Graduate Programmer Code Wakefield - Tileyard North

Who We Are

At Cast Iron Games, we build technically ambitious games in a calm, focused environment, where every team member has a voice. Based in Tileyard North, we collaborate with high quality partners on high-quality projects, guided by clarity, consistency, and mutual respect.

We're a young and growing studio, but our team is made up of experienced developers who've worked across AAA and independent titles. Together, we're building a supportive, balanced environment where great work happens without crunch.

The Role

As a Graduate Programmer at Cast Iron Games, you'll join the team in an entry level role designed to help you grow into a confident, capable programmer. You'll work alongside experienced programmers, and other disciplines, contributing to systems, tools, and features while learning how games are built in a professional studio environment.

This is a hands on role for someone with strong fundamentals, a passion for games, and a desire to learn. You'll be supported by the team as you develop your technical skills, understand production workflows, and gain experience working on a shipped commercial title.

PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must already have the unrestricted right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the implementation of features, systems, and tools under the guidance of more experienced programmers.

• Write clear, maintainable, and well documented code that meets quality and performance expectations.

• Assist with debugging, profiling, and fixing issues.

• Work closely with other disciplines to help bring features from concept through to implementation.

• Learn and follow established coding standards, workflows, and best practices within the studio.

• Support optimisation and performance considerations as part of feature development.

• Take on feedback positively and use it to improve technical and problem solving skills.

• Be willing to learn new tools, technologies, and areas of development as required by the project.

What We're Looking For

Experience & Skills

• A degree in Computer Science, Games Programming, or a closely related discipline (or equivalent practical experience).

• A solid understanding of programming fundamentals and software development principles.

• Working knowledge of C++.

• Familiarity with game engines such as Unreal Engine (through coursework, projects, or personal work).

• Basic understanding of systems, debugging, and problem solving.

• Awareness of performance considerations in real time applications.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

• A genuine passion for games and an eagerness to learn and grow as a programmer.

Bonus Points

• Personal projects, game jams, prototypes, or coursework demonstrating programming ability.

• Experience using version control systems such as Git or Perforce.

• Basic understanding of maths for games (e.g. vectors, matrices, or 3D maths).

• Exposure to Agile or team based development workflows.

• Interest in learning more about tools, pipelines, or engine level development over time.

Why Cast Iron Games

• A people first studio with a clear focus on craft, clarity, and collaboration

• A high trust team where experience is valued and voices are heard

• A respectful, experienced team with a strong engineering culture

• The opportunity to ship performance optimised, cross platform games you're proud of

• Projects that offer real variety. Different game engines, new challenges, constant growth

• Creative surroundings at Tileyard North, with a supportive creative community

• Competitive salary, flexible hours and professional development support

• Opportunities to lead with clarity, autonomy, and real impact

• No crunch. No egos. Just good code, good people and good games

What to Expect / Key Benefits

• Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am

• 35 working hours per week with a 1 hour lunch break (with the opportunity to flex down to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours)

• 25 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday

• 1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you're moving house

• Length of service increases are 1 day per year of service up to maximum of 8 additional days

• Up to 8 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break

• Potential for annual performance bonus

• Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit

• Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!)

• Group Life Assurance - 4 annual salary payable to nominated beneficiaries through an expression of wishes form.

• Income Protection - covers you up for up to 50% of monthly salary for 2 years (after a 26 week deferred period, i.e. when SSP runs out)

• Critical Illness Cover - lump sum of 1 annual salary on diagnosis of a critical illness

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• EV & Hybrid Car Scheme

• Tech Purchase Scheme - split the cost of Tech or Home electronics through salary deduction, interest free

• Healthcare Cash plan - claim back the cost of everyday healthcare, dental, physio, chiropractor, opticians, podiatry etc

• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality

• Reward Gateway with cashback and discounts on 900+ retailers

• Employee Assistance Programme including Virtual GP service

• Wellbeing Centre based on Mind, Move, Munch and Money