Lead Programmer

Warner Bros Games; Knutsford; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game company is seeking a Lead Gameplay Content Programmer to manage a team of game coders to create immersive gaming experiences. This role requires advanced C++ and Unreal Engine skills, along with the ability to lead and mentor programming teams. The position follows a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility in remote and office work. Ideal candidates will have experience in shipping AAA titles and strong communication skills. This is an opportunity to shape the future of gaming.

Qualifications

• Proficient in leading programming teams.
• Experience shipping at least one AAA title.
• Understanding of major gaming platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of core gameplay features.
• Collaborate with Design to translate vision into solutions.
• Own and optimize the gameplay content pipeline.
• Apply strong expertise in Unreal Engine for game development.

Skills

Advanced C++ skills

Strong Unreal Engine experience

Proven ability to design and architect gameplay features

Excellent communication skills

Experience leading and mentoring programmers

Tools

Unreal Engine

Blueprint

Job description

Overview

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Rocksteady is looking to add to its family of staff: the Lead Gameplay Content Programmer will manage a team of game coders to deliver world-class triple-A videogaming experiences for our players across multiple platforms. The role involves leading and supporting a team of Gameplay Content programmers and Technical Designers, in close collaboration with the Design team, to deliver the highest quality game and story experiences for our players. You will also apply your technical expertise directly by writing code, architecting systems, and resolving complex game development challenges.

The Lead Gameplay Content Programmer role is offered on a hybrid basis. You can choose to work from home or in the office on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the team collaborates onsite at Rocksteady Studios in Kentish Town, London.

Your Role Accountabilities

• Lead the implementation of core gameplay features through all stages of production—design, scheduling, implementation, iteration, and polish.
• Collaborate closely with Design and other disciplines to translate vision into scalable, maintainable solutions.
• Own and optimise the gameplay content pipeline for efficiency and usability.
• Apply strong Unreal Engine expertise (Blueprint/C++ integration, data assets, gameplay tags, GAS, animation/gameplay integration) and experience with Sequencer, Smart Objects, and state machines.
• Prototype quickly and evolve successful ideas into production-ready content.
• Support production planning, backlog reviews, estimation, and risk management.
• Promote best engineering practices for performance, stability, and maintainability.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering collaboration and ownership.
• Debug and resolve complex gameplay/content issues across C++, Blueprint, and data-driven systems.
• Work with Gameplay Systems to adopt and extend core systems for content use.

Technical Requirements

• Experience leading, supporting and mentoring programmers, including planning and delivery.
• Advanced C++ skills and strong Unreal Engine experience.
• Proven ability to design and architect gameplay features for complex games.
• Understanding of major gaming platforms and experience shipping at least one AAA title (or equivalent).
• Proven game design sensibility and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of Rocksteady games is an advantage.

Hybrid Working - This role is advertised as a Hybrid work model, that combines remote and in-office work, following our current company policy and to be agreed with your Line Manager. Subject to any applicable laws, WBD / your Line Manager reserves the right to change this working agreement where this is essential to business needs and upon reasonable notice to you.

How We Get Things Done

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, disability or any other category protected by law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.