Senior Rendering Engineer Job Overview

• Company: CD PROJEKT RED (North America)
• Project: Cyberpunk 2 (Project Orion)
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Permanent
• Location: Remote-First (Canada) / Hybrid or In-Office (Boston, MA)
• Compensation: $127,200 – $190,800 CAD (Base Annual)
• Core Tech: Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), C++, DirectX 12, Vulkan
• Deadline: Applications close June 30, 2026

The Mission: Defining the Future of Visual Fidelity

CD PROJEKT RED’s mission has always been to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that resonate deeply with players. With the move to Cyberpunk 2, the studio is stepping away from its proprietary REDengine and fully embracing the power of Unreal Engine 5.

As a Senior Rendering Engineer, you are not merely a programmer; you are an architect of light and shadow. Your work will directly determine how the neon-drenched streets of the Cyberpunk universe are rendered on next-generation hardware. This role is based out of the Boston office but is optimized for a Remote-First lifestyle in Canada, offering the ultimate balance of AAA impact and personal flexibility.

Detailed Key Responsibilities

1. Rendering System Architecture & Maintenance

The core of the Senior Rendering Engineer job involves high-level systems engineering.

• Engine Customization: While UE5 provides a robust framework, a “revolutionary” RPG requires bespoke solutions. You will modify and extend Unreal’s rendering pipeline to support unique aesthetic and gameplay requirements.

• Large-Scale Problem Solving: You will develop new rendering solutions for complex issues such as massive-scale urban environments, complex weather systems, and high-density crowd rendering.

• Optimization: Maintaining a balance between visual splendor and performance is critical. You will optimize existing systems to ensure high frame rates and efficient memory utilization across PC and console platforms.

2. Technical & Artistic Collaboration

Rendering engineers at CD PROJEKT RED work at the nexus of art and science.

• Empowering Artists: You will work closely with Art Directors and Environment Artists to provide the tools and shaders they need to realize their vision without compromising performance.

• World Building: By implementing advanced shading models and lighting techniques, you will bring the characters and environments of Cyberpunk 2 to life with unprecedented realism.

3. Performance & Low-Level Programming

• Hardware Utilization: You will leverage deep knowledge of GPU and CPU architectures to write highly efficient, multithreaded code.

• Profiling & Debugging: Utilizing industry-standard tools like PIX, RenderDoc, and console-specific profilers, you will hunt down bottlenecks and memory leaks to ensure a polished shipping experience.

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills

To be considered for this elite Senior Rendering Engineer job, candidates must demonstrate mastery over the following domains:

• Professional Pedigree: Minimum of 7+ years of industry experience, ideally with a background in AAA game development.

• C++ Mastery: Expert-level command of C++ is non-negotiable, with a focus on writing clean, performant, and maintainable code for a long-term production cycle.

• Graphics API Knowledge: In-depth experience with low-level APIs, specifically DirectX 12 or Vulkan, as well as console-specific graphics programming.

• UE5 Proficiency: Comprehensive knowledge of Unreal Engine technology. Having a shipped title using UE4 or UE5 is highly desirable.

• Systems Knowledge: In-depth understanding of GPU/CPU architecture, multithreading, and low-level memory management.

• Proactive Mindset: A strong sense of ownership and a dedication to helping the team achieve milestones faster through better tools and more efficient pipelines.

Compensation, Health, & Well-Being

CD PROJEKT RED is known for offering a holistic benefits package that prioritizes the human being behind the engineer.

Financial & Professional Growth

• Salary Range: A competitive base of $127,200 – $190,800 CAD annually, supplemented by individual factors like location and specific expertise.

• RRSP Matching: A secure retirement savings plan with employer contributions.

• Continuous Learning: Access to internal workshops, global lectures, e-learning classes, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive Medical: Company-paid medical, dental, vision, and mental healthcare coverage.

• Mental Health Support: Access to counseling and psychiatric care, along with well-being webinars.

• RED Parents Network: A dedicated support system for working parents within the studio.

• Inclusive Leave: Including a unique Menstrual Leave policy, providing an extra day off for employees experiencing period pain.

Work-Life Balance

• Generous Time Off: 26 vacation days, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays per year.

• Flexibility: Flexible working hours and a remote-first approach for Canadian employees.

The Studio Environment: Life at RED

CD PROJEKT RED North America offers a “Truly International” working environment. The culture is built on transparency, diversity, and a lack of rigid corporate structures (like a formal dress code).

As the Senior Rendering Engineer job is a new role within the growing North American division, you have the opportunity to influence the culture and technical standards of the studio from the ground up. You will collaborate with team members from around the world, all united by a single mission: to create games that go “straight to the hearts of gamers.”

Diversity & Ethics in Recruitment

CD PROJEKT RED is committed to a fair and ethical recruitment process. Compensation is determined based on competitive market data and geographic location. The studio encourages applicants from all backgrounds and provides an anonymous reporting channel for any irregularities observed during the hiring process.

Application & Interview Pro-Tips

For those applying for the Senior Rendering Engineer job, keep the following in mind:

1. Portfolio of Shaders/Tech: If you have a personal blog or a GitHub repository showcasing advanced rendering techniques (e.g., custom Ray Tracing implementations or Compute Shader experiments), highlight this in your application.

2. UE5 Deep Dive: Be prepared to discuss specific modifications you have made to the Unreal Engine rendering pipeline.

3. Optimization Stories: During the interview, focus on a specific performance challenge you solved in a previous project. Detail the tools used (PIX/RenderDoc) and the measurable results of your optimization.

4. Cultural Fit: CDPR values “Dedication” and “Ownership.” Show that you aren’t just a coder, but someone who cares about the final visual output as much as the artists do.