Principal Game Programmer

DECK 13 Interactive GmbH

Principal Game Programmer leading technical direction at DECK 13 Interactive. Driving architecture, mentoring programmers, and owning technical challenges in game development.

Posted 7/1/2026full-timeRemote • 🇩🇪 GermanyLeadWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Unreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

As our Principal Game Programmer (f/m/x), you will be the most senior individual contributor on the programming team.
Your mission includes setting the technical bar across Unreal Engine, our development tools, and gameplay.
Additionally, you will own the hardest technical problems and drive architecture in close collaboration with the Technical Director.
Mentoring senior, regular, and junior programmers is a core, formal part of the role.
Drive technical and architectural decisions across major systems.
Take ownership of the most technically demanding work: 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, fostering growth and unblocking complex problems.
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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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)

Benefits

Comp & 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

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

C++Game ProgrammingSystem DesignOptimizationDebuggingProfilingArchitectureTools DevelopmentCross-System RefactorsConsole Programming

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationTechnical CoachingDocumentation SkillsJudgment On Technical Decisions