ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Engine Developer Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$295K - $345K/yr

As a Principal Software Engineer of the Game Engine data model team, you will innovate on the core data structures that form the backbone of Roblox's platform. In this role you will have first hand ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGame Engine Developer JobsGame Engine Developer Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Game Engine Developer information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$39.8K

$132.8K

$220.4K

How much do game engine developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for game engine developer in Berkeley, CA is $132,816.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,800.00 and $151,800.00 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.

Are game engine developers in demand?

Game engine developers are in high demand due to the growth of the gaming industry and the need for skilled programmers proficient in tools like C++, C#, and Unreal or Unity engines. Companies seek developers who can optimize performance, create new features, and support cross-platform development, making this a competitive and evolving field.

What are popular job titles related to Game Engine Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA?

For Game Engine Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Engine Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Engine Developer jobs in Berkeley, CA are:

Game Engine Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Engine Developer job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,816 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer - Creator Collaboration

Roblox

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$153K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Roblox Studio is the creation engine behind millions of immersive 3D experiences built by creators around the world. As a Principal Engineer focused on Collaboration, you will be leading the architecture and design of workflows on Roblox Studio and our platform enabling creators and AI agents to collaborate at scale by creating, sharing, and managing content. The ideal candidate has C++ and game engine experience, enjoys solving complex software problems and has a passion for mentoring other engineers on the team.

We believe that collaborative teams are the future of building one's imagination on Roblox and you will be designing and building features which unlock that vision. Join us in our mission to make collaboration at scale performant, frictionless, and most of all fun!

You Will:
  • Plan and deliver complex technical features E2E in our game engine and in the Roblox Studio that will allow developers to grow in our community
  • Establish the foundational architecture and technical direction that will enable Studio to keep expanding its capabilities
  • Work cross functionally, across teams and technology platforms to deliver high quality and amazing user functionality
  • Lead by example and mentor engineers to implement technological best practices, patterns, and strategies
  • Improve the product quality by fostering automation testing
  • Participate in building the world's best professional application for massively multiplayer game development
You Have:
  • At least 8+ years experience and you've worked on deep and challenging problems with large scale systems in C++ codebases
  • Worked on the internals of a multi-player game engine, solving problems related to scale, performance, latency, and throughput in client/server environments
  • Experience delivering end-to-end on features that span multiple teams and technology platforms
  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a similar technical field, or equivalent practical experience
You Are:
  • Familiar with how version control systems work under the hood
  • Familiar with 3D scene and game development tools and workflows
  • Familiar with file storage systems or network protocols

Apply