Activision is a leading interactive entertainment company, and they are seeking an Expert Engine Engineer to oversee game systems development at Infinity Ward. The role focuses on core engine ...
Activision is a leading interactive entertainment company, and they are seeking an Expert Engine Engineer to oversee game systems development at Infinity Ward. The role focuses on core engine ...
We're seeking a TypeScript-focused Game Developer to help build premium HTML5 games that perform ... Design, implement, improve, and debug in-house game frameworks and engine codebases. * Contribute ...
We're seeking a TypeScript-focused Game Developer to help build premium HTML5 games that perform ... Design, implement, improve, and debug in-house game frameworks and engine codebases. * Contribute ...
Systems Software Engineer - Game Engine Network (C++)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Senior Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Systems Software Engineer - Game Engine Network (C++)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Senior Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Senior Software Engineer - Game Engine Network (C++)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Senior Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Senior Software Engineer - Game Engine Network (C++)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Senior Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Principal Software Engineer - Game Engine Systems
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$293K - $343K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Engineer on this team you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Principal Software Engineer - Game Engine Systems
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$293K - $343K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Engineer on this team you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Game Developer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
Familiarity with at least one game engine (Unity or Unreal Engine). * Strong problem-solving ... Experience in the Lua programming language. * One or more shipped titles. Job ID 2025-20304 Work ...
Game Developer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
Familiarity with at least one game engine (Unity or Unreal Engine). * Strong problem-solving ... Experience in the Lua programming language. * One or more shipped titles. Job ID 2025-20304 Work ...
Core Engine Developer - Systems (C++) (San Mateo)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game ...
Core Engine Developer - Systems (C++) (San Mateo)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game ...
Job Title: Game Developer - Casino Gaming Location: Boca Raton, FL or Las Vegas, NV (Onsite ... Contribute to architecture and enhancements of the game engine * Collaborate with designers and ...
Job Title: Game Developer - Casino Gaming Location: Boca Raton, FL or Las Vegas, NV (Onsite ... Contribute to architecture and enhancements of the game engine * Collaborate with designers and ...
Job Title: Game Developer - Casino Gaming Location: Boca Raton, FL or Las Vegas, NV (Onsite ... Contribute to architecture and enhancements of the game engine * Collaborate with designers and ...
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Job Title: Game Developer - Casino Gaming Location: Boca Raton, FL or Las Vegas, NV (Onsite ... Contribute to architecture and enhancements of the game engine * Collaborate with designers and ...
Systems Software Engineer - Game Engine Network (C++) (San Mateo)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game ...
Systems Software Engineer - Game Engine Network (C++) (San Mateo)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$195K - $242K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Network Transport Engineer you will help the players experience the game ...
Job Title: Game Developer - Casino Gaming Location: Boca Raton, FL or Las Vegas, NV (Onsite ... Contribute to architecture and enhancements of the game engine * Collaborate with designers and ...
Job Title: Game Developer - Casino Gaming Location: Boca Raton, FL or Las Vegas, NV (Onsite ... Contribute to architecture and enhancements of the game engine * Collaborate with designers and ...
Senior Software Engineer, Game Engine Systems
San Mateo, CA · Hybrid
$139K - $183K/yr
As a Senior Software Engineer on the Engine DataModel team, you will own and innovate on the ... You will: * Develop engine code that performs well for all user-created games on the Roblox ...
Senior Software Engineer, Game Engine Systems
San Mateo, CA · Hybrid
$139K - $183K/yr
As a Senior Software Engineer on the Engine DataModel team, you will own and innovate on the ... You will: * Develop engine code that performs well for all user-created games on the Roblox ...
Extend engine capabilities to improve workflows for developers, artists, and designers. Graphics ... Game Tools Development * Modding Tools
Extend engine capabilities to improve workflows for developers, artists, and designers. Graphics ... Game Tools Development * Modding Tools
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Engineer on this team you will help the players experience the game as a ...
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Engineer on this team you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Principal Software Engineer - Game Engine Systems (San Mateo)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$289K - $338K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Engineer on this team you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Principal Software Engineer - Game Engine Systems (San Mateo)
San Mateo, CA · On-site
$289K - $338K/yr
The Engine Networking Team pulls the players together by ensuring the communication of the game state to all. As a Principal Engineer on this team you will help the players experience the game as a ...
Familiarity with at least one game engine (Unity or Unreal Engine). * Strong problem-solving ... Experience in the Lua programming language. * One or more shipped titles. Job ID 2025-20304 Work ...
Familiarity with at least one game engine (Unity or Unreal Engine). * Strong problem-solving ... Experience in the Lua programming language. * One or more shipped titles. Job ID 2025-20304 Work ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Senior Game Engineer
$107K - $146K/yr
Qualifications : Required : • 7+ years of experience working on game engine technologies ... and familiarity of working with DevOps and Platform Infrastructure such as: AWS Cloud ...
Senior Game Engineer
$107K - $146K/yr
Qualifications : Required : • 7+ years of experience working on game engine technologies ... and familiarity of working with DevOps and Platform Infrastructure such as: AWS Cloud ...
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 ...
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 ...
Game Engine Developer information
See salary details
$32.5K - $45.9K
3% of jobs
$45.9K - $59.3K
10% of jobs
$59.3K - $72.7K
8% of jobs
$79.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$72.7K - $86.1K
10% of jobs
$86.1K - $99.5K
16% of jobs
The median wage is $102K / yr.
$99.5K - $113K
20% of jobs
$119.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$113K - $126.4K
16% of jobs
$126.4K - $139.8K
0% of jobs
$139.8K - $153.2K
1% of jobs
$153.2K - $166.6K
5% of jobs
$166.6K - $180K
11% of jobs
$32.5K
$108.5K
$180K
How much do game engine developer jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for game engine developer in the United States is $108,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $124,000.00 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?
| Aspect | Game Engine Developer | Game Programmer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Developing and optimizing game engines and tools | Writing gameplay code and implementing features |
| Skills & Certifications | Proficiency in C++, graphics APIs, engine architecture | Strong programming skills, knowledge of game frameworks |
| Work Environment | Engine development teams, software companies | Game 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.
More about Game Engine Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Game Engine Developer jobs? Cities with the most Game Engine Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Engine Developer jobs? The most popular types of Game Engine Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Game Engine Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Game Engine Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Game Engine Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Game Engine Developer jobs are:
Full-time
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Job description
Job Summary:
Activision is a leading interactive entertainment company, and they are seeking an Expert Engine Engineer to oversee game systems development at Infinity Ward. The role focuses on core engine architecture, collaborating with team members to design and implement cutting-edge systems, improve existing code, and mentor other engineers.
Responsibilities:
• Design and implement cutting edge core systems that either provide new functionality or improve the efficiency of our existing code base.
• Research areas of improvement; push the limits of what Call of Duty can accomplish.
• Collaborate with other engineers and content creators on technical design and feature roll out.
• Support memory budgeting, performance analysis and optimization work.
• Review the work of other engineers and provide mentorship.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 12+ years of systems or engine development experience.
• Contributed significantly to the development of one or more shipped games.
• Excellent debugging and performance analysis skills.
• Experience architecting and debugging threaded systems.
• Deep knowledge of C++ programming and practices.
• Excellent problem solving and analytics skills.
• Self-motivated, ability to work independently and efficiently under deadlines.
Preferred:
• Strong 3D math and algebra skills.
• Experience contributing code toward a bespoke internal game engine.
• Experience with asset pipeline, and associated runtime memory and streaming technology.
• Experience with game networking techniques.
• Experience with multi-platform development, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
• Working in and extending an established code base.
Company:
Activision develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment, and leisure products. It is a sub-organization of Activision Blizzard. Founded in 1979, the company is headquartered in Santa Monica, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
Activision is a leading interactive entertainment company, and they are seeking an Expert Engine Engineer to oversee game systems development at Infinity Ward. The role focuses on core engine architecture, collaborating with team members to design and implement cutting-edge systems, improve existing code, and mentor other engineers.
Responsibilities:
• Design and implement cutting edge core systems that either provide new functionality or improve the efficiency of our existing code base.
• Research areas of improvement; push the limits of what Call of Duty can accomplish.
• Collaborate with other engineers and content creators on technical design and feature roll out.
• Support memory budgeting, performance analysis and optimization work.
• Review the work of other engineers and provide mentorship.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 12+ years of systems or engine development experience.
• Contributed significantly to the development of one or more shipped games.
• Excellent debugging and performance analysis skills.
• Experience architecting and debugging threaded systems.
• Deep knowledge of C++ programming and practices.
• Excellent problem solving and analytics skills.
• Self-motivated, ability to work independently and efficiently under deadlines.
Preferred:
• Strong 3D math and algebra skills.
• Experience contributing code toward a bespoke internal game engine.
• Experience with asset pipeline, and associated runtime memory and streaming technology.
• Experience with game networking techniques.
• Experience with multi-platform development, including PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
• Working in and extending an established code base.
Company:
Activision develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment, and leisure products. It is a sub-organization of Activision Blizzard. Founded in 1979, the company is headquartered in Santa Monica, USA, with a team of 5001-10000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
About Activision
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Santa Monica, CA, US
Year founded
1979