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, but our team is made up of experienced developers who’ve worked across AAA and independent titles. Together, we’re building a supportive, balanced environment where great work happens without crunch.
The Role
As a Senior Programmer, you'll work across a variety of systems inside proprietary engines, building new features, improving performance, and unblocking others.
You'll be expected to own the implementation of significant features, contribute to technical planning, and act as a source of knowledge and mentorship for less experienced developers.
The engines you'll work with vary depending on the project, but what stays consistent is your role as a calm, trusted engineer who can dig deep, communicate clearly, and help deliver technically solid, production-ready code.
Responsibilities
Design, implement, and maintain features and systems in proprietary or third-party game engines
Work closely with production, design, and other disciplines to deliver reliable, efficient code
Debug and optimise existing systems, performance, memory, threading, IO, etc.
Understand and navigate unfamiliar codebases confidently and safely
Provide mentorship and support to junior and mid-level engineers
Participate in sprint planning and estimation, and help break down complex tasks
Identify risks and blockers early, and offer practical, collaborative solutions
Maintain a high level of code quality and help enforce team-wide standards
Contribute to tools and workflow improvements when needed
What We’re Looking For
Technical Experience
Strong proficiency with C++ in large, real-time codebases
Comfortable working in proprietary game engines
Ability to quickly understand and work within complex or legacy systems
Experienced working with performance-critical systems ( multithreading, memory, IO, memory,)
Familiar with platform-specific considerations (consoles or PC)
Comfortable using Perforce or similar source control, and task/bug tracking tools such as Jira
Ways of Working
Able to take full ownership of feature delivery, from planning to testing
Supports others through documentation, pairing, and technical discussion
Communicates clearly across disciplines — design, production, QA, etc.
Comfortable raising risks and suggesting practical, team-focused solutions
Passionate about writing clear, maintainable, production-ready code
Bonus Points
Experience shipping a title built in a bespoke or custom engine
Familiarity with console submission processes and platform compliance
Knowledge of graphics programming concepts (materials, shaders, rendering pipelines)
Worked with with graphics APIs (e.g. DirectX12, Vulkan)
Knowledge of online services integration, input handling, or save systems
Background in technical tooling, automation, or performance tracking
Exposure to team-based development with external partners or clients
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 youʼre 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 youʼre 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
