Lead Programmer (Unreal Engine)

We’re looking for a Lead Programmer (Unreal Engine) to join our award winning team in Middlesbrough (UK), home to the beautiful North Yorkshire coastline and countryside. 

As a Lead Programmer (Unreal Engine) at Double Eleven, you’ll be responsible for leading a code team for one of our exciting new projects. You will be developing systems, optimising performance and ensuring code quality whilst fostering team growth and motivation. Your role involves close collaboration with other disciplines to drive the project forward and as the primary technical point of contact, you'll engage in regular client communications, presenting technical solutions and managing expectations. 

As a global gaming company, we've enabled millions to conquer Minecraft Dungeons, battle in Rust Console Edition and create new adventures in Fallout 76. 

Recently, we collaborated with Rockstar Games to bring Red Dead Redemption to the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 as well as partnered with Obsidian Entertainment on Grounded: Fully Yoked Edition for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 and 5. 

Double Eleven is a place where our people come first. Our 400-person team proudly represents over 30 nationalities.

We strive to avoid crunch, we offer flexible working hours to allow you to truly enjoy work/life balance whilst making great games and any overtime is always planned, optional and paid. 

We can support UK relocation and have both a dedicated People and Operation teams on standby to assist you.   

On this occasion, we’re unable to sponsor a visa for this role. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Designing, developing, testing, and implementing game systems and code to a high standard
• Conducting code reviews to maintain quality and consistency across the team
• Collaborating with designers, artists, and publishing teams to deliver high-quality titles
• Leading a programming team, supporting their professional growth and ensuring timely delivery of work
• Working with production to plan project roadmaps and deliver against agreed schedules
• Participating in regular client meetings and acting as the primary technical point of contact for the project

What we’re looking for

• Strong expertise in C++ programming
• Proven experience as a Lead or Associate Lead within the games industry
• Hands-on experience developing multiplayer games
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 5 (UE5)
• Demonstrated ability in code optimisation
• Experience in project roadmapping and long-term planning
• Solid understanding of project risk management
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines
• Ability to coach and mentor a small team of programmers
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to break down and structure tasks to deliver on time

Qualifications

• All relevant qualifications considered

What to expect

Some of our benefits include:

Working life at Double Eleven 

• Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am
• 35 working hours per week with a 1 hour lunch break (with the opportunity to flex down to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours)
• Opportunity to apply for hybrid working  (up to 2 days working from home per week) 
• 28 days annual leave (20 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday) 
• 1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you’re moving house
• Up to 10 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break
• Potential for annual performance bonus
• 5 additional days annual leave for 5 years service and a further 5 days annual leave for your 10 years service milestone
• A brand new, state-of-the-art studio facilities that includes a market hall serving nutritious, subsidised meals, round-the-clock gym access, an auditorium and more
• Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit
• Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)
• Electric Car Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free game codes, game swag and merchandise
• Family-friendly leave available
• Christmas Saving Scheme
• Free parking
• Best-in-class tools and workflows so you can focus on creativity

Professional development and wellbeing

• Vitality Private Healthcare, discounts and rewards for you, your spouse and children (upon the successful completion of your 6 month probationary period) 
• Access to mental health and wellbeing support via Plumm (includes 4 free video therapy sessions per month for both the employee and up to 3 family members aged 18+), unlimited text therapy, courses, meditations
• A personalised development plan with dedicated support tailored to your growth and goals
• Access to an accredited Academy providing professional qualifications (and access to 500 UK discounts and offers via TOTUM when registered as a student) 
• A dedicated Workplace Experience team responsible for work environments, workplace and quality of employee life services to help foster collaboration, creativity and innovation
• In-studio wellbeing programmes and People team support

Team life 

• Free activities via our Bus Tours programme (where on occasion, partners and children are welcome to join you) 
• Many team events to celebrate team and game milestones
• Sponsored team activities including football, basketball, book club, movie club and more 
• Opportunity to contribute to our internal Employee Diversity and Equality Network

Ways to reach us

If you have a general query or if you need support with your application and/or an alternative way to apply, please do not hesitate to contact our Talent team at [email protected]