Lead Game programmer

We're seeking a passionate and accomplished Lead Game programmer (f/m/x) to guide our technical teams and ensure the excellence of our projects, custom development tools, and core gameplay systems.

In this role, you'll balance hands-on programming with leadership, setting engineering standards, driving technical architecture, leading code reviews, and collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams to solve challenging problems. The ideal candidate will thrive on managing a diverse development team, have deep expertise in game development, and excel at bridging creative and technical ambitions to deliver groundbreaking gaming experiences.

Your mission includes:

• Lead and coordinate the design, implementation, and maintenance of key systems for our Unreal Engine 5 project, development tools, and gameplay/animation features, ensuring performance, scalability, and system stability
• 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-evaluate 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

• 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, with 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

Bonus qualifications

• 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

At DECK 13 Interactive, we're more than just a game development studio-we're a diverse, passionate community of creators dedicated to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences. Since our founding in 2001, in the heart of Frankfurt, Germany, we've been pushing the boundaries of what's possible in PC and console games. Now part of the PulluP Entertainment group, our team of around 100 talented professionals continues to shape the future of gaming. We're the minds behind titles like Lords of the Fallen, The Surge series, and Atlas Fallen, known for their rich worlds and immersive gameplay. But we believe the best games are still ahead of us, and that's where you come in. To continue our success story, we are now looking for you to join our team as our new Lead Game Programmer (f/m/x)., At DECK 13 Interactive, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where you feel valued, supported, and empowered to do your best work. Here's what we offer to make that happen: * A modern, centrally located office in Frankfurt, Germany (near Messe) * Free language courses to help you expand your skills * Monthly allowances for remote working and gym memberships * A monthly allowance for the Deutschlandticket to ease your commute * Tax-free Probonio vouchers available every month * Free access to an online mental health platform (Bloom) to support your well-being * Opportunities for career growth with a yearly learning & development budget * 28 days of paid vacation, plus the 24th and 31st of December off Our Commitment to Inclusivity: DECK 13 Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic that makes you unique. We believe that diverse teams create the best games, and we're dedicated to building a workplace where everyone can thrive.