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Game Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spinplay Games

Game Developer

Las Vegas, NV

Description The Game Developer is responsible for creating slot game front-end client software using our internal game engine. The Game Developer will act in both a project owner and project support ...

Valicy

Game Developer

Greenville, NC

Game Developer Locations : Wilmington, NC or Greenville, NC Department : NC Game Development Reports To: Game Development Manager Status: Exempt WHO WE ARE: We are Valicy. We make games. We also make ...

Valicy

Game Developer

Wilmington, NC

Game Developer Locations : Wilmington, NC or Greenville, NC Department : NC Game Development Reports To: Game Development Manager Status: Exempt WHO WE ARE: We are Valicy. We make games. We also make ...

Valicy

Senior Game Developer

Greenville, NC

Game Developer Lead Status: Exempt WHO WE ARE: We are Valicy. We play games. We also make the machines they run on. What we're building matters. How we treat people matters more. OUR MISSION: We ...

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All JobsGame Engineer Jobs

GAME Engineer information

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$52.5K

$141.9K

$179.5K

How much do game engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for game engineer in the United States is $141,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Engineer, a deep understanding of computer science principles, programming languages like C++ or C#, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field are essential. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes certifications in game development are highly valued. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building innovative, high-performance games and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80 20 rule suggests that approximately 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of the features or effort. Game engineers often focus on optimizing core mechanics and fixing critical bugs to maximize quality efficiently, using tools like version control and project management software to prioritize tasks.

How do Game Engineers typically collaborate with designers and artists throughout the game development process?

Game Engineers work closely with designers and artists to ensure that technical implementation aligns with creative vision. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss features, rapid prototyping, and integrating assets such as animations or level designs. Engineers provide technical feedback on what is feasible, suggest optimizations, and help troubleshoot issues that arise during development. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering a polished, engaging final product.

What Does a Game Engineer Do?

A game engineer is a software developer that produces video games. As a game engineer, your duties may be in any phase of the game design process. You typically work as part of a large team of engineers, designers, and programmers, carrying out the visual and functional aspects of the video game. Your responsibilities include ensuring that the visual elements of the game are properly designed and can work on various pieces of hardware. Some game engineers work independently, creating smaller games meant to function on a mobile phone or computer. However, to produce games for consoles or performance gaming computers, you must generally work for a larger game design company.

What does a game engineer do?

A game engineer designs, develops, and maintains the software for video games, including gameplay mechanics, graphics, and user interfaces. They often work with programming languages like C++ or C# and use game development tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine to create functional and engaging gaming experiences.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Game engineers design and develop video games, and while AI tools can assist with tasks like coding, testing, and asset generation, they are unlikely to fully replace the creative and problem-solving aspects of game development. Human expertise remains essential for designing engaging gameplay, storytelling, and ensuring quality in the final product.

What is the difference between Game Engineer vs Game Developer?

AspectGame EngineerGame Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related; programming and design skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops game engines, tools, and core systems; often works closely with programmers and technical teamsDesigns and implements game features, levels, and content; collaborates with artists and designers
Industry UsageCommonly employed in technical roles within game studios, focusing on underlying systemsMore prevalent in creative roles, focusing on gameplay and content creation

While both roles require programming skills and a background in computer science, Game Engineers primarily focus on building the technical infrastructure, such as game engines and tools. Game Developers concentrate on creating gameplay features, levels, and content. The roles often overlap, but Game Engineers tend to work more on the technical backbone, whereas Game Developers focus on the user experience and game design.

Is 30 too old to start game development?

Game engineers can start their careers at any age, including 30 or older. Success in game development depends on skills, portfolio, and experience with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, rather than age. Many professionals transition into game development later in life and find rewarding careers in the industry.
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GAME Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,941 per year, or $68.2 per hour.
Software Engineer (ML/Game Development)

Software Engineer (ML/Game Development)

GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc.

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$75K - $119K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

About the company:

Located in Redondo Beach, CA, GungHo Online Entertainment America Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of the Japanese game company GungHo Online Entertainment, Inc. Publishing titles across multiple platforms ranging from console to handheld and mobile, our group is comprised of veterans from various aspects of the industry brought together by one simple thing: a love of gaming.


Position Summary:

This position is responsible for designing, finetuning, and shipping machine learning and generative AI features for our new, internally developed game, as well as general debugging and troubleshooting. You will work at the intersection of applied ML and game development.


What you will be doing:

  • Design, implement, and debug ML/AI-driven features for our internally developed game, with a focus on LLM-powered NPC dialogue and model infrastructure.
  • Finetune, evaluate, and optimize models for in-game use, balancing quality against latency, memory, and cost.
  • Build and maintain inference systems and data pipelines that integrate cleanly with the game engine and runtime.
  • Contribute to gameplay features and general game code alongside your ML work. This is a hands-on role on both sides.
  • Ship other generative AI features as the game evolves.
  • Discuss, design, and plan AI features with artists, game designers, and gameplay engineers.
  • Test prototypes of future titles and AI systems to provide constructive feedback.
  • Attend industry conventions and live events as needed.


Qualifications:

  • 4 years experience in programing, professionally or in school is a plus.
  • B.S. or equivalent in Computer Science is preferred. 
  • C++ and game-engine experience (Unreal) is a huge plus
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience finetuning or deploying ML models. Whether through professional work, personal projects, or self-directed experimentation. We're looking for hands-on ML experience outside of coursework.
  • Solid general programming proficiency (any language); comfortable working in a production codebase.
  • No specific stack required — we care more about what you have actually built than which tools you used.
  • Experience deploying models for low-latency, real-time inference is a plus.
  • Familiarity with 3D graphics, shaders, or GPU programming is a plus.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Desire to learn and to grow, including into the game-development side.
  • Ability to work in small, agile team environments.
  • Passion for narrative games


Why you want to work here:

At GungHo, we’re enthusiastic about creating fun games and we’re always looking for talented individuals with whom we can share our passion. We have a highly collaborative culture where everyone wants to work together to get things done!


 Perks:

  • 100% employer-paid insurances: Health Insurance (PPO Medical, Dental, and Vision), Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance, and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • Competitive paid time off: Vacation, Personal time, Sick Leave, Holidays, and Winter Breaks.
  • An incentive may be provided based on business performance.


Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM in Pacific Time

Salary Range: $75,000 - $119,000 per year (DOE)


Note: Only applications submitted through the online system or formally referred by the designated recruiter will be deemed official and accepted. Any resumes submitted through alternative channels will not be recognized as valid applications.