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Game Engine Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic. * Partner with the engine ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic. * Partner with the engine ...

Roblox

Software Engineering Manager, Engine UI

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Engineering Manager to join our Engine UI team. In ... Work closely with our game developer community to help achieve their creative vision * Have fun ...

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Game Engine Developer information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do game engine developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 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 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 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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Senior Engine Programmer

Cloud Chamber

Novato, CA • On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

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 Engine experience, preferably in a Core Tech or Systems Programming capacity. Your generalist programming skills and previous experience in C++ will allow you to contribute meaningfully to multiple aspects of our Core Tech Features. By joining our talented, distributed development team, you will collaborate with members of the other Core Tech Features to holistically approach and ensure the smooth operation of the game team to bring the richly imagined world of BioShock to life.
What You'll Do:
  • Provide technical designs for new features and/or changes in the engine.
  • Collaborate with programming and production teams to devise optimal programming solutions.
  • Work in Unreal 5 to build new technology and adapt existing systems to fulfill the project's technical requirements.
  • Research coding techniques and algorithms in order to keep current on technological developments and advancements in the game industry.
  • Participate in the development of low-level systems like streaming, generic serialization, and more.
  • Write code that fulfills the functional and technical requirements of the project.
  • Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game.
  • Maintain and manage our core engine and assist with integrations from Epic.
  • Partner with the engine vertical team to envision and execute the strategy of how we can modify the engine to better serve the needs of this project.
  • Own and drive performance related-issues.

What We'll Do Together:
At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high standards, pushing for progress and embracing change. We will work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, animation, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Together, we will stay current on technological advancements and identify solutions to overcome developmental obstacles to deliver a world-class AAA experience.
Skills & Experiences:
  • 5+ years programming with Unreal Engine on commercial game projects.
  • At least 1 shipped AAA game as a senior or principal systems programmer.
  • Previous experience developing for games; preferably action, FPS, or 3PS titles.
  • Knowledge and understanding of multiprocessor programming.
  • Familiarity working on core engine systems.
  • Previous experience working on multi-platform software projects.
  • Expert in C/C++.
  • Ability to research, analyze and optimize code to meet performance requirements.
  • Capable of working independently and efficiently under reasonable deadlines.
  • Analytical and strategic thinker with the communication skills to express complex ideas clearly and concisely to both technical and non technical audiences.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Collaborative and dependable with an eye for problem solving.

Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • Experienced in working in cross-disciplinary teams with strong communication skills.
  • Persistent and self-motivated with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong ownership of tasks, striving to drive work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.

Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
#LI-Hybrid
For candidates located in Quebec:This position requires professional proficiency in both French and English. Proficiency in English is required to collaborate with our U.S. teams and international partners, as well as to handle specialized technical documentation (reading, writing, and communication).
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews. When emailing prospective employees, we only use 2K.com accounts

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