Principal Programmer
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Position Overview & Specifications
As a principal programmer at Wushu Studios you'll assist in leading and shaping our development pipeline as well as drive technical direction in collaboration with our cross-function teams. You'll influence on key decisions and contribute to long-term vision of our project, empowering our teams and delivering exceptional gaming experiences.
Responsibilities
- Work on a variety of projects and tasks in various engines and languages.
- Write high quality and reliable code on a timely basis.
- Oversee and mentor junior and senior engineers on the team.
- Be hands-on with code, implementing features and attending to bug fixes as needed.
- Work with Lead Programmers and Producers to plan your tasks as well as those of your team.
- Collaborate with teams to deliver testable builds in regular fashion.
- Be proactive in tackling technical issues.
- Use your expertise to advise and help ensure that the technical architecture for the project is clean and clear.
Requirements
- Proven experience in programming.
- Advanced knowledge of C++.
- Proficiency in PC and/or console programming.
- Proven proficiency in a modern programming language.
- Experience working with other languages such like Java and/or scripting languages like Lua or Python.
- Excellent debugging and optimisation skills.
- High level of knowledge in at least one area of video game programming.
- Experience in Unreal Engine or a custom game engine.
- Ability to architect complex video game systems and guide development of them by other programmers.
- Track record of working in conjunction with multi-disciplinary teams throughout the video game development process.
- Experience leading a team is a plus.
Desirables
Benefits
- Generous time off with 25 days holiday + bank holidays, Christmas shutdown, x4 Half-day Fridays (during the summer months), and a day off on your birthday
- Ongoing training and development
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Comprehensive Medical Insurance
- Weekly Yoga Class
- Anti-Crunch ethos
- Referral Bonus Scheme
- Social Events/Project Launch Wrap Parties
- Charity Events
- Branded merchandise
Candidate Selection & Onboarding Process
Application & Resume Screening
Submit your tailored CV/Resume directly to the talent acquisition portal.
Technical & Competency Interviews
Virtual interviews with the hiring manager and multidisciplinary team.
Formal Offer & Benefits Negotiation
Written agreement outlining compensation, equity, retirement vesting, and relocation allowances.
Onboarding & Corporate Integration
Equipment provisioning, team orientation, and commencement of duties.
United Kingdom Right to Work & Skilled Worker Visa Guide
Employment in the United Kingdom requires legal Right to Work verified under the Home Office Points-Based Immigration System:
Sponsoring employers must hold an active Home Office A-rated Sponsor License and assign a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). Role must meet the general minimum salary threshold (£38,700) or occupation going rate.
Continuous employment under Skilled Worker status establishes eligibility for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 continuous years, leading to British Citizenship.
Candidate Preparation Blueprint: Culture & Entertainment
Based on transatlantic hiring benchmarks for Principal Programmer roles across Wushu Studios's corporate sector, successful applicants typically excel across three core dimensions:
Demonstrated portfolio evidence, architecture/system design case studies, or validated professional certifications directly applicable to Culture & Entertainment.
STAR method competency responses highlighting cross-functional leadership, conflict resolution, and delivering measurable enterprise ROI under tight timelines.
Total compensation expectation aligned within the benchmarked £28,191 - £40,810 bracket, including retirement vesting and health parity.
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