Game Programmer jobs in Leeds

Who We Are

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 focus on extending, optimising, and maintaining Unreal Engine systems that support game development across the project. You'll work on engine-level features, tooling, performance improvements, and platform-specific solutions that enable the wider team to build high-quality experiences efficiently.

You'll be trusted to solve complex technical challenges, influence technical direction, and help establish best practices across the engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain engine-level systems within Unreal Engine

• Extend and customise Unreal systems where project requirements demand it

• Improve performance, memory usage, loading times, and scalability

• Develop tools, workflows, and automation that improve team efficiency

• Investigate and resolve low-level technical issues across platforms

• Work closely with gameplay, design, art, and production teams

• Contribute to technical planning, architecture discussions, and estimation

• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers through reviews and knowledge sharing

• Help maintain engineering standards and documentation

What We're Looking For

Technical Experience

• Strong experience working with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 in production

• Excellent C++ programming skills

• Deep understanding of Unreal's engine architecture and core systems

• Experience working with performance optimisation, memory management, and profiling

• Experience extending engine functionality and developing technical tools

• Familiarity with build systems, asset pipelines, and automation workflows

• Experience supporting console or PC development

• Comfortable using Perforce and Jira

Ways of Working

• Comfortable owning complex technical systems independently

• Able to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Proactive in identifying risks, blockers, and long-term technical concerns

• Supportive of teammates through mentoring and knowledge sharing

• Passionate about maintainable, production-ready code

Bonus Points

• Experience with build pipelines, CI/CD, and automation tooling

• Experience shipping Unreal titles on console

• Familiarity with networking, streaming, or platform systems

• Experience supporting multi-project or co-development environments

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