Black Forest Games is the biggest studio of THQ Nordic Vienna and part of the fastest-growing publisher in Europe – Embracer Group. Here in the South of Germany, near the French border, we combine the creative freedom and culture of an independent studio and the financial security and stability of a big publisher with the possibility of working on worldwide known IPs. Currently, we’re working on ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin’.  As an international team, we embrace diversity and inclusivity, considering it an essential aspect of our core values.

Lead Programmer (f/m/d)

We are currently searching for a dynamic Lead Programmer to join our team as we embark on creating our next exceptional game using the Unreal Engine. In this role, your main responsibility will be overseeing and supporting a team of gameplay programmers.

As a Lead Programmer, you will:

• Demonstrate a true understanding of crafting remarkable games.
• Strategically plan and delegate tasks to a diverse team with varying skill levels.
• Coordinate with other departments.
• Inspire team members to elevate their technical prowess and excel in their abilities.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, encouraging teamwork and synergy.
• Actively seek to resolve conflicts and teach others conflict resolution skills.
• Possess a genuine concern for the well-being of team members.
• Promote company decisions and uphold company values.

Requirements:

• Proven track record of effective leadership skills.
• Extensive experience (7+ years) within a game studio including at least one fully shipped title and a minimum of 5 years in a leadership capacity.
• Strong proficiency in C++.
• A genuine passion for video games.
• Strong proficiency in the English language.

Bonus qualifications:

• General familiarity with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
• Strong grasp of linear algebra concepts.
• Knowledge in profiling and optimizing code.
• Experience working on recent AA/AAA character-based games.

If you are a dedicated and passionate Lead Programmer with a drive for excellence, we would love to hear from you. Join us on our exciting journey as we push the boundaries of gaming!

Assessment:

CV
Code samples (optional – submit only code that you wrote and own)
Test task* (see below)
Online video interview
On-site interview
Test Task Information

The test is a self-contained Visual Studio project written in C++.
Expect the test to take about 8 hours. Can be spread over two or three days.
Complete as much of the test as you can in the given time.
You will write code, troubleshoot bugs, and optimize.
Correctness, approach, ability to follow directions, and style will be evaluated.

What else do we offer?

• Flexible working hours
• 38h workweek
• 30 days of holiday
• Competitive salary
• Green office, fresh fruits, coffee, and drinks
• Additional free health insurance
• Pension Plan
• Mental health support
• Free accident insurance
• Fitness area in the studio
• The stability of a successful publisher paired with the creative freedom of an independent studio

Why join Black Forest Games?

Our team seeks long-term companions – we are hiring for the studio, not for the project. This principle holds a significant value in our company philosophy. Regardless of your background, we warmly welcome talented individuals. Black Forest Games provides a work environment that promotes a harmonious work-life balance and grants considerable flexibility. Here you have the chance to work on & shape up worldwide known IPs.
Our studio is situated in the picturesque region of Southern Germany, conveniently close to cities like Strasbourg, Karlsruhe, and Basel. Our location enjoys exceptional connectivity, thanks to the amazing transportation infrastructure: three nearby airports, the highway, and the train station right around the corner. Despite our well-connected surroundings, Offenburg offers a unique blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, away from the chaotic noise of crowded cities.