Senior (Platform) Programmer Code · Wakefield - Tileyard North

Cast Iron Games; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic game development studio in Wakefield is looking for a Senior Programmer to design and implement features across various game engines. You will provide mentorship, work collaboratively with production teams, and ensure high-quality, performance-optimized code. Ideal candidates possess strong C++ skills and experience in performance-critical environments. The role offers competitive benefits and a supportive work culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible hours

Professional development support

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Employee referral bonus

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency with C++ in large, real-time codebases.
• Experience working with performance-critical systems.
• Comfortable using Perforce or similar source control.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain features and systems in game engines.
• Work closely with production, design, and other disciplines.
• Provide mentorship and support to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Debug and optimise existing systems.

Skills

C++ in large, real-time codebases

Working in proprietary game engines

Performance-critical systems

Using Perforce or similar source control

Task/bug tracking tools such as Jira

Job description

Who We Are

At Cast Iron Games, we build technically ambitious games in a calm, focused environment, where every team member has a voice. Based in Tileyard North, we collaborate with high quality partners on high-quality projects, guided by clarity, consistency, and mutual respect.

We’re a young and growing studio, but our team is made up of experienced developers who’ve worked across AAA and independent titles. Together, we’re building a supportive, balanced environment where great work happens without crunch.

The Role

As a Senior Programmer, you'll work across a variety of systems inside proprietary engines, building new features, improving performance, and unblocking others.
You'll be expected to own the implementation of significant features, contribute to technical planning, and act as a source of knowledge and mentorship for less experienced developers.

The engines you'll work with vary depending on the project, but what stays consistent is your role as a calm, trusted engineer who can dig deep, communicate clearly, and help deliver technically solid, production-ready code.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain features and systems in proprietary or third-party game engines
• Work closely with production, design, and other disciplines to deliver reliable, efficient code
• Debug and optimise existing systems, performance, memory, threading, IO, etc.
• Understand and navigate unfamiliar codebases confidently and safely
• Provide mentorship and support to junior and mid-level engineers
• Participate in sprint planning and estimation, and help break down complex tasks
• Identify risks and blockers early, and offer practical, collaborative solutions
• Maintain a high level of code quality and help enforce team-wide standards
• Contribute to tools and workflow improvements when needed

What We’re Looking For

Technical Experience

• Strong proficiency with C++ in large, real-time codebases
• Comfortable working in proprietary game engines. Ability to quickly understand and work within complex or legacy systems
• Experienced working with performance-critical systems (multithreading, memory, IO, memory,)
• Familiar with platform-specific considerations (consoles or PC)
• Comfortable using Perforce or similar source control, and task/bug tracking tools such as Jira

Ways of Working

• Able to take full ownership of feature delivery, from planning to testing
• Supports others through documentation, pairing, and technical discussion
• Communicates clearly across disciplines — design, production, QA, etc.
• Comfortable raising risks and suggesting practical, team-focused solutions
• Passionate about writing clear, maintainable, production-ready code

Bonus Points

• Experience shipping a title built in a bespoke or custom engine
• Familiarity with console submission processes and platform compliance
• Knowledge of graphics programming concepts (materials, shaders, rendering pipelines)
• Worked with graphics APIs (e.g. DirectX12, Vulkan)
• Knowledge of online services integration, input handling, or save systems
• Background in technical tooling, automation, or performance tracking
• Exposure to team-based development with external partners or clients

Why Cast Iron Games

• A people-first studio with a clear focus on craft, clarity, and collaboration
• A high-trust team where experience is valued and voices are heard
• A respectful, experienced team with a strong engineering culture
• The opportunity to ship performance-optimised, cross-platform games you’re proud of
• Projects that offer real variety. Different game engines, new challenges, constant growth
• Creative surroundings at Tileyard North, with a supportive creative community
• Competitive salary, flexible hours and professional development support
• Opportunities to lead with clarity, autonomy, and real impact
• No crunch. No egos. Just good code, good people and good games

What to Expect / Key Benefits

• 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)
• 25 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday
• 1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you’re moving house
• Length of service increases are 1 day per year of service up to maximum of 8 additional days
• Up to 8 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break
• Potential for annual performance bonus
• Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit
• Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)
• Group Life Assurance – 4 x annual salary payable to nominated beneficiaries through an expression of wishes form.
• Income Protection – covers you up for up to 50% of monthly salary for 2 years (after a 26 week deferred period, i.e. when SSP runs out)
• Critical Illness Cover – lump sum of 1 x annual salary on diagnosis of a critical illness
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• EV & Hybrid Car Scheme
• Tech Purchase Scheme – split the cost of Tech or Home electronics through salary deduction, interest free
• Healthcare Cash plan – claim back the cost of everyday healthcare, dental, physio, chiropractor, opticians, podiatry etc
• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality
• Reward Gateway with cashback and discounts on 900+ retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme including Virtual GP service
• Wellbeing Centre based on Mind, Move, Munch and Money