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Game Physics Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akima, LLC

Game Developer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Basic knowledge of game physics, or AI systems. * Familiarity with agile development workflows. * Experience in AR/VR development. * Experience in the Lua programming language. * One or more shipped ...

Candywriter

Unity Developer

Miami Beach, FL

Candywriter is a mobile developer and publisher founded in 2006 and based out of Miami. We are a ... Knowledge of 2D/3D development and integrated game physics. * Experience with mobile game ...

Candywriter

Unity Developer

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

Candywriter is a mobile developer and publisher founded in 2006 and based out of Miami. We are a ... Knowledge of 2D/3D development and integrated game physics. * Experience with mobile game ...

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Game Physics Programmer information

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$92.6K

$173.5K

How much do game physics programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game physics 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 is a game physics programmer?

Game Physics Programmers are specialized software developers who design and implement the physics systems that make video games feel realistic and immersive. They create the algorithms and code that simulate real-world behaviors like gravity, collisions, movement, and object interactions within a game engine. Their work ensures that players experience believable and engaging gameplay, whether it's a car crashing, a ball bouncing, or a character jumping. Game Physics Programmers often collaborate with other developers, artists, and designers to fine-tune these systems for optimal performance and realism.

How does a game physics programmer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Game Physics Programmers work closely with game designers, animators, and gameplay engineers to ensure realistic and performant physics simulations. They frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to understand gameplay needs and technical constraints, translating these into robust physics systems. This collaboration often involves troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance, and iterating on features based on direct feedback from other teams, making strong communication skills essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Game Physics Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, mathematics (especially linear algebra and physics), and proficiency in programming languages like C++ or C#. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unreal Engine or Unity), physics middleware (like Havok or PhysX), and debugging tools is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills in this role. These competencies enable accurate, realistic, and performant simulation of physical systems, which is crucial for immersive and engaging gameplay.

What is the difference between Game Physics Programmer vs Game Engine Developer?

AspectGame Physics ProgrammerGame Engine Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Physics, or related field; knowledge of physics and programmingBachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering; strong programming skills
Work EnvironmentFocus on physics simulation, collision detection, and real-time physics integration within gamesDevelops core engine systems, including rendering, physics, and tools for game development
Industry UsageUsed in game studios to implement physics features for gameplay and realismUsed across game studios and engine companies to build and maintain game development platforms

Game Physics Programmers specialize in implementing physics systems within games, focusing on realism and performance. In contrast, Game Engine Developers create the underlying platforms that support various game features, including physics. While both roles require strong programming skills and knowledge of game development, their focus areas differ significantly, with Physics Programmers honing in on physics-specific tasks and Engine Developers working on broader engine architecture.

What are popular job titles related to Game Physics Programmer jobs?

For Game Physics Programmer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Game Physics Programmer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Sr. Physics Programmer

Los Angeles, CA

ALR Partners, LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about ALR Partners, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Based in Dallas area of TX, Nerd Kingdom is a well-funded, video game technology and research group, that cross pollinates disciplines in areas of technology, behavioral science, economics, and traditional game development. We hold forward thinking and collaboration as the foundation of everything we do, as it defines our culture. Community is more than just a clump of users to us, it's an extension of who we are, and what we portray through what we build.

Nerd Kingdom is developing an engine and platform for creation and collaboration that leverages ambitious technology, in order to empower everyone from early modders, to sophisticated engineers. We aren't just creating tools, we are focusing on how data flows through that engine in order to help us and the community create better experiences, as players and creators.

Job Description

We are currently looking for a Senior Physics Programmer (Physics) to add to our team. Our ideal candidate would have experience in a lead position and has delivered a successful game or software title. If you are an Physics Programmer with experience and the desire to lay your imprint on the gaming industry, we encourage you to apply!

Must Haves:

Bachelor's degree related to Computer Science or equivalent experience

At least 5 years in real-time development using C/C++

Utilizing common programming practices such as OOP, Inheritance hierarchies, templates, and other common programming techniques

At least 3 years developing physics systems for video games or simulations with experience in the following areas:

          o Collision Detection for static and animated models

          o Player, AI and object movement

          o Multiplayer physics and client-side prediction techniques

          o Trigger Volumes

          o Ray-Tracing

Experience Scripting (Lua or JavaScript)


Nice To Haves:

Experience programming with the Bullet Physics Library in at least one fully developed product

Experience building brand new systems from the ground up and seeing them through all phases of development (design, scheduling, prototyping, integration, delivery, etc)

Experience working in a team environment with excellent communication skills between technical and non-technical members of team

Able to precisely estimate time needed to complete tasks

Able to write clean and clear technical documentation

Knowledgeable in using development tools such as IDEs, bug tracking software, documentation services, code repositories, etc.

Havok Physics a plus

AmmoJS (JS port of Bullet) a big plus

Data Oriented and Data Driven Design a big plus

Procedural terrain generation and voxel manipulation

Game modding via scripting APIs

Delivered game or software title




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