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Game Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Milwaukee, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Wisconsin

Senior Research Scientist-Field Day

Madison, WI · On-site +1

$99K - $126K/yr

Field Day is an interdisciplinary team of artists, engineers, designers, researchers, writers, and game developers that creates research-based learning games and related infrastructure. Its work ...

Unity Technologies

$203K - $305K/yr

About the role Unity builds the real-time 3D platform that powers games and interactive experiences ... We are seeking a Senior Application Security Engineer with profound expertise in application ...

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All JobsGame Engineer JobsGame Engineer Jobs in Wisconsin

Game Engineer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$53K

$143.3K

$181.2K

How much do game engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for game engineer in Wisconsin is $143,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,100.00 and $168,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Engineer, a deep understanding of computer science principles, programming languages like C++ or C#, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field are essential. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes certifications in game development are highly valued. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building innovative, high-performance games and collaborating efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.

How do game engineers typically collaborate with designers and artists throughout the game development process?

Game Engineers work closely with designers and artists to ensure that technical implementation aligns with creative vision. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss features, rapid prototyping, and integrating assets such as animations or level designs. Engineers provide technical feedback on what is feasible, suggest optimizations, and help troubleshoot issues that arise during development. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for delivering a polished, engaging final product.

What does a game engineer do?

A game engineer is a software developer that produces video games. As a game engineer, your duties may be in any phase of the game design process. You typically work as part of a large team of engineers, designers, and programmers, carrying out the visual and functional aspects of the video game. Your responsibilities include ensuring that the visual elements of the game are properly designed and can work on various pieces of hardware. Some game engineers work independently, creating smaller games meant to function on a mobile phone or computer. However, to produce games for consoles or performance gaming computers, you must generally work for a larger game design company.

What is the difference between Game Engineer vs Game Developer?

AspectGame EngineerGame Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related; programming and design skills
Work EnvironmentDevelops game engines, tools, and core systems; often works closely with programmers and technical teamsDesigns and implements game features, levels, and content; collaborates with artists and designers
Industry UsageCommonly employed in technical roles within game studios, focusing on underlying systemsMore prevalent in creative roles, focusing on gameplay and content creation

While both roles require programming skills and a background in computer science, Game Engineers primarily focus on building the technical infrastructure, such as game engines and tools. Game Developers concentrate on creating gameplay features, levels, and content. The roles often overlap, but Game Engineers tend to work more on the technical backbone, whereas Game Developers focus on the user experience and game design.

More about Game Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Game Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Engineer jobs in Wisconsin? For Game Engineer jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Engineer jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Game Engineer jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Engineer jobs in WI? For Game Engineer jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Game Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Engineer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,268 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

  • Location: Madison
  • State: Wisconsin
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
214845
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
We're hiring a Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters to create engaging AI-driven combat encounters that elevate gameplay across Apex Legends. You will partner with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and refine encounters that deliver challenge, variety, and memorable player experiences while supporting the game's long-term vision.
Responsibilities
  • Design, prototype, tune, and iterate on AI encounters from initial concept through implementation and once live.
  • Create encounter scenarios that support gameplay, pacing, and player progression.
  • Collaborate with AI Engineering, Level Design, Art, and Production to deliver gameplay features.
  • Balance AI behaviors using playtest feedback, gameplay metrics, and player insights.
  • Document encounter systems, design intent, and implementation guidelines.
  • Review gameplay experiences and iterate to improve quality, readability, and player satisfaction.
  • Mentor designers through design reviews and collaborative feedback.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience designing AI systems, encounters, or combat gameplay for shipped AAA titles.
  • Experience owning gameplay features from concept through release.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary development teams.
  • Portfolio demonstrating encounter design, gameplay systems, or AI-focused work.
  • Experience balancing gameplay using qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Core Skills and Experience
  • Knowledge of AI enemy design, combatant archetypes, and encounter pacing.
  • Proficient in scripting and programming tools to implement systems within modern game editors.
  • Clear documentation and communication across design and development teams.
  • Experience evaluating gameplay through playtesting and data-informed iteration.
  • Familiarity with live service development and ongoing gameplay improvements.
  • Experience designing AI systems or encounters for PvP or PvE gameplay is an asset.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$114,300 - $156,200 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$127,700 - $190,600 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

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