Principal Audio Programmer

Frontier Developments plc; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading video game development company in Cambridge is looking for a Principal Audio Programmer to lead the development of innovative audio technology across their games. This role involves collaborating with the audio team, mentoring tech team members, and addressing complex audio development challenges. Candidates should have extensive experience, particularly with interactive audio engines like Wwise, and thrive in a collaborative environment. The company offers competitive benefits and supports a healthy work-life balance.

Benefits

Annual bonus based on success

Share option schemes

Private family healthcare

Flexitime working hours

In-house subsidised catering

Cycle to Work scheme

Free bike servicing

Social events and activities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in game audio development.
• Track record in the game development industry.
• Proactive knowledge sharing and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee key audio technology for games.
• Support audio in the in-house Cobra game engine.
• Lead audio technology team and mentor members.

Skills

Experience implementing interactive audio using engines like Wwise

Excellent collaboration skills

Problem-solving skills

Comfortable in complex technical contexts

Job description

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier is dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.

This role is offered on a full in-studio basis or a hybrid basis (minimum 3 days per week in the studio). We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

We’re looking for a Principal Audio Programmer to support the Head of Audio Technology in leading the development of cutting-edge audio technology across all of Frontier's games. In this role, you’ll identify and develop the key technology that transforms in‑game action into immersive audio experiences. You’ll collaborate closely with other members of the Audio team and beyond to provide technical leadership and innovative solutions to the unique challenges of game audio development.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Identifying and developing Frontier's key audio technology.
• Overseeing the audio support in Cobra, our in‑house game engine.
• Pushing Wwise to its limits.
• Empowering Audio Designers with highly effective workflows.
• Representing audio within the wider development team to ensure it is well integrated in our games.
• Mentoring and guiding the Audio Tech team to produce groundbreaking, reusable technology.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Love of creating beautiful sounding game audio.
• Extensive experience implementing interactive audio using engines like Wwise.
• Comfortable working in complex technical contexts.
• Systematic and determined approach to problem solving.
• Excellent collaboration and inter‑personal skills with a proactive approach to sharing knowledge.
• Track record of thriving in the dynamic world of game development.

BONUS IF YOU HAVE

• Experience developing open‑world games with user generated content and a free moving camera.
• Experience overriding or customising parts of the Wwise runtime.
• Experience developing DSP for audio plugins.
• Team leadership experience.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success‑based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in‑house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

For queries, please email: [e-mail]