Lead game engineer
Oversee the technical development of video games and manage a team of engineers to make sure the product is delivered on time.
About the job
What it's like
Are you a tech professional who’s ready for a senior role? If so, a lead game engineer position could be the perfect next step.
To do this job, you'll likely need several years' experience in the gaming or tech industry. Working as a games developer is a good way to build the skills and knowledge required to take on a lead role.
You'll have the opportunity to create state-of-the-art gaming concepts from scratch. A lead game engineer's day varies from discussing a lead character's new combat sequence, to working on new dialogue for a cutscene.
Your tasks might include:
leading the creation of a game from start to finish
reviewing and writing high-quality code
working across multiple departments to make sure a game is being created to high standards
developing characters, dialogue and storyline ideas
building or improving internal tools that help designers and artists work more efficiently
managing a team of engineers and mentoring junior members of staff
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
TIGA – the trade association for the UK games industry
The BAFTA Scholarship Programme – financial support for talented UK nationals studying film, games or TV
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- working with technology
- problem solving
- managing resources
- innovative
- implementing ideas
- cooperating
- analysing
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Physics
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Lead game engineers usually build skills and experience in other gaming or tech roles. A lot of people spend time working in games or software development before moving into a lead position.
Let's explore the routes you can take to start your career in games or software development.
University
A degree may be helpful for getting into this job. You could study subjects, such as:
Computer Games Development
Computer Games Technology
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Games Design and Production
Animation
Mathematics
Physics
Use the My World of Work course search to find relevant degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure an entry-level job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Computer Games Development
Computer Science
Interactive Media
3D Computer Animation
Computer Arts
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in Creative Media.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry. You'll spend most of your time learning on the job but will also go to uni or college. You'll have a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a GA in IT: Software Development.
Getting work experience in a technology-based role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Lead game engineers have knowledge of animation and computer scripting languages, such as Python.
While not all employers list specific qualification requirements, they'll ask for relevant experience (usually work-based), that shows you have a range of transferable skills.
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