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Engine Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ilmor Engineering

Race Engine Builder

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Ilmor Engineering provides design, development, testing, and manufacturing of performance engines ... We are seeking an exceptionally skilled Race Engine Builder to join our elite Racing Division in ...

Ford Motor Company

Engine Manager

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Knowledge of the Ford core engineering excellence process including FMEA, design rules, requirements, test methods, engineering specifications, and verification. * Experience in engine system FMEA ...

Mozaiq

SEO Engineer

Manhattan, NY · Remote

About the Role We're seeking a Programmatic SEO Engineer to design and build scalable systems that power content discovery across search engines and AI-driven platforms. This role sits at the ...

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How much do engine programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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What states have the most Engine Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Engine Programmer jobs include:
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Engine Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engine Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Unreal Engine C++ Programmer

Epoch Games International

Winston Salem, NC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Epoch Games is a volunteer-based, all-online, global game development team. We have no centrally-located headquarters and are unincorporated at this time. The founding members were originally modders developing the total conversion Middle Earth Roleplaying Project (MERP) mod for the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: http://www.moddb.com/mods/merp-middle-earth-roleplaying-project Currently Epoch Games is developing The Lays of Althas: Sundered Order (LoA:SO).

LoA:SO is an in-development indie open-world RPG set in an original fantasy world. The game is being developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4 (UE4): https://www.unrealengine.com/ For more information about the game, please check out our IndieDb page: http://www.indiedb.com/games/the-lays-of-althas-sundered-order NOTE: Although Epoch Games does have a formal office at the listed address, we are a fully-online team at this time. Communication is mostly done via Slack (an instant messaging application) and Trello (an online project collaboration tool).

Job Description In this volunteer position you will be working closely with other members of the Coding department to develop C++ code for the Lays of Althas: Sundered Order (LoA:SO). We are using Epic Game's Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) to develop the game, and knowledge of how C++ code interacts with UE4 is required. Knowledge of Blueprint scripting in UE4 is recommended, but not required.

Communication is key to a smooth and efficient pipeline, you must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with other team-members and not be afraid to ask should any problems arise. We are an English-speaking team, so English fluency is a must. If you are comfortable with teaching, you may be called upon to aid the more junior members of the team in any relevant area.

Other duties include: attending Slack meetings (Slack is an instant messaging we communicate with), reporting the progress of the Programming team on a weekly basis and following team policies. NOTE: This is not an Internship. We are not looking for short-term Interns.

We are looking for long-term Volunteer Programmers who have previous experience developing in Unreal Engine with C++ experience. Qualifications C++ programming experience Unreal Engine 4 experience, and how C++ code interacts with it Having created and completed at least 1 Unreal Engine project/game (using C++) Providing clear and legible code Knowledge or experience working withAscent Combat Framework (ACF) or Gameplay Ability System (GAS) Online communication, team-collaboration skills, and English fluency A passion for coding and a dedication to creating AAA quality games Preferred Requirements: Blueprint scripting experience Git Experience UI (User Interface) experience At least 1 Unreal Engine project (using C++) prepared to show prior to the interview. If you do not have one, we can give you an assignment to complete (we will give you 2 weeks to complete it) to test your abilities.

Additional Information Required Software: Unreal Engine 4 ( https://www.unrealengine.com/register ) Visual Studio Community Edition ( https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/downloads ) with Unreal Engine packages Git SCM ( https://git-scm.com ) and GIT LFS ( https://git-lfs.github.com ) #J-18808-Ljbffr

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