Senior Graphics Engineer

About the role

Stardock is seeking a highly skilled Senior Graphics Engineer to join our dynamic team in Plymouth, Michigan. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for developing and optimizing graphics systems for our innovative gaming products. Your expertise will contribute to enhancing visual fidelity and performance, ensuring that our games deliver an immersive experience to players. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where creativity and technical skills are highly valued.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and implement advanced graphics rendering techniques to enhance visual quality across various gaming platforms.
• Collaborate with game designers and artists to understand visual requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Optimize existing graphics code to improve performance and reduce resource consumption, ensuring smooth gameplay experiences.
• Develop tools and pipelines that streamline the graphics production process, enabling artists to work more efficiently.
• Conduct performance profiling and debugging to identify bottlenecks in graphics rendering and propose solutions.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in graphics technology and integrate relevant innovations into our projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide guidance on best practices in graphics programming and optimization.
• Participate in code reviews to maintain high-quality standards and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of graphics systems with other game components.
• Document technical processes and create tutorials to assist team members in understanding complex graphics concepts.
• Engage in regular brainstorming sessions to contribute creative ideas for new features and enhancements in our games.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving graphics-related issues reported by players or QA teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in graphics programming, preferably in the gaming industry.
• Proficiency in C++ and experience with graphics APIs such as DirectX, OpenGL, or Vulkan.
• Strong understanding of 3D mathematics and algorithms related to rendering, shading, and lighting.
• Experience with shader programming and optimization techniques for real-time rendering.
• Familiarity with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience with console development, particularly for PlayStation or Xbox platforms.
• Knowledge of modern graphics techniques such as ray tracing, tessellation, and physically-based rendering.
• Familiarity with version control systems like Git or Perforce.
• Previous experience in a lead or mentoring role within a technical team.
• Passion for gaming and a strong understanding of game design principles.

Skills & tools

• C++
• DirectX, OpenGL, Vulkan
• Shader programming
• Unreal Engine, Unity
• Performance profiling tools
• Version control systems (Git, Perforce)

Practical notes

• This position is based in Plymouth, Michigan, and requires on-site presence.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is available for qualified individuals.
• The work environment is collaborative and fast-paced, ideal for those who thrive in a creative and technical setting.
• Applicants should be prepared to provide a portfolio or examples of previous graphics work during the interview process.
• Stardock values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Join us at Stardock, where your passion for graphics and gaming can flourish. If you are ready to take on the challenge of creating stunning visual experiences for players, we would love to hear from you! Apply today to become a part of our innovative team.

About the company

An American software development company began operations in 1991. Formal incorporation followed in 1993 under the name Stardock Systems. Early work targeted the OS/2 platform, shifting to Microsoft Windows as that earlier ecosystem declined. Core offerings focus on tools that customize graphic interfaces and entertainment products. Strategy games form a key part of the catalog. Long standing series include Galactic Civilizations. Services center on personal computing solutions.