> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1212170-lead-programmer-unreal](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1212170-lead-programmer-unreal). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Programmer - Unreal - **Company:** The Cast - **Location:** Wakefield, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Abstraction Layers, Component-Based Software Engineering, JIRA, Bug Tracking Systems, C++ (Programming Language), Profiling, Code Review, Software Debugging, Memory Management, Microsoft Windows SDK, Perforce, Core Api, Production Code, Build Process, Software Version Control - **Published:** July 9, 2026 - **Apply:** https://uk.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=d2cf424c8d18ec72 ## About the Role Technical Experience * Extensive experience working in Unreal 4 or 5 on shipped or late-stage games * Proficiency in C++, Blueprints, and Unreal's component-based architecture * Strong experience with profiling tools (e.g., Unreal Insights, RenderDoc, PIX, platform SDK tools) * Working knowledge of threading, memory management, and system bottlenecks * Hands-on experience debugging and optimising across multiple hardware platforms * Familiar with console and PC platform APIs, submission requirements, and compliance challenges * Comfortable using Perforce or similar source control, and task/bug tracking tools such as Jira Leadership & Communication * Experience leading a team or acting as a technical point of contact * Confident breaking down work, estimating scope, and managing risk * Able to collaborate across disciplines to resolve cross-functional technical issues * Committed to fostering a collaborative, respectful, and supportive engineering culture * Skilled at giving clear feedback, both technical and developmental Bonus Points * Shipped a title using Unreal 4 or 5 on console such as Xbox, PlayStation, Switch * Familiar with platform certification processes (TRCs/XRs/LOTs) * Experience supporting late-stage optimisation or porting projects * Built tooling or automation to support QA and build processes * Comfortable navigating platform abstraction layers or writing hardware-specific logic ## Description We're now looking for a Lead Programmer, with Unreal experience, to focus on performance, optimisation, and platform delivery, someone who can guide technical problem- solving, support team growth, and help us ship confidently across multiple platforms. The Role In this role, you'll work across codebases to identify performance issues, resolve low-level technical challenges, and lead the team in shipping games that meet platform standards and run smoothly on real hardware. You'll collaborate with production, QA, art, and other engineers to profile builds, tackle bottlenecks, and ensure we meet platform compliance requirements. You'll also provide technical leadership, mentoring others, setting quality standards, and ensuring robust code makes it into builds across all platforms. Responsibilities * Lead technical performance efforts across projects. CPU/GPU profiling, optimisation, and memory tuning * Collaborate with QA and other engineers to debug and fix runtime issues (performance, crashes, hitches, etc.) * Guide the team in preparing and shipping builds for multiple platforms (console and PC) * Work closely with production to ensure compliance, certification, and platform-specific requirements are met * Own technical planning for platform deliverables * Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, supporting skill growth and autonomy * Review code and provide constructive feedback to ensure quality, performance, and maintainability * Collaborate with design and art teams to assess performance impact of content and tools * Help shape our engineering practices and tech culture with humility and clarity ## Related Videos - [Insights from building the Canva Developers Platform to empower 185 million designers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/942-insights-from-building-the-canva-developers-platform-to-empower-185-million-designers) - [Collaboration Quantified: Lessons from Open Source Developer Networks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1422-collaboration-quantified-lessons-from-open-source-developer-networks) - [WeAreDevelopers LIVE - "Fun and games - and all that comes with it", Back to BASIC & more](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1719-wearedevelopers-live-fun-and-games-and-all-that-comes-with-it-back-to-basic-more) - [Why make use of an integration platform in today's software developments and infrastructure?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/758-why-make-use-of-an-integration-platform-in-today-s-software-developments-and-infrastructure) - [Integrate your Cognitive Assistant with 3rd-party DBs and software](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/249-integrate-your-cognitive-assistant-with-3rd-party-dbs-and-software) - [The weekly developer show: Boosting Python with CUDA, CSS Updates & Navigating New Tech Stacks](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1293-the-weekly-developer-show-boosting-python-with-cuda-css-updates-navigating-new-tech-stacks) ## Related Articles - [What Developers Can Learn from Indie Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/650-what-developers-can-learn-from-indie-games) - [10 Coding Games to Teach You How to Code](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/151-10-coding-games-to-teach-you-how-to-code) - [Should senior developers refuse interview coding challenges?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/29-should-senior-developers-refuse-interview-coding-challenges) - [What is Agentic Programming and Why Should Developers Care?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/625-what-is-agentic-programming-and-why-should-developers-care) - [What’s the Difference between a Junior, Mid, and Senior Developer?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/238-what-s-the-difference-between-a-junior-mid-and-senior-developer) - [Résumé-Driven Development: How IT trends affect the job market for software developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/59-resume-driven-development-how-it-trends-affect-the-job-market-for-software-developers)