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Contractual Unreal Engine Developer Jobs in California

2K

Senior Gameplay Analytics Engineer (Unreal Engine)

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ... Hands-on experience with game engines (especially Unreal) and C++. The pay range for this position ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Rendering Engineer, you will collaborate with a talented team to develop rendering ... Preferred : • Strong understanding and familiarity with current Unreal Engine technology desired ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Analytics Engineer (Unreal Engine)

Novato, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers ... Hands-on experience with game engines (especially Unreal) and C++. The pay range for this position ...

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Senior Pipeline Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Pipeline Engineer will lead the development of scalable, artist-friendly tools and ... Integrate Unreal Engine into production workflows for real-time visualization, interactive content ...

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Senior Pipeline Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$113K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Pipeline Engineer will lead the development of scalable, artist-friendly tools and ... Integrate Unreal Engine into production workflows for real-time visualization, interactive content ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real ...

Decisive Point

Software Engineer - Game Development

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173.40 - $232.93/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a realtime 3D specialist, you will work with Unreal Engine to further develop our simulation ... At Applied, we encourage all engineers to take ownership over technical and product decisions ...

Applied Intuition

Software Engineer - Game Development

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$173.40 - $232.93/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a realtime 3D specialist, you will work with Unreal Engine to further develop our simulation ... At Applied, we encourage all engineers to take ownership over technical and product decisions ...

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All JobsContractual Unreal Engine Developer JobsContractual Unreal Engine Developer Jobs in California

Contractual Unreal Engine Developer information

Is Unreal Engine a good career?

A career as an Unreal Engine developer involves working with real-time 3D graphics, game development, and interactive experiences, often requiring skills in C++ and Blueprint visual scripting. The field offers opportunities in gaming, film, architecture, and simulation industries, with demand driven by technological advancements and project complexity.

What is the difference between Contractual Unreal Engine Developer vs Game Programmer?

AspectContractual Unreal Engine DeveloperGame Programmer
Required CredentialsProficiency in Unreal Engine, C++, and game development toolsProficiency in programming languages like C++, C#, and game engines
Work EnvironmentTypically freelance or project-based, working remotely or on-site for game studiosOften employed full-time at game studios or tech companies
Industry UsageUsed in game development, VR/AR projects, and interactive mediaUsed across gaming, simulation, and interactive applications

The main difference is that a Contractual Unreal Engine Developer specializes specifically in Unreal Engine for project-based work, while a Game Programmer may work with various engines and programming languages across different projects. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the Unreal Engine Developer focuses on Unreal-specific tools and workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractual Unreal Engine developer?

To thrive as a Contractual Unreal Engine Developer, you need strong proficiency in C++ programming, 3D mathematics, and experience with Unreal Engine's Blueprint system, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, Unreal Engine certification, and knowledge of game development pipelines are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills help navigate remote or freelance team environments and client expectations. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality, efficient solutions in a competitive and collaborative project-based setting.

What is a contractual Unreal Engine developer?

A Contractual Unreal Engine Developer is a professional hired on a temporary or project-based contract to design, develop, and optimize interactive experiences using Unreal Engine. This role typically involves creating 3D environments, programming gameplay mechanics, and working closely with artists and designers to bring projects to life. Contractual developers may work remotely or on-site, often for game studios, architectural visualization firms, or companies requiring real-time 3D solutions. Their contracts can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on project needs.

How much do contractual Unreal Engine developers make?

Contractual Unreal Engine developers typically earn between $30 and $80 per hour, depending on experience, project complexity, and location. Skilled developers with expertise in C++ and Blueprint visual scripting may command higher rates, especially for specialized or high-demand projects.

What are some common challenges faced by contractual Unreal Engine developers, and how can they be addressed?

Contractual Unreal Engine Developers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to existing codebases, meeting tight project deadlines, and efficiently collaborating with remote teams. To address these, it's important to maintain clear, proactive communication with project managers and team members, and to thoroughly document your work. Utilizing version control tools and familiarizing yourself with the project's technical standards early on can also help ensure smooth integration and successful delivery within the contract period.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unreal Engine Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Unreal Engine Developer jobs in California are:

Contractual Unreal Engine Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractual Unreal Engine Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution.

Senior Gameplay Analytics Engineer (Unreal Engine)

2K

Novato, CA • On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

#LI-Onsite
Who We Are:
2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K's portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today's most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.
Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K's portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K, renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K.
At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don't meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!
About the Role:
We're looking for a Senior Telemetry Design Engineer to design the telemetry specs and frameworks that power our AAA games from early development through live operations. Operating within Central Services, you will bridge the gap between our Business and Technical Data teams. Your main goal: translate high-level business strategies into clear, actionable telemetry designs. By ensuring every data point we collect is tied to a specific business outcome, you'll empower our publishing and creative teams to drive growth and craft exceptional player experiences.
What You Will do:
  • Turn strategic business goals into clear telemetry specs and frameworks designed for seamless implementation by the development team.
  • Define and enforce data standards, naming conventions, and data contracts to keep data consistent across all our games and prevent technical debt.
  • Work closely with studio developers to clearly define data warehouse requirements and ensure smooth implementation.
  • Partner with dev and Data QA teams to validate telemetry, troubleshoot bugs, and ensure data is accurate and ready for downstream teams to use.
  • Contribute directly to the studio codebase by writing telemetry hooks and providing hands-on integration support when needed.
What You Need:
  • 5+ years of experience as a telemetry architect, telemetry designer, or data analyst in gaming, tech, or entertainment.
  • Proven experience designing and implementing scalable telemetry frameworks.
  • Solid understanding of the full Game Development Lifecycle, from initial design through Live Ops.
  • Deep understanding of data concepts like raw streaming data, data modeling, and metadata.
  • Proficient in Advanced SQL and working with platforms like Snowflake and Databricks.
  • Experience handling data contracts, GDPR compliance, and PII.
  • Ability to write clear telemetry specs and translate complex technical concepts for engineering, product, and business teams.
  • An autonomous self-starter who can dive deep into complex technical issues without losing sight of the big picture.
Bonus Points:
  • Experience directly instrumenting telemetry with game studio partners.
  • Hands-on experience with game engines (especially Unreal) and C++.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

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