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 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
Experience developing or maintaining engine-level systems
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
