Lead Gameplay Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games

Manchester·Full-time·Posted 21 Jul 2026

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The role, as advertised by Cloud Imperium Games

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

As a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you will lead development efforts using our bespoke, cutting-edge, multi-threaded engine to create innovative gameplay mechanics and systems that immerse players in the expansive and highly detailed spacescapes of some of the most ambitious games ever created.

You will drive the integration of the latest PC hardware, technology, and APIs, guiding your team in the development of a broad range of highly realistic and systemic features. These features simulate gameplay experiences ranging from multi-crew space flight combat and planetary first-person shooter missions to asteroid mining, cargo running, bounty hunting, and cinematic storytelling.
 

For more information about life at Cloud Imperium Games, check this out -   https://youtu.be/cXjp7SRBpIA
 

What do our Lead Gameplay Programmers do?

The day-to-day responsibilities of our Lead Gameplay Programmers vary, but in short, you will:

What do we expect from our Lead Gameplay Programmers?

A true passion for making games is a must, and we would also like it if you:

CIG Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

Fraud Statement

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info{@}cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

This role at a glance

This is one of 140 programming and engineering roles open in England today, out of 598 live games jobs across the UK, and Cloud Imperium Games is hiring for 30 other roles alongside it. Going by the title it’s a lead / principal role, combining hands-on work with setting direction or managing others. Cloud Imperium Games doesn’t publish the salary here; across the 8 programming and engineering roles on the board that do, the median is £78k.

Discipline
Engineering
Level (from the title)
Lead / principal
On gamesJobs since
16 Sept 2026
Other Engineering roles in England
139

About Cloud Imperium Games

Cloud Imperium Games is the developer of Star Citizen, the crowdfunded space simulation, and its single-player companion campaign Squadron 42. The company's UK operation began in 2014 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, under the Foundry 42 name, and has since moved its lead studio to a large purpose-built office in Manchester city centre. It also has a UK studio in Derby, with further offices in Austin, Montreal and Frankfurt.

Cloud Imperium Games company profile and all 31 open roles →

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