable:

• Experience with Unreal Engine.
• Experience working with AAA engines (e.g., Unity).
• Familiarity with engine technologies and systems (e.g., physics, streaming, rendering, editor, toolchain).
• Experience with console technology.
• Proficiency with game editors or tools pipelines.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.