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Game Tools Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weekday AI

Game Tools & Modding Engineer

Game Tools & Modding Engineer Role Type: Contractor Location: Remote We are looking for a Game Tools & Modding Engineer with strong expertise in graphics programming, rendering systems, and engine ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112K - $154K/yr

Our client is looking for a Tools Programmer to join their fully remote team to build next generation MMOs and Multiplayer Games. They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112K - $154K/yr

Our client is looking for a Tools Programmer to join their fully remote team to build next generation MMOs and Multiplayer Games. They currently need a programmer passionate about terrain and ...

PlayStation Global

Lead Character Tools Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$102K - $134K/yr

Developing and distributing tools and optimizing for making the best characters in games more ... This internal team of artists, engineers, and technical artists partner with engineering teams ...

Hasbro

Senior Unreal Tools Engineer

Renton, WA · On-site

$117K - $161K/yr

From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons to our growing ... tools to assist our game developers to speed up the development cycle and deliver the highest ...

PlayStation Global

Lead Character Tools Engineer

Developing and distributing tools and optimizing for making the best characters in games more ... This internal team of artists, engineers, and technical artists partner with engineering teams ...

Hasbro

Senior Unreal Tools Engineer

Renton, WA · On-site

$144K - $216K/yr

From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering ® and Dungeons & Dragons ® to our growing ... tools to assist our game developers to speed up the development cycle and deliver the highest ...

Makeshift Software

Senior Internal Tools Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Investigate and resolve runtime performance issues that affect broad swaths of the game, not just ... Design and build internal engine tools that support designers, artists, and engineers working ...

New

Nvidia

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$135K - $167K/yr

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the ... Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand ...

Nvidia

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$135K - $167K/yr

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the ... Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand ...

Nvidia

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$159K - $196K/yr

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the ... Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand ...

Nvidia

Principal Graphics Developer Tools Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$159K - $196K/yr

The Graphics Developer Tools team is seeking an exceptional technical leader to help shape the ... Engage with external developers, game studios, engine teams, and strategic partners to understand ...

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Game Tools Engineer information

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$52.5K

$141.9K

$179.5K

How much do game tools engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for game tools engineer in the United States is $141,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game tools engineer?

Game Tools Engineers are software developers who specialize in creating and maintaining tools that support the game development process. These tools can include level editors, asset pipelines, debugging utilities, and performance analysis software, all of which help artists, designers, and other developers work more efficiently. Game Tools Engineers collaborate closely with other team members to understand their workflow needs and develop solutions that streamline production. Their work is crucial for increasing productivity and ensuring the game development pipeline runs smoothly.

How does a game tools engineer typically collaborate with artists and designers during the development process?

Game Tools Engineers work closely with artists and designers to create and maintain software tools that streamline content creation and integration. They often gather feedback from these teams to understand their workflow challenges and prioritize tool features or improvements accordingly. Regular communication and iterative development are key, as Game Tools Engineers may provide training, troubleshooting, or custom solutions to support creative goals while ensuring technical efficiency. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and helps deliver high-quality game assets on schedule.

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

To thrive as a Game Tools Engineer, you need strong programming skills (typically in C++, C#, or Python), experience with game development pipelines, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, source control systems, and knowledge of build automation tools are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with designers, artists, and other engineers. These competencies ensure you can create robust, user-friendly tools that empower the development team and streamline game production.

What is the difference between Game Tools Engineer vs Game Programmer?

AspectGame Tools EngineerGame Programmer
Primary FocusDevelops and maintains tools for game development, such as editors and pipelinesWrites game code, gameplay mechanics, and systems
Skills & CertificationsProficiency in scripting, software development, and tools like Python, C++Strong programming skills, knowledge of game engines, C++, C#
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with artists, designers, and engineers in development teamsWorks on core game systems, gameplay features, and engine code
Industry UsageCommon in studios focusing on complex tools and pipelinesEssential for core game development across all studios

The main difference is that Game Tools Engineers focus on creating and maintaining the tools that help develop the game, while Game Programmers work directly on coding gameplay and engine features. Both roles require strong programming skills and are vital in game development teams, but they serve different functions within the process.

What are popular job titles related to Game Tools Engineer jobs?

For Game Tools Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Game Tools & Modding Engineer

Remote

Weekday AI
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Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

This role is for one of our clients
$20 - $60/hourpay
Role Title: Game Tools & Modding Engineer
Role Type: Contractor
Location: Remote
We are looking for a Game Tools & Modding Engineer with strong expertise in graphics programming, rendering systems, and engine-level development to build high-performance, real-time applications. This role focuses on developing graphics systems, rendering pipelines, engine tools, and low-level optimizations using modern graphics APIs such as DirectX (DX11/DX12), Vulkan, OpenGL, or Metal.
If you have a strong background in game development, graphics programming, and engine architecture, and enjoy working close to the engine rather than gameplay logic, this opportunity is for you.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Engine & Tools Development
  • Design, develop, and maintain engine-level systems and game development tools using C++.
  • Build and enhance game modding tools, editor extensions, and development pipelines.
  • Extend engine capabilities to improve workflows for developers, artists, and designers.
Graphics & Rendering
  • Develop and optimize rendering pipelines, shaders, and real-time graphics systems.
  • Implement graphics features using DirectX (DX11/DX12), Vulkan, OpenGL, Metal, or equivalent graphics APIs.
  • Work with HLSL/GLSL shaders and modern rendering techniques.
Performance Optimization
  • Optimize rendering performance across CPU, GPU, memory, and multithreaded workloads.
  • Identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting graphics performance and engine efficiency.
  • Debug complex rendering, graphics, and cross-platform compatibility issues.
Collaboration & Code Quality
  • Collaborate closely with engineers, technical artists, designers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented C++ code following engineering best practices.
  • Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making.
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 3-6 years of experience in game development, graphics programming, or real-time rendering.
  • Strong proficiency in C++.
  • Hands-on experience with one or more graphics APIs:
    • DirectX 11/12
    • Vulkan
    • OpenGL
    • Metal
  • Solid understanding of:
    • Rendering pipelines
    • Shader programming (HLSL/GLSL)
    • 3D mathematics
    • Real-time graphics concepts
  • Experience with Unreal Engine or a similar game engine.
  • Knowledge of performance optimization techniques across CPU, GPU, memory, and multithreading.
  • Strong debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a distributed or remote team environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with engine customization and low-level systems programming.
  • Familiarity with graphics profiling and debugging tools such as RenderDoc, PIX, Nsight, or similar.
  • Experience developing cross-platform applications or working within performance-constrained environments.
  • Exposure to game development tooling, editor extensions, asset pipelines, or automation.
  • Background in multiplayer systems or large-scale game architectures.
Must-Have Skills
  • C++
  • Game Development
  • Graphics Programming
  • DirectX / Vulkan / OpenGL
  • Rendering Pipeline
Good-to-Have Skills
  • Unreal Engine
  • Shader Programming (HLSL/GLSL)
  • Engine Development
  • Performance Optimization
  • RenderDoc
  • PIX
  • Nsight
  • Game Tools Development
  • Modding Tools

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