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Game Engine Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roblox

Senior Software Engineer, Engine Systems

San Mateo, CA · Hybrid

$139K - $183K/yr

Develop engine code that performs well for all user-created games on the Roblox platform. * Build the core systems and data structures used in the Roblox engine, working with other teams to find ...

Roblox

Principal Software Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$153K - $206K/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 ...

Roblox

Software Engineering Manager, Engine UI

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development of our state-of-the-art game engine, building out User Interface capabilities across all of Roblox. No matter the platform, be it ...

Roblox

Senior Software Engineer, Runtime

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

The Game Engine team at Roblox works on the systems that power the experiences at the heart of the metaverse. Our code is the technical foundation in our client, editor, and our simulation servers.

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Develop and maintain tools for terrain and graphics within our game engine. Ensure that our terrain and graphical tools are efficient and scalable, supporting a smooth experience across a range of ...

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Game Engine information

What is a game engine?

A game engine is a software framework designed to provide the core functionalities needed to develop video games. It typically includes tools and libraries for rendering graphics, simulating physics, handling audio, managing assets, and supporting scripting. By using a game engine, developers can focus on designing gameplay and content rather than building these systems from scratch. Popular examples include Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot. Game engines are essential for streamlining the game development process and enabling cross-platform compatibility.

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

To thrive as a Game Engine Developer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), debugging tools, and version control systems is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for designing innovative features and collaborating with artists and designers. These competencies are crucial for building robust, high-performance engines that power engaging and visually impressive games.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on game engines, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working on game engines often encounter challenges such as balancing performance optimization with feature complexity, ensuring cross-platform compatibility, and maintaining clear documentation for large codebases. Addressing these challenges typically involves close collaboration with other developers, adopting modular design principles, and conducting regular code reviews. Additionally, staying updated with advances in graphics hardware and development tools is crucial for delivering a high-quality, efficient game engine.

What is the difference between Game Engine vs Game Developer?

AspectGame EngineGame Developer
Primary RoleSoftware framework used to build gamesProfessional who designs, develops, and codes games
Required SkillsProgramming, software architecture, tools integrationProgramming, creative design, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentTools and software development environmentGame studios, independent projects, freelance
CertificationsNone typically required, but programming certifications helpComputer science, software engineering degrees often preferred

While a game engine is a software platform that provides the tools to create games, a game developer is a professional who uses these tools to design and build games. The game engine is the foundation, whereas the game developer is the creator leveraging that foundation to produce interactive entertainment.

What are popular job titles related to Game Engine jobs in California?

For Game Engine jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Engine jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Engine jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Game Engine jobs?

Cities in California with the most Game Engine job openings:

Game Engine jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Engine job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Senior Software Engineer, Client Systems (C++)

Roblox

San Mateo, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Luau App Foundations team is responsible for the core infrastructure of the Roblox application. They bridge the gap between app and the performance-heavy Roblox game engine. This team is building the unified stack that powers mission-critical surfaces like Home, Avatar, and Social for millions of concurrent users. They are the ones who make it possible for "Web-style" development efficiency to exist within a high-performance C++ game engine.

Why is this role exciting:

  • Technical Pioneer: You will be writing libraries and modules using C++ inside a world class Roblox proprietary Game Engine.
  • Systematic Impact: This is a "Force Multiplier" role. The frameworks and components you build will be used by dozens of other engineering teams to ship their features.
  • Complex Problem Solving: You aren't just building an app; you're managing smooth data flow through a client that has to perform perfectly on a $100 Android phone and a $3,000 Gaming PC simultaneously.
  • 0 to 1 Transitions: You will lead the charge in shaping some of the most crucial components of the App written in C++ inside the Game Engine.

Key Challenges:

  • Bridging Tech Stacks: The libraries you write sit between a modern UI (written in Luau) and Core Game engine layer as well as Platform layer (Android, iOS abstractions)
  • Large-Scale Performance: Diagnosing memory usage and framerate issues that only appear when you have millions of daily active users.
  • Standardizing Chaos: Creating a "joyful development experience" for other engineers by enforcing clean, modular, and testable code standards across a massive organization.
  • Platform Universality: Ensuring that a single foundation works across iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Consoles without compromise.

You will:

  • Be the primary C++ expert in the team and drive frontend C++ strategy for extending our interface layer.
  • Work with stakeholders across Engineering, Product, and Design to expand frontend ecosystems and drive technical enhancements in engineering space.
  • Implement innovative solutions to feature requests and collaborate with the Roblox Surface owners on new initiatives.
  • Have fun working with our internal team members and community developers to improve the overall state of Lua App on Roblox
You have:
  • 4+ years of experience with significant knowledge of system or mobile programming.
  • Proficiency in C++: Strong C++ programming skills with an ability to write high quality, performant code; experience with Lua is a plus
  • Passion about building frameworks and libraries: You are driven to build a strong platform with world class design patterns and cutting edge system architecture.
  • Performance focus: You embrace software performance considerations, with an ability to implement performant solutions for platforms including mobile.
  • Personally Motivated: Self-sufficient, self-organized and able to take ownership of a project throughout its full lifecycle
  • A Team player mentality: Ability to work closely with and inspire the rest of your team while displaying excellent interpersonal and communication skills

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