MachineGames hiring Render Programmer, Uppsala 2026

MachineGames, the acclaimed developer behind the modern Wolfenstein saga and the critically lauded Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, is seeking an experienced Render Programmer to push the boundaries of real-time visuals.

In this role, you will be a key architect of the visual experience. We are looking for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of high-level artistry and low-level hardware optimization. You will build, optimize, and maintain GPU-driven rendering systems that bring our immersive, narrative-driven worlds to life. If you have a passion for profiling performance, identifying bottlenecks, and ensuring that cutting-edge visual features scale across a wide range of hardware, you belong in our engine room.

Job OVerview

• Company Name: MachineGames (Part of ZeniMax Media / Bethesda Softworks / Xbox Game Studios)
• Job Title: Render Programmer
• Category / Type: Engineering / Regular Full-Time
• Location: Uppsala, Sweden (HQ) or Sundsvall, Sweden (Satellite Office)
• Work Model: Permanent On-site
• Relocation Support: Comprehensive support (Visa / Work Permit & moving assistance)
• Estimated Salary: 700,000 SEK – 880,000 SEK annually (Based on 2026 senior engineering benchmarks)

About MachineGames

Since our inception in 2010, MachineGames has been recognized for a unique creative vision: the ability to fuse visceral, intense first-person gameplay with deeply immersive narratives. We are a studio of seasoned, passionate developers who value a “down-to-earth” approach. Our culture is free from big egos; we believe the best technology is born from collective effort and a shared commitment to excellence.

Our primary studio is located in central Uppsala, a vibrant university city just 40 minutes north of Stockholm. Uppsala offers a rare combination of pre-medieval historical heritage and a cutting-edge modern tech scene, providing a stable and inspiring environment for world-class game development.

Core Responsibilities

As a Render Programmer, you will take ownership of the rendering pipeline, working closely with artistic departments to ensure our games look as good as they play.

1. System Architecture & Implementation

• GPU-Driven Systems: Design and implement new rendering systems from the ground up, balancing the need for extreme visual quality with strict performance requirements.
• Hardware Scalability: Ensure that all rendering features are robust and performant across a diverse range of hardware configurations and console platforms.
• Feature Development: Participate in high-level discussions regarding new features, providing technical feasibility assessments and innovative solutions.

2. Profiling & Optimization

• Bottleneck Identification: Use industry-standard profiling tools to find and eliminate performance bottlenecks in both the CPU and GPU.
• Continuous Improvement: Stay at the forefront of rendering research, evaluating new techniques (such as Ray Tracing, Frame Generation, or advanced Upscaling) and determining how they can be integrated into our proprietary technology.

3. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Artistic Support: Collaborate daily with the Lighting, VFX, and Environment Art departments to provide the tools and shaders necessary to realize their artistic vision.
• Technical Guidance: Take full ownership of your code, providing documentation, guidance, and support to the artists and designers who utilize your systems.

Candidate Qualifications

We are looking for a self-motivated team player with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of modern graphics pipelines.

• Professional Experience: You must have at least one shipped AAA title credited as a Render Programmer (or equivalent seniority).
• Programming Mastery: Strong C++ skills are essential. You should be comfortable writing high-performance, maintainable, and thread-safe code.
• Shader Languages: Proficient in HLSL or GLSL, with a deep understanding of the graphics pipeline and modern GPU architecture.
• Mathematics: Excellent 3D math skills (linear algebra, trigonometry, and calculus) as applied to computer graphics.
• Profiling Tools: Comfortable using tools such as PIX, Nsight, or RenderDoc to diagnose and fix rendering issues.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required to navigate our international team environment.

Preferred Skills

• Education: A BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or comparable professional experience.
• Proprietary Tech: Prior experience working with idTech or other high-end proprietary game engines is a significant advantage.
• Low-Level Knowledge: Experience with modern graphics APIs (Vulkan, DirectX 12, or console-specific APIs).

Our Cultural Foundation

Our studio’s success is built on six core values that guide our daily interactions:

1. Team Performance: We prioritize the collective success of the studio over individual accolades.
2. Open Door Policy: We encourage transparency and accessibility at every level of the organization.
3. Reliability: We pride ourselves on delivering what we promise to our colleagues and our fans.
4. Actionable Feedback: We believe in providing clear, constructive critiques to help everyone grow.
5. Ownership: We practice personal accountability for our code and its impact on the final product.
6. Learning from Failure: We view mistakes as an essential part of the iterative process and an opportunity to improve.

Life in Sweden & Benefits

Moving to Sweden offers a world-class quality of life, and MachineGames is committed to supporting your transition.

• Relocation Package: We provide comprehensive assistance for non-EU citizens, including work permit applications, travel, and logistics support.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from Sweden’s famous work-life balance, including 25+ days of paid vacation and generous social benefits.
• Historical Inspiration: Work in a city where Viking history meets modern innovation, all while being a short train ride away from the capital.

Application Requirements

To apply, please provide your CV and a Cover Letter in English. We are specifically interested in hearing about the technical challenges you have overcome in previous rendering projects and your philosophy on balancing visual fidelity with performance.

MachineGames is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do and welcome anyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.