Lead Graphics Programmer

About Steel City Interactive

SCI was born out of passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. What started as a fun prototype has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.  

SCI is a welcoming place for expression and open communication, where everyone has a voice. We’re a diverse bunch, consisting of people with decades of games industry experience, graduates and talented individuals who come from other industries. We all bring knowledge and learn from each other.

Together we are driven by ambition to bring the world of boxing into a video game like never before.  

The Role

We're looking for a Lead Graphics Programmer to help shape the future of our game. In at the start as we pivot to UE5 you'll be responsible for the development of new rendering features for our game, optimising and maintaining the graphical performance of our product to AAA fidelity.

You will be working in collaboration with a highly talented, diverse team to create world-class gameplay.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Graphics team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Oversee the planning, scoping, and delivery of Rendering features and shaders that support our stated goal of AAA fidelity.
• Liaising with tech art and other disciplines to help art and design teams on multiple projects direct their efforts.
• Lead the establishment of pragmatic performance budgets in collaboration with other teams.
• Profiling and optimising existing code and systems.
• Review and approve technical documentation and architectural decisions.
• Ensure high-quality code through best practices and automated testing.
• Identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement and innovation in Graphics development.
• Contribute to the studio’s technical direction and culture of excellence.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Proven Experience in graphics programming
• Deep knowledge of key technologies used in graphics programming for AAA games, such as C++ and HLSL.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 Rendering pipeline.
• An eye for aesthetics - the ability to discuss with artists what works visually and how to make it fit into a game.
• Proven experience with Debugging and data and performance optimisation.
• Strong understanding of 3D maths and data structures
• Solid understanding of software architecture and engineering best practices.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Self-driven with a proactive mindset and attention to detail.
• A genuine passion for games and game development.
• Prior experience in line management or leading engineering teams.

What we offer

Healthy work-life balance:

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), that increases 1 day per year of service.
• Christmas shut down
• Holiday exchange programme
• Flexible working hours

Support for family life:

• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Private Healthcare which includes Optical & Dental

Great office environment:

• A dog friendly studio based in Sheffield, with free snacks, fruit and drinks!
• Free parking

Health & wellbeing support:

• Company sick pay
• 2 days paid Mental Health leave per year
• Access to 24/7 doctors
• Employee Assistance Programme
• £300 wellbeing stipend every January

Learning support:

• Learning days
• Unlimited access to Udemy courses

Additional financial support:

• Technology scheme (up to £750)
• Discount Club at over 350 high street stores
• Discretionary Cost of Living Payments
• Relocation benefits
• Electric Car Vehicle Scheme
• Bonus

Connection and perks:

• Wrap parties & company paid outings
• Individual entertainment budget to cover team events

Steel City Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building a diverse team and welcome all applications, considering them without regard to race, religion, belief, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, gender reassignment, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, sex or sexual orientation.

If you’re excited about this role and believe you would add value to our team, but don’t meet every single requirement, we would still like to hear from you – please let us know about the value you would bring in your application.

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

Please be aware that all applications for roles submitted through our website will be managed by our external recruitment partner, Amiqus. While they will handle the processing and management of your application, your data will remain securely stored within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your personal information. By submitting your CV through our website, you give your permission for your application to be managed by Amiqus and to be contacted by them on SCI’s behalf.