Deck13 Interactive hiring Lead Game Programmer

At Deck13 Interactive , we build the engines of imagination. As the studio behind the visceral combat of The Surge and the high-octane mobility of Atlas Fallen, we understand that the difference between a good game and a masterpiece lies in the stability, scalability, and responsiveness of its code.

As our Lead Game Programmer , you are the technical vanguard of our development team. You will lead a group of talented engineers through the complexities of Unreal Engine 5 , balancing the fine art of hands‑on C++ architecture with the strategic leadership required to ship global hits. We are looking for a mentor, a problem‑solver, and a visionary who can bridge the gap between creative ambition and technical reality.

Job Overview: Lead Game Programmer

Category Details

Studio Name Deck13 Interactive GmbH

Seniority Level Lead / Management (5+ Years Industry, 3+ Years Leading)

Primary Tech Stack C++, Unreal Engine 5, System Architecture

Work Model Hybrid (Frankfurt Office) or 100% Remote (within Germany)

The following table reflects current 2026 market benchmarks for Lead‑level engineering roles in the German game industry, specifically for studios within the PulluP Entertainment group ecosystem.

Position Tier Annual Base Salary (Est.) Monthly Net (Approx.)

Senior Lead / Tech Director Path €105,000 - €125,000 €5,050 - €5,900

Additional financial perks include tax‑free Probonio shopping vouchers, remote‑work stipends, and full coverage for the Deutschlandticket.

Your Quest: The Mission

Your role is a hybrid of high‑level systems design and team orchestration. You aren't just writing code; you are building the foundation upon which 100+ creators build their dreams.

1. Technical Architecture & System Design

You will lead the design and implementation of core systems for our current UE5 project. This includes everything from gameplay mechanics and AI frameworks to custom editor extensions and development tools. You ensure that our codebase is not just functional, but scalable and performant enough to meet the demands of modern console hardware (PS5 Pro, Xbox Series X, and high‑end PCs).

A Lead is only as strong as their team. You will be responsible for the professional growth of our engineers. This involves:

• Code Reviews: Maintaining a high bar for code quality and sustainability.
• Mentorship: Tailoring career development plans for Junior and Mid‑level developers.
• Knowledge Sharing: Organizing internal "Tech Talks" to foster a culture of constant learning.

3. Cross‑Disciplinary Synergy

You are the technical translator. You will work closely with Game Designers to make their "impossible" ideas possible, with Artists to ensure their assets don't break the frame rate, and with Producers to ensure technical milestones are realistic and met on time.

When a bug halts production across the entire studio, you are the one people turn to. You will dive deep into complex memory leaks, crash logs, and optimization bottlenecks. Simultaneously, you will evaluate emerging technologies—from AI‑assisted coding to new rendering features—to keep Deck13 at the cutting edge of the industry.

Your Toolkit: Requirements

We are looking for a veteran who knows the "dark magic" of C++ and the intricacies of shipping on console.

The Essentials:

• Professional Pedigree: At least 5 years in the games industry, with a minimum of 3 years in a Lead or supervisory capacity.
• C++ Mastery: Advanced proficiency in C++ and a deep understanding of memory management, multi‑threading, and system architecture.
• Console Track Record: Demonstrated success in shipping at least one major title on PlayStation or Xbox consoles.
• UE5 Knowledge: Strong familiarity with Unreal Engine 5’s architecture, including its gameplay framework and rendering pipeline.
• Communication: Exceptional technical documentation skills and the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

Bonus Qualifications (Extra XP):

• Proficiency in C# or Python for automation and tool development.
• Advanced expertise in specialized areas such as AI behaviors or complex animation graphs.
• Active participation in the developer community (Open‑source contributions or industry talks).

Power-Ups: Why Deck13?

We believe that peak performance is only possible when an employee feels balanced and valued.

• Financial Flexibility: In addition to a competitive base, we provide monthly allowances for your home office, gym memberships, and commute.
• Mental & Physical Health: We provide free access to Bloom , a mental health platform. We also offer a yearly learning and development budget, so your brain stays as sharp as your code.
• Culture of Trust: We offer 28 days of vacation plus two extra days (Dec 24 & 31). Whether you are in our modern Frankfurt office or working remotely from a beach in the North of Germany, we focus on results, not desk time.
• International Community: We provide free language courses to help our international hires settle into Germany or help our local hires master English.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity & Data

Deck13 is an equal opportunity employer. We firmly believe that diverse teams build more creative, commercially successful games.

As of early 2026, the German games industry continues to evolve. Recent data indicates that approximately 28% of the workforce in major German studios identifies as female or non‑binary, and the international makeup of tech teams in Frankfurt has risen to nearly 40%. At Deck13, we actively strive to exceed these benchmarks, ensuring that every individual—regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or disability—has a seat at the table and the tools to lead.

How to Apply
Are you ready to take the helm? Send us your Resume , a GitHub link (if available), and a Cover Letter detailing a complex technical challenge you’ve solved while leading a team.