Division Principal Game Programmer (Unreal Engine, AI)

WHAT YOU WILL BE WORKING ON What you will focus on As the primary technical authority for the OTT portfolio (all non-Brand-Partnership), you are responsible for the technical strategy and direction across all technological disciplines within OTT. This covers game engine architecture, large-scale infrastructure, tools, pipelines, and live service operations – including C++ internal engines, Unreal Engine/Unity production, and legacy game stacks. You will guide and mentor multi-disciplinary teams of programmers, architects, and technologists, ensuring technical excellence and alignment across multiple projects and production teams, in line with the studio's production goals and long-term vision. You will also support team upskilling and manage the integration of AI-driven productivity tools across the OTT portfolio. What it means on a daily basis 1. Strategic innovation and leadership Shape the long-term technical vision, roadmap, and architectural direction for the division. Build a scalable production ecosystem that supports the studio's long-term content needs, operational flexibility, and global reach. Lead core R&D activities, including AI integration in game development pipelines. Continuously explore and integrate new technologies and methodologies to improve production efficiency and technical quality. Identify and resolve complex technical challenges at division or studio level to prevent blockers and keep operations running smoothly. Promote a culture of creativity, experimentation, continuous improvement, and a product-focused mindset within programming teams. 2. Technical alignment and operational excellence Act as the primary point of contact and escalation for complex technical challenges, providing consultation and guidance to production teams and partners. Partner with the Studio Technical Director on resource planning and project allocation. Work closely with technical leads and other stakeholders (game managers, producers, cross-functional team leads) to monitor projects’ technical status, prevent and resolve critical issues, and ensure programming teams meet deadlines with efficiency and quality. Establish and enforce studio-wide coding standards, architectural patterns, and workflows aligned with industry best practices. Oversee the transition and integration of R&D outcomes (e.g., comprehensive documentation, proofs of concept, prototypes) into production pipelines. Continuously improve processes and technical infrastructure to support project scaling and the studio’s long-term strategic direction. Collaborate with technical experts to share learnings on AI, Unreal, and engine-level topics, and align on technical directions. Coordinate with partner studios to standardize Unreal toolchains (Horde, UGS, Perforce branching, AutoSDK/Turnkey, plugin baseline) per Gameloft Technical Summit directives. 3. Talent focus and team upskilling Manage a team of senior, principal, and lead programmers, with focus on skills and career development. Regularly assess technical skills across the division against current challenges and strategic needs. Adress identified skill gaps through training, mentoring, and coaching, with particular focus on high-potential programmers and their development path toward becoming future technical leads and experts. Promote a positive and effective collaboration between programming teams and other departments. 4. Studio and technology partnerships Develop and maintain strategic relationships with technical and production counterparts at co-development studios and technology partners. Oversee technical co-development with other partner studios, including alignment on style guides, architecture, tooling, and frequent lead-to-lead syncs during active production phases. Evaluate new external technologies and partnerships for strategic fit and potential impact on studio capabilities. What success will look like As the Division Principal Programmer, you will bring visible impact on technical leadership and development on strategic projects and missions aligned with the studio's vision. Who you would be working with You will oversee a programing team of approximately 35 to 40 people, and collaborate closely with other department heads and team leads in game development like Game Design, Art, and Producing. You will report to the Studio Technical Director and coordinate with Studio Directors, Studio Manager, and Technical Managers/Directors from partner studios. WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED Experience in game creation and development across multiple genres. Deep knowledge in core game development domains (e.g., AI, 3D rendering, online/network scalability, cloud technology). Proficiency in multiple game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal), with advanced UE5 skills required. Advanced proficiency in architecture design and coding in multiple languages (e.g., C#, C++, Python). Solid knowledge of AI/LLM production deployment; practical experience with AI coding assistants (e.g., Claude Code, Copilot). Up to date with industry technological advancements; able to lead R&D initiatives and produce clear technical documentation (whitepapers, specifications). WHO YOU ARE Demonstrated experience in strategic project management. A solid product mindset (balancing technical requirements with business and player value). Ability to collaborate effectively with high-level leadership and external partners. Solid problem-solving skills with a structured approach that considers both the immediate issue and the overall system architecture. Advanced communication skills, with the ability to help shape or facilitate the decision-making process. Effective negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Well-developed technical mentorship skill. Highly autonomous, initiative driver. Demonstrated adaptability and steady leadership during periods of change or high-pressure situations. Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills. Collaborative team player, highly accountable, and resul