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Senior Software Engineer

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Job Details

Senior Software Engineer EA is hiring for an exciting new intellectual property at the EA Black Box studio. Electronic Arts Black Box captures the top four floors of a high-rise on Vancouver’s downtown waterfront. EAX is 70,000 square feet of panoramic views of the city, harbour, and mountains! Piercing through the centre of the building is a 35 foot bamboo tree enclosed in glass by a stair case that connects all four floors, adding a touch of serenity to work. The studio is well equipped with multiple sound studios, game trial theaters, disco lounge, cafeteria, arcade, DJ booth, gym, company store and outdoor balcony complete with fireplace and barbeque.

A challenging and important role. The Lead Engineer is responsible for the quality of code in-game and ensuring the team deliver a bug free gaming experience.

Role Overview

The Lead Programmer is ultimately in charge of all programming for the game. They are responsible for making sure the various sub-modules of the game are being implemented properly, and for keeping track of development from a programming standpoint. Despite the title, the Lead Programmer usually spends less time writing code than other programmers because they are required to attend meetings and interface with the client or other leads working on the game. However, the Lead Programmer still spends some time programming and must be knowledgeable about most technical areas of the game. The Lead Programmer decides analysis and design issues, what technologies to use (e.g., using Direct3D vs. OpenGL), and what work to distribute to different members of the programming team.

The Lead Programmer must be able to fill in and code various parts of the game and help out other members of the team as needed. They also work closely with the other leads on the art, design, and production teams, and help develop schedules and determine milestones. The Lead Programmer must be able to lead a team, and there is often considerable common ground in the roles of Technical Director and Lead Programmer.

What skills does EA look for?

A Lead Programmer generally has at least five years of experience in the industry and has had a hand in most, if not all, aspects of programming games. The Lead Programmer must be an expert in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, 3D Rendering, 3D animation, 3D math, physics, multiplayer, and/or audio. The role combines being a manager and being a programmer.

EA Lead Programmers typically have excellent C/C++ programming skills, as well as a very solid understanding of object oriented design and programming concepts. They understand professional software development methodologies and QA and testing approaches. Most EA programmers have a degree in Computer Science, excellent math skills, and are able to program as part of a team. The most successful Lead Programmers have 3-6 years experience in the gaming industry, are familiar with large game development and workflow, have a great understanding of common online gaming terminology, and have experience with online gaming and Java and DB admin.