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Game Engine Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Qualitest Group

Game Engine Developer

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $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 ...

Qualitest Group

Game Engine Developer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $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 ...

Roblox

Core Engine Developer - Systems (C++)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$195.78K - $242.10K/yr

Worked on a game engine and understand how a game engine works You Are: * A software engineer with 4+ years of experience with Game networking coming from a Game Engine/Studio * A deep understanding ...

Roblox

Senior Software Engineer Engine Harmony

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139.50K - $183.90K/yr

The software you build is a very large application that empowers our global community of 2M+ developers to push the boundaries of interactive gaming. Your work will touch every part of the engine ...

Roblox

Quality Engineer, Game Engine

San Mateo, CA

$82K - $105.90K/yr

In this role, you will focus on automating testing processes while collaborating closely with various engineering teams to enhance the quality of our gaming platform. You will play a crucial role in ...

Roblox

Quality Engineer, Game Engine

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$132.38K - $157.66K/yr

In this role, you will focus on automating testing processes while collaborating closely with various engineering teams to enhance the quality of our gaming platform. You will play a crucial role in ...

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See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

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How much do game engine developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for game engine developer in California is $107,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Game Engine Developer, you need strong proficiency in computer science fundamentals, C++ programming, and experience with rendering, physics, or audio systems, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with development tools like Visual Studio, version control systems (e.g., Git), and graphics APIs such as DirectX or OpenGL is typically required. Problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and addressing technical challenges. These skills ensure robust, high-performance engine development that meets the complex needs of modern game production.

What are some common challenges faced by Game Engine Developers when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Game Engine Developers often work closely with artists, designers, and gameplay programmers, which can present challenges in balancing technical constraints with creative vision. Coordinating feature requests, optimizing for performance, and ensuring tools are user-friendly for non-programmers require strong communication and problem-solving skills. It's important to translate technical limitations into understandable terms and to build solutions that address the needs of different stakeholders. Successful developers proactively seek feedback and iterate on tools to support a smooth production pipeline.

What is a Game Engine Developer?

A Game Engine Developer is a software engineer who designs, develops, and maintains the core technology used to build video games, known as a game engine. They create systems for rendering graphics, handling physics, processing audio, and managing assets, enabling game designers and artists to build interactive worlds. Game Engine Developers work closely with other developers to ensure the engine is efficient, scalable, and supports the features needed for modern games. Their work is crucial for both building new engines and customizing existing ones like Unity or Unreal Engine.

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

AspectGame Engine DeveloperGame Programmer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing game engines and toolsWriting gameplay code and implementing features
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in C++, graphics APIs, engine architectureStrong programming skills, knowledge of game frameworks
Work EnvironmentEngine development teams, software companiesGame development teams, studios

Game Engine Developers focus on creating and maintaining the core technology that powers games, while Game Programmers work on implementing gameplay features within those engines. Both roles require strong programming skills, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Engine Developer jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Engine Developer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Engine Developer jobs in California? For Game Engine Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Engine Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Game Engine Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Game Engine Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Engine Developer job openings:
Game Engine Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Engine Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.
Game Engine Developer

Game Engine Developer

Qualitest Group

Santa Clara, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in working with the World's leading AI-powered Quality Engineering Company? Ready to advance your career, team up with global thought leaders across industries and make a difference every day? Join us at Qualitest!

We are looking for a Game Engine Developer to join our growing team in Redmond, WA!

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, from low-level engine code to developer-facing tools, improving the XR development experience on Meta's platforms. This role requires strong independent judgment, the ability to navigate large codebases, and comfort working with AI-first development workflows.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain game engine integrations for our client's platforms, with primary focus on Unreal Engine.
  • Fix SDK bugs, improve existing features and implement new capabilities within engine developer environments.
  • Build developer tools, workflows, and visualizations that support platform capabilities under development.
  • Prototype and implement demos and use cases that showcase new platform features.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify developer pain points and drive solutions.

Required Skills:

  • 5+ years of professional software development experience, with significant engine-level programming.
  • Strong proficiency in C++ and at least one additional scripting language (C#, Python).
  • Deep experience with Unreal Engine internals and plugin/module development.
  • Solid understanding of 3D graphics and real-time rendering and simulation concepts.
  • Proficiency with AI coding tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude, Copilot) as part of daily development workflow.
  • Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and communicate effectively in a distributed team.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experience.
  • Familiarity with XR SDKs (OpenXR, Meta Quest SDK, or similar).
  • Gameplay development experience, especially with a published portfolio.

Nice to Have:

  • Performance profiling and optimization experience (CPU, GPU, memory).
  • Graphics programming experience (shaders, OpenGL, Vulkan).
  • Experience with additional game engines (Unity, Godot, or similar).
  • Familiarity with MCP or agentic AI developer tool workflows.
  • Proficiency across multiple programming languages.

Why QualiTest?

  • Be a part of a company who strives to support for diversity and inclusion in the workplace - we are one, we are many at Qualitest. Celebrate culture, share knowledge with engineers from around the globe, and inspire each other through our differences.
  • Local and global opportunities - we offer you internal rotation and international mobility opportunities to grow your career.
  • Clear view of your career and progression with the company - Qualitest is growing massively and giving you the opportunity to grow with us.
  • Work hard and play harder with our flexible and casual culture. Take a break from work and join an employee event, or enjoy the amenities and games provided from one of our Employees Centers.
  • Save your earnings and prepare for your future by enrolling in our 401k plan where Qualitest will match your contributions accelerating your savings plan.
  • Take care of health with enrollment into one of our competitive healthcare benefits. Qualitest will match towards your HSA if you choose to participate.
  • Never stop experimenting and learning with Qualitest Tech academy: 3000+ training courses, mentorship programs, technical tribes, sponsored certifications, leadership programs and much more
  • Stay active and get rewarded with our Corporate Wellness Program. We pay your Gym membership and giving you opportunities to Earn additional vacation times for attendance the gym!
  • Salary of $120,000 - $130,000 annually.
  • Earn bonuses via our Client Referral and Employee Referral Program's. Refer and earn - tap your network for net-worth.
  • Planning a vacation? Looking for car insurance? Get access to Qualitest Employee Perks for discounts on anything from travel to electronics. With so many offerings the savings are endless!

Intrigued to find more about us?

  • Visit our website at Careers - Qualitest Group

If you like what you have read, send us your resume and let's start talking!

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