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Contract Game Tools Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekday AI

Game Tools & Modding Engineer

Game Tools & Modding Engineer Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote We are looking for a Game Tools & Modding Engineer with strong expertise in graphics programming, rendering systems, and engine ...

New

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately ... A basic understanding of graphic design, UX principles, and tools including Adobe Illustrator ...

Naughty Dog

Web Tools Programmer

Santa Monica, CA

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... As a Web Tools Programmer, you will have total project ownership, including the development and ...

Naughty Dog

Web Tools Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$141K - $176K/yr

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... As a Web Tools Programmer, you will have total project ownership, including the development and ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Our client is looking for a Tools Programmer to join their fully remote team to build next generation MMOs and Multiplayer Games. They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112K - $154K/yr

Our client is looking for a Tools Programmer to join their fully remote team to build next generation MMOs and Multiplayer Games. They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and ...

teamLFG

OR

And are you excited to build the systems and tools to help others create a rich, innovative game? As a Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools on teamLFG, you'll help build the bridge between the ...

teamLFG

Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools

$160K - $240K/yr

And are you excited to build the systems and tools to help others create a rich, innovative game? As a Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools on teamLFG, you'll help build the bridge between the ...

Side

Lead Generalist Programmer

Architect and review systems across gameplay, tools, UI, integration, optimization, and platform ... contract role to start with the intent to convert to perm.

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How much do contract game tools programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract game tools 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.
What cities are hiring for Contract Game Tools Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Game Tools Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Tools Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Game Tools Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Game Tools Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Game Tools Programmer jobs include:
Contract Game Tools Programmer jobs near you

Game Tools & Modding Engineer

Weekday AI

Remote

Contractor

Posted 7 days ago

New

Job description

This role is for one of our clients
$20 - $60/hourpay
Role Title: Game Tools & Modding Engineer
Role Type: Contractor
Location: Remote
We are looking for a Game Tools & Modding Engineer with strong expertise in graphics programming, rendering systems, and engine-level development to build high-performance, real-time applications. This role focuses on developing graphics systems, rendering pipelines, engine tools, and low-level optimizations using modern graphics APIs such as DirectX (DX11/DX12), Vulkan, OpenGL, or Metal.
If you have a strong background in game development, graphics programming, and engine architecture, and enjoy working close to the engine rather than gameplay logic, this opportunity is for you.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Engine & Tools Development
  • Design, develop, and maintain engine-level systems and game development tools using C++.
  • Build and enhance game modding tools, editor extensions, and development pipelines.
  • Extend engine capabilities to improve workflows for developers, artists, and designers.
Graphics & Rendering
  • Develop and optimize rendering pipelines, shaders, and real-time graphics systems.
  • Implement graphics features using DirectX (DX11/DX12), Vulkan, OpenGL, Metal, or equivalent graphics APIs.
  • Work with HLSL/GLSL shaders and modern rendering techniques.
Performance Optimization
  • Optimize rendering performance across CPU, GPU, memory, and multithreaded workloads.
  • Identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting graphics performance and engine efficiency.
  • Debug complex rendering, graphics, and cross-platform compatibility issues.
Collaboration & Code Quality
  • Collaborate closely with engineers, technical artists, designers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented C++ code following engineering best practices.
  • Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making.
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 3-6 years of experience in game development, graphics programming, or real-time rendering.
  • Strong proficiency in C++.
  • Hands-on experience with one or more graphics APIs:
    • DirectX 11/12
    • Vulkan
    • OpenGL
    • Metal
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Rendering pipelines
    • Shader programming (HLSL/GLSL)
    • 3D mathematics
    • Real-time graphics concepts
  • Experience with Unreal Engine or a similar game engine.
  • Knowledge of performance optimization techniques across CPU, GPU, memory, and multithreading.
  • Strong debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a distributed or remote team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with engine customization and low-level systems programming.
  • Familiarity with graphics profiling and debugging tools such as RenderDoc, PIX, Nsight, or similar.
  • Experience developing cross-platform applications or working within performance-constrained environments.
  • Exposure to game development tooling, editor extensions, asset pipelines, or automation.
  • Background in multiplayer systems or large-scale game architectures.
Must-Have Skills
  • C++
  • Game Development
  • Graphics Programming
  • DirectX / Vulkan / OpenGL
  • Rendering Pipeline
Good-to-Have Skills
  • Unreal Engine
  • Shader Programming (HLSL/GLSL)
  • Engine Development
  • Performance Optimization
  • RenderDoc
  • PIX
  • Nsight
  • Game Tools Development
  • Modding Tools

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