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
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Forza Horizon 5 PS5 launch established Panic Button as premier cross-platform porting specialist.
- Content parity with 900 cars and expansions positions studio for ongoing post-launch support revenue.
- Microsoft's platform expansion strategy creates sustained demand for Panic Button's porting capabilities.
What critics are saying
- Microsoft may restrict future cross-platform ports to preserve Xbox exclusivity and competitive positioning.
- Panic Button's revenue heavily concentrated in single franchise; diversification into Switch 2 unproven.
- Horizon Realms underperformance on PS5 could damage studio reputation and block future Sony partnerships.
What makes Panic Button unique
- Panic Button successfully ported Forza Horizon 5 to PS5, achieving 92% Metacritic score.
- Studio demonstrated technical expertise migrating proprietary Horizon technology across platforms with cross-play.
- Expanding portfolio includes Nintendo Switch 2 ARMS upgrade alongside major Microsoft franchise ports.
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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.