Lead Build Engineer

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began.  We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture. 

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you.  Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation and sponsorship for some of our positions (if the role is eligible, it’s outlined in the advert below).  Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and many of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote working basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for further information.  Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Lead Build Engineer

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 -  has an exciting opportunity for a Lead Build Engineer to join our highly talented Infrastructure team.

Role overview 

We are looking for a Lead Build Engineer to manage and inspire a team of specialists, ensuring high-quality infrastructure solutions. You will work closely with the Infrastructure Director, drive key initiatives, and oversee the smooth operation of infrastructure systems. Key responsibilities include managing team performance, optimizing tools and pipelines, and handling studio-wide infrastructure queries.

The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and experience with game engines, coding languages, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.  And we really want to hear from you if you’re currently or recently were a Senior / Lead Build or Tools Engineer.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Workstyle - fully studio or hybrid.  For hybrid, we ask that you be in the studio 3 days minimum, and live within 50 miles of our studio.
• Relocation and visa support
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Support the Infrastructure Director in strategic initiatives and infrastructure project management.
• Lead and mentor the infrastructure team, setting objectives and ensuring collaboration.
• Serve as the primary contact for studio infrastructure, ensuring efficient system operation and resolving technical issues.
• Oversee team performance, provide feedback, and support professional development.
• Review code to maintain quality and performance standards.
• Manage key infrastructure tools, ensuring optimization and scalability.
• Oversee task distribution, manage workloads, and track progress via Jira.
• Optimize build pipelines for fast, reliable deployments.
• Represent the infrastructure team in cross-functional meetings, advocating for team needs.
• Contribute to production goal setting and planning with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Leadership skills with experience or interest in people management.
• Expertise in solving complex technical issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Python and GUI frameworks (e.g., Qt).
• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Effective communication and collaboration across disciplines.
• Proven ability to manage workloads, set objectives, and ensure project milestones.
• Willingness to learn and grow management skills through training.
• Experience covering for senior staff in times of absence or high workload.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with industry-standard game engines (Unreal Engine/Unity) and their architecture.
• Proficiency in C#, C++.
• Strong knowledge of 3D geometry and vector mathematics for real-time systems.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category.  We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments.  If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.