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
