Lead VFX Programmer

2 Months ago • 4-8 Years • Game Programmer

Job Summary

Job Description

As Lead VFX Programmer, you will spearhead the development of high-quality real-time visual effects for Star Citizen and Squadron 42. This involves designing and implementing efficient, multi-threaded C++ code, collaborating with artists and programmers in an agile environment, and mentoring team members. Responsibilities include designing and implementing code, working in tight iteration-feedback loops, documenting designs, participating in code reviews, and collaborating across teams. The role requires expertise in graphics programming, 3D mathematics, and a strong understanding of real-time performance optimization. Experience in game development and tools programming is a significant plus.
Must have:
  • Lead and mentor staff
  • C++ expertise in large codebases
  • Real-time performance focus
  • 3D math proficiency
  • Agile development experience
Good to have:
  • Graphics Programming
  • Game Code (VFX experience)
  • Tools Programming

Job Details

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

As a lead VFX Programmer you would be pushing forwards the technology that delivers real time visual effects of the highest quality. Through close collaboration, our multi-disciplinary team of programmers and artists have built a strong track record of delivering complex and innovative features, such as planet-encompassing weather effects, systemic & persistent simulation of fire, and state of the art rendering techniques. While the team's focus is on visuals, with a large contribution of rendering work, there are also significant contributions to the gameplay and tools code to ensure we can deliver such complex features, making this role both diverse and rewarding.

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We're currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

Don't just take our word for it - check out some of what we are up to here:

  • Ali and the team showcase some amazing advances in VFX at CitCon: (02:50 - 34.30) https://youtu.be/xKWa4WoTkV4?si=jzYSrXsjfiId2oJu&t=171
  • Star Engine Trailer that showcases some of the cool VFX in Engine (18:30 for fire, 22:10 for water) https://youtu.be/nWm_OhIKms8?si=nJehWc6oe4Al-w_h&t=1110
  • VFX Q&A: https://youtu.be/nB50abqrrqs?si=ZuMCnOihMw2dFPEz


What does a VFX Programmer at CIG do?
The VFX Programmer role is quite varied, but we can guarantee that you will:

  • Design and implement well-engineered, maintainable, multi-threaded code with a strong focus on real-time performance, using modern C++.
  • Cooperate and communicate with internal customers in tight iteration-feedback loops.
  • Document and peer review technical designs with other software engineers
  • Embrace the agile development model with scrums, sprints etc.
  • Collaborate with other teams to complete various projects.
  • Excel in one or several of these specialisations; Graphics Programming / Game Programming / Tools Programming.
     

What do we expect from our VFX Programmers?

  • Ability to mentor and / or lead staff
  • Ability to comfortably work with C++ in a large, shared codebase, including testing, code-reviews and sourcecontrol.
  • Inherent ability to bring out the best in people, remain positive, and motivate and influence other disciplines.
  • Good knowledge of 3D mathematics. Experience in one of the following fields; Graphics Programming / Game Code (VFX experience big plus) / Tools Programming.
  • Ability to work in an agile, crossfunctional, and idea-fuelled environment.


At Cloud Imperium Games we are looking for VFX Programmers with various levels of experience - from Senior, and beyond! Therefore, if our VFX team sounds like your perfect fit, please apply immediately!

Diversity Statement
CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement
We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Similar Jobs

Next Level Business Services - Enovia – Solution Architect

Next Level Business Services

Greenville, South Carolina, United States (On-Site)
4 Months ago
ION - Senior C++ Developer, Italy

ION

Milan, Lombardy, Italy (On-Site)
4 Months ago
DigitalFish - Senior Software Engineer, C++

DigitalFish

California, United States (Hybrid)
3 Months ago
GungHo Online Entertainment America,  Inc  - Game Programmer (ゲームプログラマー)

GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc

Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan (On-Site)
6 Months ago
SmileGate - [Next Crossfire] Client Developer

SmileGate

Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (On-Site)
1 Month ago
D3t - Programming Intern 2025-2026

D3t

Daresbury, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
2 Months ago
DPS Games - Senior Gameplay Programmer (Steel Hunters)

DPS Games

Guildford, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
2 Months ago
Media Molecule - Senior Programmer

Media Molecule

London, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Asobo Studio - Programmeur Gameplay H/F

Asobo Studio

Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (On-Site)
3 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Similar Skill Jobs

ByteDance - Research Scientist- Foundation Model, Generative AI

ByteDance

Seattle, Washington, United States (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Microsoft - Silicon Engineering: Internship Opportunities

Microsoft

Penang, Malaysia (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Electronic Arts - Development Director - Frostbite

Electronic Arts

British Columbia, Canada (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Google - Software Engineer, University Graduate, 2025

Google

Taipei City, Taiwan (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Bethesda - Senior Graphics Programmer

Bethesda

Austin, Texas, United States (On-Site)
7 Months ago
Techland - Senior Game Programmer

Techland

Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland (On-Site)
9 Months ago
Genpop Interactive - Senior Software Engineer (Backend)

Genpop Interactive

(Remote)
5 Months ago
ByteDance - Software Engineer - Data Transmission- San Jose

ByteDance

San Jose, California, United States (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Scanline VFX - Senior Pipeline Developer (Maya)

Scanline VFX

London, England, United Kingdom (Remote)
4 Months ago
Adobe - Computer Scientist (C++)

Adobe

Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India (On-Site)
4 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Jobs in Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Unity - Quality Assurance Tester

Unity

Brighton And Hove, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Studio Gobo - Lead VFX Artist

Studio Gobo

Brighton And Hove, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
8 Months ago
Rank group - Card Room Dealer (unlicensed)

Rank group

United Kingdom (On-Site)
2 Months ago
PlayStation Global - Senior Audio Programmer - 12 month contract

PlayStation Global

Guildford, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
2 Months ago
1920 - Runner - Speculative

1920

London, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Microsoft - Senior Mechanical Engineer

Microsoft

London, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Maverick Games - Senior Producer

Maverick Games

Warwick, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Microsoft - Applied Sciences Intern

Microsoft

London, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)
1 Month ago
PlayStation Global - Staff Machine Learning Engineer

PlayStation Global

London, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
3 Months ago
Zeta - Chief Operations Officer - Credit Cards

Zeta

United Kingdom (On-Site)
4 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

Game Programmer Jobs

Ubisoft - Tools Programmer

Ubisoft

Shanghai, Shanghai, China (On-Site)
3 Months ago
Embark Studios - Experienced Game Quality Assurance (QA) - Games

Embark Studios

Stockholm, Stockholm County, Sweden (On-Site)
9 Months ago
Supercell - Senior Gameplay Programmer, Squad Busters

Supercell

Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (On-Site)
4 Months ago
Ubisoft - Lead Developer (M/W/NB) – MMORPG / The Division Resurgence

Ubisoft

Accons, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France (Hybrid)
4 Months ago
Techland - Lead Game Programmer

Techland

Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland (On-Site)
9 Months ago
Hypersonic Laboratories - Technical Director / Lead Programmer (Lua)

Hypersonic Laboratories

(Remote)
7 Months ago
Gunzilla - Senior Core/Engine Programmer

Gunzilla

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)
1 Month ago
Electric Square - Lead Programmer - Electric Square, Malta

Electric Square

St. Julian's, Malta (On-Site)
5 Months ago
Streamline Media Group  Inc  - Senior Game Programmer (Unreal)

Streamline Media Group Inc

Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory Of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (On-Site)
6 Months ago
Techland - Senior QA Analyst

Techland

Wrocław, Lower Silesian Voivodeship, Poland (On-Site)
2 Months ago

Get notifed when new similar jobs are uploaded

About The Company

Cloud Imperium Games is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAA experiences outside the established publisher system, founded by Chris Roberts, creator of the best selling Wing Commander and Freelancer series, Cloud Imperium is currently developing Star Citizen, a record-shattering crowd funded title that combines classic space sim gameplay with Hollywood-caliber visuals.


Cloud Imperium aims to pave new ground in game development by sharing the process with the players. Where game development was once hidden, Cloud Imperium has opted to share the process with those backing Star Citizen. Supporters come to know the team and follow them every step of the way as the game created. The community is closely engaged and their feedback Is considered in all aspects of game development, avoiding standard publicity to put Roberts’ epic vision directly in players’ hands.


Cloud Imperium has studios in Los Angeles, California ; Austin, Texas ; Manchester, UK and Frankfurt, Germany.

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Montreal, Quebec, Canada (On-Site)

Austin, Texas, United States (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

View All Jobs

Get notified when new jobs are added by Cloud Imperium Games

Level Up Your Career in Game Development!

Transform Your Passion into Profession with Our Comprehensive Courses for Aspiring Game Developers.

Job Common Plug