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Game Engine Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Role Overview We're seeking an engineer with strong reverse-engineering instincts to create and implement game modifications, with an initial focus on Unreal/Unity Engine-based titles spanning AAA ...

... game engine that's making the world playable. About the Role We are looking for a Game Play Engineer who loves solving cutting-edge technical challenges to deliver great player experiences. As a ...

Senior Software Engineer, ICX Graphics

Mountain View, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $204K/yr

Graphics or game engine developer with strong experience in 3D graphics development using C++ and APIs like OpenGL ES or Vulkan. * Experience with mobile/embedded platforms, custom rendering engines ...

... game engine Preferred : • Experience building RPG gameplay systems • Experience working with Unreal Engine 4 • Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation • A love and ...

... game engine Preferred : • Experience building RPG gameplay systems • Experience working with Unreal Engine 4 • Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation • A love and ...

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Game Engine Programmer information

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$11K

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$173.5K

How much do game engine programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for game engine programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game engine programmer?

To thrive as a Game Engine Programmer, you need strong skills in C++ or C#, computer graphics, mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard engines like Unreal or Unity, version control systems (e.g., Git), and sometimes specialized certifications in game development tools are highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for building robust and efficient game engines that support creative teams and deliver high-quality gaming experiences.

What is a game engine programmer?

A Game Engine Programmer is responsible for developing and optimizing the core technology that powers video games. They work on rendering, physics, memory management, and other low-level systems to ensure the engine runs efficiently. Their job involves writing and maintaining engine code, debugging performance issues, and implementing new features to support game development. They often collaborate with other programmers, artists, and designers to ensure the engine meets the technical and creative needs of the project.

What are some typical challenges faced by game engine programmers, and how can they be addressed?

Game Engine Programmers often encounter challenges like optimizing for performance across multiple platforms, integrating new features without breaking existing systems, and troubleshooting complex bugs that can impact gameplay. Addressing these challenges requires a mix of strong debugging skills, continuous learning of new technologies and industry standards, and effective collaboration with other developers and artists. Open communication and regular code reviews within the team help catch issues early and promote best practices. Additionally, staying updated with the latest optimization techniques and hardware advancements ensures that the engine remains competitive and efficient. Embracing a problem-solving mindset and being proactive in seeking feedback are key to managing the ever-evolving technical landscape of game development.

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Infographic showing various Game Engine Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Expert Engine Engineer - Treyarch - Los Angeles, CA

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

Vancouver, WA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Activision Blizzard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 76 rated media


Job description

Job Title:Expert Engine Engineer - Treyarch - Los Angeles, CARequisition ID:R027833Job Description:

Treyarch, the studio behind the best-selling Call of Duty: Black Ops franchise, is seeking an Expert Engine Engineer to join our Core Engine team.This is an opportunity to help shape the technology that powers our next blockbuster,cutting-edgegame title while working alongside some of the best engineering, design, and creative talent in the industry.

At Treyarch, Engine Engineers on the Core Engine team focus on the foundational runtime technology that powers the game.This includes performance, memory, streaming, multithreading, platform support, stability, and optimization across supported platforms. This is primarily a game and engine runtime role, not a tools, workflow, or graphics-focused position, though experience in those areas is valuable.

This role can be based in either our Playa Vista, CA or our Vancouver, BC office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company's discretion to meet business needs.

What you'll do...

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

  • Design, implement, refactor,optimize, and debug core runtime engine systems across a large,establishedC++ codebase.
  • Improve game performance, stability, memory usage, streaming, multithreading, and platform-specific behavior.
  • Profile andoptimizeruntime systems across supported platforms, including PC and consoles.
  • Investigate complex bugs, crashes, performance issues, and low-level engine problems.
  • Work closely withpipeline, graphics,toolsand other engineering teams to deliver robust engine technology.
  • Participatein technical design, code reviews, performance reviews, and long-term engine roadmap discussions.
  • Mentor engineers andprovidetechnical guidance on architecture, debugging, optimization, and best practices.

To succeed you should have...

  • 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, withsignificant experiencein gameengine, core systems, or runtime development.
  • Deep C++expertiseand proven ability to work effectively in a large,establishedcodebase.
  • Strong experience designing, debugging, andoptimizingcore engine or runtime systems.
  • Solid understanding of computer architecture, memory systems, CPU performance, data-oriented optimization, and multithreaded programming.
  • Excellent debugging, profiling, performance analysis, and optimization skills.
  • Experience shipping AAA consoleandPC titles across multiple platforms.
  • Ability to independently research, prioritize, and solve complex technical problems.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across engineering teams.
  • Passion for writing clean, efficient, reliable, and maintainable code.

We'd love it if you also have...

  • Experience contributing to a proprietary or bespoke internal game engine.
  • Experience with runtime memory systems, streaming technology, asset loading, or platform-level systems.
  • Experience with low-level systems such as I/O, memory management, job systems, task scheduling, or platform abstraction.
  • Strong 3D math and linear algebra skills.
  • Experience with game networking, animation systems, physics,buildinfrastructure, distributed systems, or async programming.
  • Graphics programming experience on console or PC, including rendering APIs, GPU architecture, or graphics performance analysis.
  • Experience mentoring senior engineers or helping guide technical direction across a team.
  • Multiple shipped AAA titles.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

About Treyarch

Founded in 1996, Treyarch is a videogame studio whose purpose is to create awesome games for the world to enjoy. With this purpose in mind, we crafted the award winning Call of Duty: Black Ops series and pioneered the fan favorite Zombies mode.

At Treyarch, we empower the team to be individually driven to innovate on our games, processes, and culture. How we do things is just as important as what we do.

Studio culture and development, we believe it's a team effort and that collaboration and hearing one another is key. Every day we face the large and small challenges together and every voice matters.

These values guide us in our mission to create moments that matter. Both to the players and to us, the creators. In an era where triumphs and defeats are readily shared, seeing players engage with our creations gives us great pride. Come help us create that next moment.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to candidate-accommodations@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.treyarch.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/treyarch, and @treyarch on Twitter.

PS, we've also got some pretty amazing office perks and benefits, like 20 vacation days and 16 holidays, 10 weeks of family leave, free lunches and snacks at our office, comprehensive healthcare, and more! Check out all the details here for more information: https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $124,000.00 - $229,400.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

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About Activision Blizzard

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Monica, CA, US

Year founded

2008

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