Principal Programmer

Cloud Imperium Games is looking for a skilled and talented Programmer to work on our exciting PC space combat sim, Star Citizen. The Principal Programmer will work in a cooperative, cross‑disciplinary team environment to ensure that our live service offering runs as efficiently and as smoothly as it possibly can, all within our own Star Engine. Our engine, Star Engine, is a multi‑million line, multi‑platform project.

Every programmer recompiles the code base multiple times a day.

• Design and implement well-engineered, reliable, maintainable, and bug‑free code to support live service operations and updates.
• Collaborate with team members to maintain and optimize gameplay systems.
• Follow best practices, development processes, and coding standards.
• Document and peer review technical designs with other software engineers to.
• Work with QA to provide the information needed to fully test developed code and address live service issues promptly.
• Provide ongoing support to internal customers for developed software.
• Keep up to date on state‑of‑the‑art software engineering methods, practices, and technologies.

• Are very comfortable working with C++ in a large, shared codebase.
• Have a very strong grasp of 3D mathematics applicable to maintaining and optimizing existing gameplay systems.
• Highly motivated and self‑sufficient.
• Have experience with programming in a live service context.
• Work well in a co‑located yet collaborative team environment.
• Can explain and present technical solutions to both programmers and team members from other disciplines.

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment.

The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc. through social media or chat‑based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at  with any information you may have.