> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1906255-principal-game-programmer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1906255-principal-game-programmer). 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).

---

# Principal Game Programmer

- **Company:** DECK 13
- **Location:** Darmstadt, Germany (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Experienced
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Adobe Analytics, Computer Animation, Artificial Intelligence, C++ (Programming Language), Profiling, Code Review, Computer Programming, Software Debugging, Video Game Development, Pair Programming, Extreme Programming, Unreal Engine
- **Published:** August 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.de/details/5826203788

## About the Role

* 10+ years of experience in the game development industry
 * Expert-level proficiency in C++, with a deep understanding of programming principles, system design, and large-scale architectures
 * Extensive experience in game programming across engine-level work and tools development
 * Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine internals and major subsystems
 * A proven track record of shipping AA/AAA titles with significant ownership over core systems
 * Strong debugging, profiling, and optimization skills across CPU and GPU, including platform-specific work
 * Demonstrated mentorship experience: growing other programmers through pair programming, code reviews, and technical coaching
 * Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both engineers and non-engineers
 * Sound judgment on when to build, when to refactor, and when to ship as-is
 * 2+ years of console programming experience (PlayStation, Xbox)

You Get Extra XP for:

 * Deep specialization in a particular domain (gameplay, tools, rendering, animation, or AI)
 * Prior experience on a Principal/Staff IC track at another studio
 * Console certification work (PlayStation, Xbox)
 * Having shipped at least one AA/AAA game

## Description

* Take ownership of the most technically demanding work: deep optimization, cross-system refactors, and high-risk areas of the codebase
 * Set and uphold technical standards and best practices
 * Mentor programmers of all levels through pairing, code reviews, and technical guidance, fostering growth and unblocking complex problems
 * Own documentation and knowledge sharing for the systems and domains you know best
 * Identify, evaluate, and prototype new tools and workflows to improve the team's output
 * Contribute to hiring through technical interviews and onboarding


## Related Videos

- [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)
- [Are Code Reviews Worth It? Insights from 16 Years of Review Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1135-are-code-reviews-worth-it-insights-from-16-years-of-review-data)
- [Profiling Symfony & PHP apps with Blackfire](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/265-profiling-symfony-php-apps-with-blackfire)
- [The Future Past of Technology - A Game Developers POV](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1386-the-future-past-of-technology-a-game-developers-pov)
- [The Story of Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/226-the-story-of-games)
- [Build a CI/CD pipeline to automate code reviews and ensure code quality](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/349-build-a-ci-cd-pipeline-to-automate-code-reviews-and-ensure-code-quality)

## 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)
- [John Romero - What AI Can, Can’t, and Shouldn’t do for Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/478-john-romero-what-ai-can-can-t-and-shouldn-t-do-for-games)
- [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data)
- [Dev Digest 112 - The True Crime of AI Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/421-dev-digest-112-the-true-crime-of-ai-development)
- [WWC24 Talk - Brenda Romero - Stay: Surviving and Thriving in Tech](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/467-wwc24-talk-brenda-romero-stay-surviving-and-thriving-in-tech)