Lead Programmer

Frima Studio

About The Position

Frima is seeking a Lead Programmer to join a multidisciplinary team on a co-development project. The role guides the project’s technical approach, coordinates with design, art, production, and partner teams, and supports programmers through technical problem-solving, coaching, and ongoing feedback. The Lead Programmer monitors schedules, risks, deliverables, code quality, performance, and partner requests, while helping improve development processes and building reusable tools and features. The role also contributes to talent development, project reviews, and discussions with other leads and the Director. Frima is a video game development studio based in Quebec City and Montreal. The studio offers a 4.5-day workweek year-round, with Friday afternoons off, and remote, hybrid, or in-office work arrangements. The position requires excellent written and spoken French and English, as well as the ability to travel internationally as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, combined with experience deemed equivalent.
At least five years of experience in video game programming.
Experience as a lead programmer or in a similar role.
Strong proficiency in C++ and optimization skills.
Good understanding of the hardware and software layers involved in running a video game.
Excellent written and spoken French and English; English is required for collaboration with English-speaking partners.
Ability to travel internationally as needed.
Ability to anticipate and manage risks throughout development.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills to deliver projects on time.
Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
Strong team and project leadership skills.
Ability to motivate and mentor.
Strong analytical and synthesis skills, and ability to communicate ideas clearly.
Ability to critically evaluate a finished product and question assumptions.
Diplomacy, patience, resourcefulness, organization, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with the Unreal game engine is a significant asset.
Experience in mobile game development is a significant asset.
Curiosity about new technologies.

Responsibilities

Determine appropriate technical approaches to achieve project objectives while considering technical, budget, and time constraints.
Coordinate communication with design, art, and production departments to support integration of project components.
Monitor schedules and deliverables against the technical plan and anticipate necessary adjustments.
Identify and propose solutions to technical issues that could affect production.
Optimize code and system performance to support game fluidity and stability.
Organize and lead regular team meetings to track progress, anticipate risks, and check deadlines.
Assist programmers with technical issues and provide support when they encounter roadblocks.
Motivate, guide, and support the team through coaching and continuous feedback.
Develop team skills and internal talent by monitoring performance and creating relevant training plans aligned with company needs and strategic directions.
Build a relationship of trust with the partner and act as the point of contact in the area of expertise.
Participate in project reviews and post-mortems.
Maintain partner satisfaction through transparency and rigorous tracking of requests and necessary adjustments.
Share best practices and technical innovations with other leads and the Director.
Work with the team to develop and optimize reusable tools and features that improve project efficiency.
Improve development processes and methods to increase productivity and the quality of deliverables.