Senior Tools Programmer

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation if the role requires you on-site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Senior Tools Programmer

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Tools Programmer to join our highly talented Infrastructure team.

Role overview

As a Senior Tools Programmer, you’ll play a key role in shaping how content gets made across the studio. Working at the intersection of engineering and our content teams, you’ll build and evolve the tools, pipelines and workflows that allow artists, designers and other developers to work effectively and turn ideas into game-ready content.

You’ll work directly with the people using our technology, understand where development is slow, awkward or unnecessarily complex, and turn those problems into robust, intuitive solutions. Sometimes that means solving an immediate production challenge; at other times it means recognising a recurring problem and designing a better way for the studio to work.

As a senior member of the team, you’ll bring both technical expertise and judgement: helping shape our tools strategy, influencing how problems are approached, raising engineering standards and supporting the growth of other programmers.

If you enjoy seeing the direct effect of your work on the people around you and like the challenge of making complex technology feel simple to the people using it this is an opportunity to have a significant influence on how we build our games.

This role can be offered on an onsite or hybrid basis from our Nottingham Studio.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Annual pay reviews
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
• Studio funded learning and development opportunities
• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Develop and extend tools systems primarily focused on digital content creation packages.
• Solve the day-to-day problems encountered by the content creators ensuring that they can work effectively.
• Communicate effectively with the content teams to ensure that problems are identified and solved in a timely manner.
• Guide and mentor junior team members to help develop skills and share knowledge.
• Collaborate with both other members of the team and the users to unsure the systems developed are effective and complete.
• Write clear, maintainable, and decoupled code.
• Maintain documentation for the users of the tools systems and as a reference for future development.
• Keep abreast of the latest developments, industry trends and technologies.

Requirements

• Significant software development experience, gained within or outside the games industry.
• Have an understanding of the path an asset takes from content creation through to the final game.
• Clear face-to-face and written communication skills, with the ability to understand user problems and clearly explain solutions.
• Competency across relevant software development tools, environments and platforms, including Visual Studio and Perforce.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, balancing priorities to meet deadlines.
• High level of proficiency in relevant tools, technologies, or methodologies associated with the role.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to adapt to evolving business needs.
• Passion for continuous learning and professional development.
• A track record of delivering high-quality work with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.