DECK 13 Interactive is hiring a Lead Game Programmer (f/m/x) to guide our technical teams and ensure excellence in our projects, tools, and core gameplay systems. You will balance hands-on programming with leadership, setting standards, driving architecture, and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.
What You'll Do
- Lead and coordinate the design, implementation, and maintenance of key systems for our Unreal Engine 5 project, development tools, and gameplay/animation features.
- Mentor and support engineers of varying experience levels, sharing expertise, reviewing code, and fostering professional growth.
- Establish and enforce coding standards and development best practices for sustainable, high-quality output.
- Collaborate with designers, artists, animators, and producers to align technical solutions with creative vision, workflow needs, and project goals.
- Champion innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and workflows for engine, art, audio, gameplay, and animation development.
- Debug and resolve complex technical issues across various disciplines.
- Promote teamwork and cross-functional communication, facilitating knowledge-sharing and alignment on project deliverables.
What We're Looking For
- Proven leadership experience managing game development teams or leading complex technical projects.
- Strong mentorship and interpersonal skills.
- Advanced proficiency in C++ and solid mastery of core programming principles, system design, and large codebases.
- Extensive experience developing custom tools, editor extensions, and implementing scalable gameplay systems.
- Minimum 5+ years of professional programming experience in the game industry.
- At least 3+ years in a lead or supervisory role.
- Demonstrated success shipping console games, with deep knowledge in debugging, optimization, and system architecture.
- Excellent communication, technical documentation, and cross-team collaboration abilities.
Nice to Have
- In-depth Unreal Engine architecture knowledge.
- Experience with multiple programming languages (e.g., C#, Python).
- Past contributions to open-source, indie, or community game projects.
- Advanced expertise in AI or animation systems.
- Passion for mentoring, industry trends, and staying ahead in cutting-edge engine tech.
Technical Stack
- C++
- Unreal Engine 5
Team & Environment
You will join a team of around 100 talented professionals as part of the PulluP Entertainment group.
Benefits & Compensation
- Modern, centrally located office in Frankfurt, Germany (near Messe).
- Free language courses.
- Monthly allowances for remote working and gym memberships.
- Monthly allowance for the Deutschlandticket.
- Tax-free Probonio vouchers available every month.
- Free access to an online mental health platform (Bloom).
- Opportunities for career growth with a yearly learning & development budget.
- 28 days of paid vacation, plus the 24th and 31st of December off.
Work Mode
This position offers a hybrid work mode and is based in Frankfurt, Germany.
DECK 13 Interactive is an equal opportunity employer celebrating diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
