Principal Engine Programmer

The Molasses Flood is a CD PROJEKT game development studio located in the greater Boston area. We were founded by industry veterans in 2014, and since then have created The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow. We’re currently working on an ambitious and exciting new project set in The Witcher universe. We value every voice on the team, open communication and transparency, and run a studio based on mutual respect and kindness between all members and levels of the team. If this sounds like the type of team you’d like to be a part of, we encourage you to apply.

The Molasses Flood is seeking a Principal Engine Programmer to join our team and play a pivotal role in extending Unreal Engine 5 for our current and future titles. You will architect and develop core engine systems and tools, optimize performance, and help shape the technical foundation of our games. This is a unique opportunity to work on a new project with a talented team, contributing to the systems that empower our developers to create exceptional gameplay experiences.

This role is a full time salaried position, reporting to the Lead Engine Programmer. This role could be performed on-site at our Boston area office, or remotely within the continental US and Canada, according to US East coast core hours. Benefits and salary available varies by country. For US hires wishing to relocate to the Boston area, relocation assistance is available.

 Responsibilities:

• Architect and implement engine enhancements to meet performance and functionality requirements.

• Develop and optimize streaming systems, pipelines, and workflows for large-scale open-world environments.

• Collaborate with art and design teams to create tools and technologies that bring massive worlds to life with minimal performance impact.

• Improve and maintain shared engine technology across the company to support multiple projects and teams.

• Debug and resolve engine and game issues, ensuring high stability and performance.

• Optimize memory, CPU, and rendering performance across platforms.

• Propose and build innovative tools and systems that enhance the development process.

• Mentor junior programmers and provide technical guidance to the team.

• 7+ years of professional programming experience in game development, including 4+ years focused on engine or architecture.

• Experience on at least one released AAA title.

• Proficiency in developing for Xbox and PlayStation consoles.

• Expert-level proficiency in C++ with strong experience in engine systems and tools development.

• Professional knowledge of Unreal Engine 4/5, with a preference for shipped titles using the engine.

• Strong knowledge of data structures, streaming workflows, and multithreaded programming.

• Experience with low-level profiling, debugging, and optimization.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and creativity in finding solutions.

• Passion for technical excellence and pushing the boundaries of game engine technology.

• Strong communication skills and a proactive, collaborative attitude.

• US or Canadian work permit or citizenship.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience working on AAA console titles, particularly with Unreal Engine.

• Familiarity with memory management and platform-specific optimizations.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $220,000 - $259,999 USD, negotiable, for US hires. Canadian hire salaries and benefits are provided via CD PROJEKT RED Vancouver. Salary offered will be based upon a number of factors, including but not limited to: country location, skill set, years and quality of experience, and suitability for the role.

What we offer (US hires):

• 100% company paid medical, dental, and vision plans available - for employees and dependents
• 401K with matching
• Company paid long & short term disability plans, and life insurance
• Profit sharing plan
• Unlimited PTO and flexible schedule
• Environmental company paid offset of employees’ carbon footprint via Wren.co
• Positions worked in office are hybrid: M/W/F work from home & T/Th work in office, with lunch provided on the in office days
• Dog friendly office
• Many opportunities for advancement as our team grows and takes on new challenges 

The Molasses Flood is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing and celebrating diverse thoughts and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment at The Molasses Flood is based on ability  – not an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

California Candidates: TMF abides by all policies set forth in the CCPA/CPRA.  For more information, please contact HR or visit the California Privacy Protection Agency website: https://cppa.ca.gov/

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.