Principal Graphics Programmer at Sumo Digital

Since 2016, Sumo Nottingham has been known for crafting inclusive, innovative action and racing titles for console and PC. Bringing together industry veterans with the best new talent in the industry, the studio delivered Team Sonic Racing in 2019 and is now working on a diverse and exciting mix of new projects.

 

The studio’s vision is to create AAA games with innovation, character and accessibility at their very core – strengths that have seen them named as one of the ‘Best Places to Work’ in the Best Companies regional table for the East Midlands.

As a Principal Graphics Programmer, you will collaborate with artists to understand and realize the artistic vision by developing and deploying shaders and materials. You’ll work closely with cross-discipline teams to communicate and implement cutting-edge graphics techniques, ensuring visual effects are optimized without sacrificing quality. You will be responsible for conducting high-level performance captures and directing optimization efforts across multiple disciplines, including making algorithmic changes to enhance GPU performance. Additionally, you’ll design and implement high-performance ray tracing features across platforms, while also mentoring junior team members to help build their technical expertise. Staying on top of new hardware systems and researching innovative graphics features will be key to driving improvements in the projects you work on.

Excellent C/C++ programming skills.

Outstanding mathematics and problem-solving abilities.

Deep understanding of graphics techniques and GPU features.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment.

A passion for games and cutting-edge game technology.

The interview process will consist of two stages:

1st Stage: A conversation with the Studio Technical Director to explore your experience and career aspirations. This is also an opportunity for us to share more details about the studio and the exciting project you'll be working on.

2nd Stage: A technical interview with the Project Technical Director, where we’ll take a deeper dive into your technical expertise and previous experience.

Sumo also offers a highly personable benefits package which has something for everyone, no matter where you are in your career. 

Financial: Annual bonus, flexible benefits allowance, salary sacrifice pension, benefits hub, payroll giving, an employee referral scheme (up to £3,000), financial/home buying consultations, workplace ISA and other schemes for tech loans, car loan and bicycles.  

Work-life Balance: Flexible working, 21 free choice days holiday (increasing to 22 with service), bank holidays, birthday day off, a duvet day (increasing to 4 with service), Christmas shutdown (Christmas Eve to New Year) and options to buy or sell up to a week of annual leave*.

Health and Wellbeing: Dental insurance, income protection, life assurance, BUPA private healthcare*, leading EAP programs (remote GP, mental health, physio, nutrition, lifestyle coaching and medical second opinions, critical illness cover*, health cash plan*, gym (paid membership) and funded flu vaccines/eye tests.

Personal Development: Structured Personal Development tool, regular appraisals, annual salary reviews, access to Udemy learning platform, 5 learning days per annum (1 can be used as a volunteer day), award-winning L&D team and yearly attendance to the Sumo Developers Conference (link to video).

Extra Perks: A variety of in-studio perks, regular care packages, studio days out (family welcome), studio-led social activities (game jams, yoga, quizzes, life drawing and more), sabbaticals (at 10 years service) and annual gaming subscription.

We are dedicated to growing a sustainable business that provides security to our people while delivering a first-class experience to our partners and players.

As a people business, the success of our people is the success of our company. We prioritise taking care of them with a focus on supporting them, nurturing their talent and providing a healthy, friendly, enriching, creative and safe environment in which to work.

Sumo's employee diversity group, PRISM, exists to promote diversity, inclusion, equity, equality & wellbeing across the company and plays a key role in Sumo's ongoing goal of fostering environments where all employees feel safe, welcome & represented.

Our charitable and community initiatives provide support for meaningful causes that matter to our employees, clients and partners.

We continue to work to improve diversity in our recruitment and promotion processes, and to actively encourage people from marginalised groups to consider a career in the games industry.