Full-Time
Lead Software Engineer
Panic Button
11-50 employees
Porting and optimization studio for games
Compensation Overview
$150k - $220k/yr
Austin, TX, USA
In Person
 Software Engineering (1) |
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- Lead and mentor a team of software engineers
- Oversee the entire porting lifecycle, from initial analysis and feasibility studies to optimization, certification, and release across multiple platforms
- Collaborate closely with internal development teams, external partners, and platform holders
- Responsible for performance and stability across all platforms
- Identify and resolve platform-specific technical challenges, memory and performance bottlenecks, and compatibility issues
- Contribute hands-on to coding, debugging, and problem-solving
- Participate in strategic planning and technical roadmap development
- Lead and mentor a team of software engineers
- Oversee the entire porting lifecycle, from initial analysis and feasibility studies to optimization, certification, and release across multiple platforms
- Collaborate closely with internal development teams, external partners, and platform holders
- Responsible for performance and stability across all platforms
- Identify and resolve platform-specific technical challenges, memory and performance bottlenecks, and compatibility issues
- Contribute hands-on to coding, debugging, and problem-solving
- Participate in strategic planning and technical roadmap development
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4/5 or Unity
Panic Button is a game porting and development studio that brings existing games to other platforms, especially consoles. It focuses on porting and optimizing performance, memory usage, and stability to run well on systems like Nintendo Switch, PS4 Pro, Xbox One, and PC, often adding platform-specific enhancements. The company differentiates itself by delivering demanding, high-profile ports (such as Doom to Switch) in collaboration with major publishers. Its goal is to help games reach more players by providing smooth, faithful, and stable versions across different platforms.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
Founded
2007
Get referred to Panic Button
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Forza Horizon 5 launched on PS5 April 2025, expanding Panic Button's addressable customer base.
- Nintendo's November 2025 Switch 2 update mandate signals renewed demand for Panic Button's expertise.
- Open hiring in 2026 shows the studio is still scaling for new console work.
What critics are saying
- Console porting budgets shrink fast when platform holders internalize upgrade work by 2026.
- Nintendo or Microsoft can replace Panic Button with internal teams, killing flagship revenue streams.
- A failed major port would destroy Panic Button's reputation and collapse future outsourcing demand.
What makes Panic Button unique
- Panic Button built reputation shipping technically difficult ports across Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
- Nintendo selected Panic Button for Switch 2 updates to marquee first-party games in 2025.
- Microsoft trusted Panic Button with Forza Horizon 5's PS5 port, confirming premium platform credibility.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Flexible Work Hours
Remote Work Options
Paid Vacation
Sabbatical Leave
Hybrid Work Options
Stock Options
Company Equity
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Performance Bonus
Profit Sharing
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Gym Membership
Phone/Internet Stipend
Home Office Stipend
Conference Attendance Budget
Professional Development Budget
Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Certification Support
Mentorship Program
Relocation Assistance
Employee Discounts
Company Social Events
Adoption Assistance
Family Planning Benefits
Company News
Panic Button is developing Forza Horizon 5's PS5 port on behalf of Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios.