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Game Tools Programmer 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 ...

Epic Games

Tools Programmer Intern

Cary, NC · On-site

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

New

Naughty Dog

Web Tools Programmer

Santa Monica, CA

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... As a Web Tools Programmer, you will have total project ownership, including the development and ...

Naughty Dog

Web Tools Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$141K - $176K/yr

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... As a Web Tools Programmer, you will have total project ownership, including the development and ...

NAUGHTY DOG, LLC

Web Tools Programmer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$141 - $176.70/hr

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... As a Web Tools Programmer, you will have total project ownership, including the development and ...

New

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 ...

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Game Tools Programmer information

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$173.5K

How much do game tools programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for game tools 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 does a game tools programmer do?

A Game Tools Programmer develops software tools that streamline the game development process, improving efficiency for artists, designers, and developers. These tools can include level editors, asset pipelines, debugging utilities, and performance analyzers. Their goal is to enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing workflows. They often work closely with different teams to understand their needs and create custom solutions.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a game tools programmer?

As a Game Tools Programmer, your daily tasks typically involve designing, developing, and maintaining software tools that streamline game development workflows. You may work closely with artists, designers, and other programmers to gather requirements and ensure the tools you create meet their specific needs. Responsibilities often include debugging and updating existing tools, integrating new features, and creating thorough documentation. Collaboration and frequent communication with cross-disciplinary teams are common, ensuring tools are intuitive and contribute effectively to the project's progress.

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

A Game Tools Programmer needs strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python, and experience with software engineering principles, ideally supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), integrated development environments (IDEs), and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration skills, and the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-programmers help professionals stand out. These skills ensure that tools are efficient, user-friendly, and effectively support the broader game development team.

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Game Tools Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Tools Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Game Tools & Modding Engineer

Weekday AI

Remote

Contractor

Re-posted 19 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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