Principal Game Programmer (f/m/x)

DECK 13 Interactive GmbHDECK 13 Interactive GmbH·Remote(Frankfurt am Main)
Other
Excel

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled game programmers has increased by 25% in the last year, driven by the growth of the gaming industry. As a Principal Game Programmer at DECK 13 Interactive, you'll be at the forefront of game development, leading technical and architectural decisions. With over two decades of experience in the industry, DECK 13 Interactive is a pioneer in creating immersive gaming experiences. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the high standards and expectations that come with this role, as well as the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Principal Game Programmer at DECK 13 Interactive, you will be the most senior individual contributor on the programming team, responsible for setting the technical bar across Unreal Engine, development tools, and gameplay. Your mission includes driving technical and architectural decisions across major systems, taking ownership of the most technically demanding work, and mentoring senior, regular, and junior programmers.

The Principal Game Programmer role is a critical component of the game development team, and you will be expected to collaborate closely with the Technical Director to drive architecture and technical decisions. Your expertise and guidance will be instrumental in shaping the future of gaming at DECK 13 Interactive.

DECK 13 Interactive is a diverse, passionate community of creators dedicated to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences. With a strong focus on innovation and excellence, the company has established itself as a leading game development studio.

What You Will Do

  • Drive technical and architectural decisions across major systems
  • Take ownership of the most technically demanding work, including 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
  • 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
  • Collaborate with the Technical Director to drive architecture and technical decisions
  • Develop and maintain large-scale architectures and systems
  • Troubleshoot and debug complex technical issues

What We Are Looking For

  • 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)

Nice to Have

  • 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

Benefits and Perks

  • A modern, centrally located office in Frankfurt, Germany (near Messe)
  • Free language courses to help you expand your skills
  • Monthly allowances for remote working and gym memberships
  • A monthly allowance for the Deutschlandticket to ease your commute
  • Tax-free Probonio vouchers available every month
  • Free access to an online mental health platform (Bloom) to support your well-being
  • Opportunities for career growth with a yearly learning & development budget
  • 28 days of paid vacation, plus the 24th and 31st of December off

How to Stand Out

  • Ensure you have a strong portfolio that showcases your experience and skills in game programming, particularly with Unreal Engine.
  • Highlight your mentorship experience and ability to guide junior programmers.
  • Familiarize yourself with the company's games and technology, and be prepared to discuss your thoughts on their development and potential improvements.
  • Develop a good understanding of the company's culture and values, and be ready to explain how you can contribute to them.
  • Practice your debugging and optimization skills, as these will be critical in the role.
  • Prepare to discuss your experience with console programming and your knowledge of PlayStation and Xbox development.

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