Cloud Chamber | Senior Rendering Programmer, Canada

At Cloud Chamber, we are dedicated to crafting the next entry in the legendary BioShock franchise. Our goal is to create evocative, immersive, and deeply meaningful experiences that resonate with players long after the screen goes dark. We believe that the foundation of a great game is a culture of open collaboration, where every developer is empowered to take ownership and push the boundaries of what is technically possible.

We are seeking a Senior Rendering Programmer to join our Montréal studio. This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of visual innovation, helping us push Unreal Engine 5 to its absolute limits. You will be a key architect of the visual experience, translating high-level art direction into the cutting-edge shaders, systems, and rendering code that will define the atmosphere of the next BioShock.

Job Summary

The Role: Engineering the Visual Frontier

As a Senior Rendering Programmer, you aren’t just writing code; you are a visual storyteller using the language of mathematics and low-level APIs. You will work in lockstep with our Lead Rendering Programmer, Art Directors, and Technical Artists to bridge the gap between creative concept and real-time performance.

Your expertise will be vital in modifying core engine shaders, developing bespoke rendering technologies, and integrating complex third-party solutions. You will be the “go-to” expert for solving rendering-based challenges and ensuring that our game maintains peak performance without compromising its rich, stylized aesthetic.

Core Responsibilities

1. Technical Vision & Execution

• Shader Development: Modify and extend core shaders to achieve the unique visual signature of the BioShock universe.
• System Architecture: Design and develop new rendering technologies and systems within the Unreal Engine 5 framework.
• Translation of Art: Take abstract concepts from concept art and Art Direction and translate them into efficient, high-performance rendering code.

2. Optimization & Debugging

• Performance Profiling: Utilize graphics debugging tools to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.
• Visual Fidelity: Debug complex visual issues, ensuring that lighting, shadows, and post-processing effects behave predictably across all supported platforms.
• Hardware Efficiency: Work with low-level graphics APIs to squeeze every bit of power out of the latest generation of gaming consoles and PC hardware.

3. Tooling & Pipeline Innovation

• Content Production: Create and maintain tools and efficient pipelines that empower artists to produce high-quality assets with minimal technical friction.
• Integration: Evaluate and integrate third-party solutions to enhance our rendering capabilities.

4. Leadership & Mentorship

• Team Growth: Act as a mentor to junior and mid-level programmers, sharing your knowledge of graphics programming best practices and industry trends.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Effectively communicate with the Art and Design teams to find performant solutions to creative requests.

Skills & Experiences: The Technical Blueprint

Professional Background

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Industry Tenure: 5+ years of experience in game development or a related field.
• Track Record: Must have shipped at least one AAA title on Console and/or PC.
• Seniority: Previous experience in a senior role focused specifically on Graphics or Rendering.

Technical Expertise

• Language Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of C and C++.
• Math Mastery: Strong foundation in 3D Mathematics (Linear Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry).
• API Mastery: Deep experience with modern GPUs and low-level graphics APIs (DirectX 12, Vulkan, or platform-specific APIs) on the latest generation of platforms.
• Engine Knowledge: Strong familiarity with Unreal Engine technology is highly desired, particularly regarding its rendering pipeline.
• Profiling Tools: Expert use of tools like Pix, RenderDoc, Nsight, or internal engine profilers.

The “Bonus” Toolkit

• Pipeline Exposure: Familiarity with how tools like Houdini, Substance Painter, and Z-Brush interact with a modern graphics pipeline.

Who You Are: A Cultural Force Multiplier

At Cloud Chamber, we value how you work as much as what you build.

• A Positive Force: You are a reliable teammate who looks for opportunities to integrate work across disciplines.
• An Expert Communicator: You can explain complex rendering concepts to a non-technical audience and deliver difficult feedback with empathy.
• Resilient & Proactive: You are a self-motivated individual who stays effective under pressure and adapts quickly to changing priorities.
• An Active Listener: You build trust-based relationships and are highly open to feedback and direction.
• A Technical Owner: You drive your tasks forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization.

Why Join Cloud Chamber Montréal?

The Studio Culture

Cloud Chamber are a “learn through play” studio. We believe that the best innovation happens when teams feel safe to experiment, fail fast, and try again. We push ourselves to be better every day, but we never lose sight of the fact that we are making games for players to enjoy.

Life in Montréal

Montréal is a global epicenter for game development. Our studio is located in a city that blends European charm with North American innovation. You will be part of a thriving creative ecosystem with access to world-class culture, cuisine, and technology.

The Perks & Benefits

• World-Class Project: Contribute to the return of one of the most prestigious franchises in gaming history.
• Comprehensive Health Care: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Planning: Competitive RRSP matching to help you secure your future.
• Work-Life Integration: Flexible hours and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Budget for conferences, courses, and certifications to keep your rendering skills at the cutting edge.

Application Process

Cloud Chamber want to see your technical artistry.

1. Submit your Resume: Highlighting your AAA shipping experience and specific contributions to rendering systems.
2. Provide Code Samples or Portfolio: If possible, show us your shaders, performance optimizations, or rendering tech demos.
3. Language Check: For candidates in Quebec, please ensure your application demonstrates proficiency in both French and English.

Cloud Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, or orientation.