Freelance Performance Engineering Jobs in California

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCU, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.
Our releases include:

• Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
• Alo Sanctuary
• Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
• Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
• Elton John's 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
• Olivia Rodrigo 
• Fashion Klossette
• And numerous digital fashion releases on web3 platforms

We are looking for experienced Full Stack Roblox Developers to craft best-in-class, high-fidelity experiences that redefine interactive entertainment. In this role, you'll work alongside a team of industry pioneers, collaborating with game designers, artists, and engineers to develop immersive, scalable, and engaging gameplay. You'll leverage the latest Roblox technologies, advanced scripting techniques, and performance optimization strategies to push the platform's boundaries, ensuring seamless cross-platform play across PC, mobile, and console.

Requirements

• Design, develop, and optimize high-quality gameplay experiences: Write clean, efficient, and scalable Luau code that powers immersive Roblox experiences.
• Work directly with Creative and Product teams: Translate creative vision and KPIs into interactive, engaging, and data-driven gameplay experiences.
• Take ownership of features: Lead development cycles from concept to execution, ensuring best practices and industry standards are met.
• Coordinate with clients and stakeholders: Ensure the technical execution of gameplay features aligns with project objectives and branding requirements.
• Work cross-functionally with designers and engineers: Implement gameplay mechanics, UI/UX features, and interactive elements to enhance user experience.
• Collaborate with QA and product managers: Troubleshoot, debug, and optimize features for performance, reliability, and scalability across multiple devices.
• Implement and optimize game systems: Develop custom character controllers, AI behavior, and dynamic game mechanics using Object-Oriented Programming principles.
• Ensure cross-platform compatibility: Optimize gameplay performance across PC, mobile, and console while maintaining graphical and interactive consistency.
• Utilize the latest Roblox technologies: Implement StreamingEnabled, MemoryStoreService, and advanced data handling techniques for seamless user experiences.

Qualifications

A strong candidate for this position should have the following qualities:

• Proven Roblox development experience: 6-10 years of experience on the Roblox platform, with at least 2+ years of programming in Luau.
• Advanced proficiency in Roblox Studio & scripting: Expertise with Roblox API, object-oriented programming, CFrame manipulation, UI/UX scripting, and performance optimization.
• Strong understanding of backend services: Experience with Roblox's datastore, MemoryStoreService, and efficient data handling techniques.
• Proficiency in GitHub & Rojo: Comfortable working in team-based environments using version control and collaborative coding workflows.
• Effective communication skills: Ability to explain technical concepts to both developers and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively: Must be a self-starter with strong time-management skills in a remote, fast-paced setting.

Nice To Have's

• Familiarity with open-source tools: Experience using Nevermore, Maids, Promises, Signals, and other community libraries.
• Game UX & UI expertise: Ability to design and implement smooth, intuitive user flows within the Roblox platform.
• Roblox plugin development: Experience creating custom Studio tools or plugins to streamline development workflows.
• Advanced mathematics & physics programming: A background in vector math, procedural animation, and physics-based interactions.
• Custom Avatar Rigging & Character Controllers: Experience designing unique character systems and animation pipelines.
• Interest in Web Development: Familiarity with front-end frameworks, API integrations, and external server communication is a plus.

Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $35 - $55/hr (This is a Freelance position and hours may vary)
• Flexible, remote-friendly role with occasional in-office collaboration opportunities in Los Angeles.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge gaming projects with a team passionate about interactive entertainment.
• Collaborate with top-tier gaming and entertainment brands.

This freelance position is hourly but general work hours are M - F 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM PST. Top performers will have the opportunities to move to full time if everyone is aligned. 

EEO Statement

Sawhorse Productions is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.