Senior Programmer

About the Role

Frontier Developments is an independent game studio and publisher known for creating highly immersive experiences, strong gameplay, and distinctive artistic quality. Based in Cambridge, UK, the company is behind well-known creative management simulation titles and continues to build on its existing portfolio while advancing future projects.

This position is for a Senior Gameplay Programmer who will contribute to delivering high-quality player experiences across Frontier's cross-platform games. You will work mainly in C++ using the studio's in-house Cobra engine and game code, helping shape features for current-generation platforms.

The role can be based fully in the studio or on a hybrid schedule, with at least 3 days per week on site. Relocation assistance is available if you need to move for the role.

Key Responsibilities

You will work with a skilled, diverse development team and contribute to gameplay systems, project features, and broader technical direction. Your work will involve close collaboration with programmers, designers, QA, and other specialists to refine gameplay and improve the player experience.

• Design and build project-level systems and features from the ground up.
• Work closely with team members and discipline leads to keep development aligned.
• Create gameplay logic in clean, efficient, maintainable, and well-documented C++.
• Think through how systems affect other teams and projects so they remain usable, scalable, and sustainable over time.
• Support junior programmers by reviewing their code, documentation, and development approach.
• Produce and maintain project documentation for more advanced systems, features, and workflows.
• Take part in project reviews and meetings, and lead parts of them when needed.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have experience building complex gameplay features in shipped titles and be comfortable working inside a large, established codebase. Strong problem-solving ability, modern C++ skills, and an understanding of profiling and optimization are important for success in this role.

• Proven experience delivering complex gameplay features in released games.
• Strong programming and problem-solving ability in modern C++.
• Comfort working within a large codebase and adapting to existing development practices.
• Solid skills in profiling and improving CPU performance and memory usage.
• Experience collaborating with game designers and content creators across disciplines.
• Strong enthusiasm for video games.
• Motivation to contribute to a high-performing team and help drive its success.
• Willingness to learn openly, share knowledge, and support colleagues.
• A constant drive to deepen game development expertise and keep improving.

Bonus Experience

These are not required, but they would be useful additions to your background.

• Experience using a proprietary game engine.
• Background in leading teams or directing core systems, features, or workstreams.
• Experience mentoring or managing programmers to help them progress.
• Shipped cross-platform game development experience, including consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation.
• Working knowledge of entity component systems.

Benefits and Working Environment

Frontier offers a creative, collaborative, and inclusive environment where people work together to develop and publish enduring games. The company places strong emphasis on wellbeing and promotes a healthy balance between work and personal life.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Annual performance-related bonus.
• Share option scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Private family healthcare.
• Flexible working hours.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• In-house subsidised catering.
• Relocation support.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free bike servicing.
• Social activities and events.
• Wellbeing activities, initiatives, and sessions for mental and physical health.

Additional Information

Frontier is committed to creating a workplace where people can show their full ability and potential. Reasonable adjustments can be discussed if you need support during the recruitment process.

For role-related queries, contact the recruitment team at the email provided by the employer.

Location and Work Pattern

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. This role is offered either fully in the studio or in a hybrid format, with a minimum of 3 days each week onsite.