Senior Engine Programmer
At a glance
Senior Software Engineering role at thatgamecompany. Remote, United States · full-time · $164,500–$222,500 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Build and maintain foundational systems in the TGC game engine
- Turn requirements from artists, designers and engineers into features, then refine them with those teams
- Find and troubleshoot problems or bottlenecks that reduce the development team's effectiveness
What you bring
- You have built a game engine at work, in school or through a personal project
- You bring at least five years of technical engineering experience using C or C++
- You can deliver long-running projects in complex codebases while coordinating with multiple stakeholders
- You prefer developing in a custom game engine to working in a large, established engine
Who this fits
This senior role suits an engineer who enjoys custom-engine work and collaborating across disciplines. It is remote within the US or Canada, and applicants must already be authorized to work in either country; visa sponsorship is unavailable. The hiring process includes a test.
From the employer
Senior Engine Programmer
Remote US & Canada only
thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly accessible video games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. We respect our players and want to contribute meaningful, enriching experiences that touch and inspire them.
We seek talent that values integrity and personal growth within an environment of intense collaboration and experimentation.
Our mission - create timeless entertainment that makes positive changes to the human psyche worldwide. If you’ve been wanting to have a positive impact on people’s lives and the creative challenges associated with doing something different and unique, then come help us shine brighter together.
As a Senior Engine Programmer at thatgamecompany, you will be a highly valued member of a world-class Engine and Game Development team. For the right candidate, there are ample opportunities for fun engineering challenges: Performance (CPU and GPU), Cross-platform support, Netcode, Multithreading, Audio, and Rendering, just to name a few. You will be surrounded by knowledgeable peers who will be there to coach and mentor, as you grow into a highly impactful member of the team.
Must haves:
Experience developing a game engine (at work, school, or as a personal project)
5+ years of technical engineering experience with C or C++
Find the idea of working in a custom game engine more fun than working in a Big Engine™
Demonstrated ability to execute longer-term projects in complicated code bases with multiple stakeholders.
Nice to haves:
5 to 10+ years of experience in game development or similar 3D media using C++
Have a pet engine project or game (ideally with public code that we can view)
Clear communication skills, ability to work closely with other high-caliber engineers and artists.
Responsibilities:
Design, implement, and update core systems of the TGC game engine
Collaborate closely with various disciplines, including artists, designers, and other engineers, to gather requirements, deliver and iterate on features
Help monitor, identify and troubleshoot issues and inefficiencies to increase the overall effectiveness of the development team.
Perks:
• Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Two Weeks Winter Break
• Employees and their dependents get medical, dental, and vision coverage, regardless of their level, tenure, or position within the company. Moreover, these benefits start on the first day of the job—there’s no waiting period before they kick in.
• Pet Insurance for those who need it too.
• Compassionate leave for employees who needs to take care of their family members
• Pre-tax wellness stipend
• Pre-tax work from home stipend
• Access our savings plan (401K program) with company match
• Mental health resources including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee inclusive and diversity initiatives such as Grow Together
• Support for personal professional development
Please note: Include your portfolio link, if any. If not, please state what features you've worked on in that particular project. We also require you to take a test. Thank you!
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
The salary range for this position is $164,500 USD to $222,500 USD annually, with the
opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company’s compensation practices.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in the Company’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, and paid time off.
Our base pay is benchmarked against regional market and industry data and is adjusted to reflect the cost of living in your specific geographic area.