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Contract Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Unreal Game Designer

Huntsville, AL ยท On-site

$152K/yr

... contract that we are hiring for ends. Responsibilities * Collaborate with artists, software engineers, and other game designers to implement gameplay features and training content for serious games.

Contractor (1-Year Contract) Schedule: Flexible 20-40 hours/week (20 hrs/week minimum, 3 days/week ... You will work closely with Game Designers, Engineers, and Producers in an agile environment. Rather ...

$58 - $80/hr

Contractor (1-Year Contract) Schedule: Flexible 20-40 hours/week (20 hrs/week minimum, 3 days/week ... You will work closely with Game Designers, Engineers, and Producers in an agile environment. Rather ...

Smart Contract Engineer

Manhattan, NY ยท On-site

$180 - $220/hr

The Role Category Labs is looking for a Smart Contract Engineer to join the core engineering team ... game-changer for mass user adoption in crypto. * The right team. You'll be part of a small ...

Gesture Games

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$10K/mo

... or mobile game development. * Strong engineering ability across inference pipelines, UX ... This is a contract role during the residency. If the build leads to a funded company, the next step ...

Senior Developer

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$52.50 - $69.25/hr

Contract/W2 Job Summary - An opening for a highly skilled Sr. Developer with hands-on experience in ... Key Responsibilities: ยท Developing techniques that allow LLMs to reliably author complex, game ...

$106 - $118/hr

... the game, supporting the creative, narrative vision, and technical requirements. The Senior ... Collaborate with Designers and Programmers to implement animations in engine using expert skills in ...

Senior Gameplay Animator (CONTRACT)

OR ยท On-site +1

$105K - $120K/yr

... the game, providing constructive feedback as necessary. * Communicate effectively with other disciplines, including Designers, Programmers, Writers, Project Managers, Art, Audio, Character and ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Game Programmer information

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$11K

$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do contract game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract game programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a contract game programmer get paid?

Contract game programmers typically earn between $25 and $75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Rates can vary based on skills in programming languages like C++ or Unity, and the length of the contract may also influence pay. Experienced programmers with specialized skills may command higher rates.

What cities are hiring for Contract Game Programmer jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Game Programmer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Game Programmer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Game Programmer jobs include:

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide. 

Cole Engineering Services (CESI), a By Light company, is recognized as a premier provider of modeling and simulation (M&S) training solutions to the Federal Government and industry. Since 2004, CESI has been at the forefront of developing, maintaining, and integrating simulation-based training, serious gaming, technical services, training and other support in live, virtual, constructive, and gaming (LVCG) domains.  CESI also designs, builds and runs infrastructure, platforms, applications and processes that enable cyber training for the integrated multi-domain force. Our vision is to become a worldwide full spectrum LVCG and cyber training/analysis developer, integrator and services provider.


Develop new functionality, diagnose and fix software defects for distributed simulations, game-based training systems and applications. Applications are implemented in C++ with Unreal Engine 5 and are deployed to Windows and Linux environments.


  • Architect and develop UE5-based real-time simulation environments for DoD training and analysis programs.
  • Design and implement custom UE5 engine plugins, modules, and rendering extensions using C++ and OOD principles.
  • Profile, debug, and optimize render performance including GPU/CPU bottleneck resolution and memory management.
  • Support customer-directed research and development activities.
  • Support for integration and test activities.
  • Investigate and fix defects in a UE5 project.
  • On-site development.

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a technical discipline such as electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, systems or software engineering from an accredited college or university.  Experience may be considered in lieu of degree 
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience in real-time 3D, simulation, or games
  • 3+ years of hands-on development with Unreal Engine 4/5 in a professional or DoD program context
  • Object Oriented design background 
  • Advanced Knowledge of C++
  • Extensive Unreal Engine development experience
  • Experience with performance profiling, memory optimization, and multi-threaded game/sim engine code
  • Proficient in writing and extending custom UE5 Plugins and subsystems
  • Ability to test, diagnose problems, and implement fixes
  • Experience with GIT source control tools

  • First or third person game development
  • Networking, VMs, Kubernetes, Docker, Python scripting
  • Experience with Image Generators or Terrain Generation tools
  • DoD simulation-based application development
  • Experience integrating with CIGI-compliant host applications
  • Familiarity with GIS concepts, including WGS84, coordinate systems, and industry-standard formats
  • Experience with Cesium for Unreal
  • Familiarity with HLSL for custom rendering pipeline work

Please note that pursuant to a government contract, this specific position requires U. S. Citizenship status and a secret security clearance with the ability to pass a CI polygraph if requested by the customer. Security Clearance requirements will be specified in the Government's Task Order. 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. The above is intended to describe the general contents of and requirements for the performance of this job.


CESI recognizes that our strength is our people. We support every employee as an individual to build strong teams across the enterprise.  Our benefit package includes:

  • Medical, Dental & Visio
  • Coverage
  • Wellness Program
  • 401(k) Matching
  • Disability (Short Term & Long Term)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Education & Training
  • Generous Leave Policy (11 Federal Holidays, PTO, Military Leave, Bereavement and Jury Duty)

Cole Engineering Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, membership in an employee organization, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws.