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Engine Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thatgamecompany

Senior Engine Programmer

$164K - $222K/yr

Senior Engine Programmer Remote US & Canada only We're looking for an exceptional Senior Engine Programmer to join our live team to help craft the most advanced social game on earth. As an Engine ...

thatgamecompany

Senior Engine Programmer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$164K - $222K/yr

Senior Engine Programmer Remote US & Canada only We're looking for an exceptional Senior Engine Programmer to join our live team to help craft the most advanced social game on earth. As an Engine ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse ...

Studio Wildcard

Sr. Engine Programmer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Survival Evolved - Sr. Engine Programmer - Seattle, WA Studio Wildcard, creators of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved, was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse ...

Bitwise Alchemy LLC

Senior Engine Programmer

TX · Remote

We are looking for a Senior Engine Programmer to work with us on exciting initiatives with major industry partners. Unlike traditional studios, we offer a unique way to leverage your game development ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

Qualitest Group

Game Engine Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Role - Game Engine Developer Location - Redmond, WA (on-site) We're looking for a game engine developer to drive engine integration work with a focus on Unreal Engine. You'll work across the stack ...

Pentangle Tech

View Engine Developer..

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

The View Engine Development Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing advanced view engine systems using surround view cameras for automotive applications. This role focuses on enhancing ...

Weekday AI

Game Engine Developer (O3DE)

Remote Become a part of our customer's team as a Game Engine Developer focusing on the Open 3D Engine (O3DE), contributing to the creation of high-performance, AAA-quality games. You will utilize the ...

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Engine Programmer information

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How much do engine programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for engine programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does an engine programmer typically collaborate with other departments, such as graphics and gameplay teams, during development?

Engine programmers frequently work closely with both graphics and gameplay teams to ensure that the underlying technology supports creative and performance goals. This involves regular meetings to discuss feature requirements, debugging sessions to resolve integration issues, and ongoing feedback loops to optimize engine components for specific project needs. Clear communication and a collaborative mindset are essential, as engine programmers often translate high-level design or visual ideas into efficient, maintainable code. This cross-functional teamwork is key to delivering smooth, visually impressive, and responsive gameplay experiences.

What is the difference between Engine Programmer vs Graphics Programmer?

AspectEngine ProgrammerGraphics Programmer
Primary FocusDeveloping and maintaining game engine systemsCreating and optimizing rendering techniques and visual effects
Required SkillsProgramming, systems architecture, physics, AIGraphics APIs, shader programming, rendering algorithms
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companiesGame studios, visual effects companies
Common UsageUsed across various game genres for core systemsFocused on visual fidelity and rendering performance

Engine Programmers develop the core systems that power a game, while Graphics Programmers focus on visual rendering and effects. Both roles require strong programming skills and often overlap, but they specialize in different aspects of game development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engine Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engine Programmer, you need strong proficiency in C++ programming, computer graphics, algorithms, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with game engines (such as Unreal or Unity), version control systems, and graphics APIs like DirectX or OpenGL is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for tackling complex technical challenges and collaborating with other developers. These skills ensure the development of efficient, high-quality game engines that support innovative gameplay and performance.

What are engine programmers?

Engine programmers are specialized software developers who design, build, and maintain the core systems that power video games and other interactive applications. They work on the underlying technology, known as the 'game engine,' enabling graphics rendering, physics, audio, and other essential features. Engine programmers often optimize performance, ensure cross-platform compatibility, and collaborate closely with other developers to create smooth and immersive experiences. Their work is crucial for enabling artists and game designers to bring their creative visions to life efficiently.
More about Engine Programmer jobs
What states have the most Engine Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Engine Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Engine Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Engine Programmer jobs are:
Engine Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engine Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Senior Engine Programmer

Senior Engine Programmer

Thatgamecompany

Remote

$164K - $222K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Senior Engine Programmer
Remote US & Canada onlyWe're looking for an exceptional Senior Engine Programmer to join our live team to help craft the most advanced social game on earth.
As an Engine Programmer at thatgamecompany, you will be a highly valued member of a world-class Engine and Game Development team for an unannounced game. For the right candidate, there are ample opportunities for fun engineering challenges: Performance (CPU and GPU), Cross-platform support, Netcode, Multithreading, Audio, and Rendering, just to name a few. You will be surrounded by knowledgeable peers who will be there to coach and mentor, as you grow into a highly impactful member of the team.
Must haves:
  • Experience developing a game engine (at work, school, or as a personal project)
  • 5+ years of technical engineering experience with C or C++
  • Find the idea of working in a custom game engine more fun than working in a Big Engine™
  • Built custom engines or have worked with custom engines and ported them to multiple platforms
  • Demonstrated ability to execute longer-term projects in complicated code bases with multiple stakeholders.

Nice to haves:
  • 5 to 10+ years experience in game development or similar 3D media using C++
  • Have a pet engine project or game (ideally with public code that we can view)
  • Clear communication skills, ability to work closely with other high-caliber engineers and artists.

Responsibilities:
  • Design, implement, and update core systems of the TGC game engine
  • Collaborate closely with various disciplines, including artists, designers, and other engineers, to gather requirements, deliver and iterate on features
  • Help monitor, identify and troubleshoot issues and inefficiencies to increase the overall effectiveness of the development team.

Perks:
• Paid Time Off, Holidays, and Two Weeks Winter Break
• Employees and their dependents get medical, dental, and vision coverage, regardless of their level, tenure, or position within the company. Moreover, these benefits start on the first day of the job-there's no waiting period before they kick in.
• Pet Insurance for those who need it too.
• Compassionate leave for employees who needs to take care of their family members
• Pre-tax wellness stipend
• Pre-tax work from home stipend
• Access our savings plan (401K program) with company match
• Mental health resources including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Discount portal for everyday goods and services
• Employee inclusive and diversity initiatives such as Grow Together
• Support for personal professional development
Please note: Include your portfolio link, if any. If not, please state what features you've worked on in that particular project. We also require you to take a test. Thank you!
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
The salary range for this position is $164,500 USD to $222,500 USD annually, with the
opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the Company's compensation practices.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in the Company's standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, and paid time off.
Our base pay is benchmarked against regional market and industry data and is adjusted to reflect the cost of living in your specific geographic area.
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