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Junior Unreal Engine Developer Jobs in California

Lead Engineer

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site +1

$98K - $129K/yr

... with Unreal Engine. • Experience in one or more areas such as gameplay, AI, tools, systems, engine, animation tech, backend services, cloud, or DevOps • Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, or ...

New

Lead Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$110K - $145K/yr

... VR/AR with Unreal Engine. Experience in one or more areas such as gameplay, AI, tools, systems, engine, animation tech, backend services, cloud, or DevOps Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, or ...

New

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

Using C++, Unreal Engine 5, and our in-house utility AI framework, you will make bots that fight ... engineering on shipped action games * Strong C++ and Unreal Engine fluency, including AI ...

Senior Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$112K - $154K/yr

As our projects continue to grow in scale and technical ambition, we're looking for a Senior Engine & Graphics Engineer with deep expertise in Unreal Engine 5, rendering systems, and performance ...

New

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Unreal Engine Developer information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$87.8K

$135.7K

How much do junior unreal engine developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior unreal engine developer in California is $87,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior Unreal Engine developer do?

A Junior Unreal Engine Developer assists in designing and developing interactive experiences, games, or simulations using Unreal Engine. Their responsibilities often include writing and debugging code, implementing assets, working with blueprints, and collaborating with artists and designers to bring projects to life. They typically support senior developers, learn industry-standard practices, and help optimize performance. This role is ideal for those starting their careers in game development or real-time 3D applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior Unreal Engine developer?

To thrive as a Junior Unreal Engine Developer, you need a solid understanding of C++ programming, 3D math fundamentals, and game development principles, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with Unreal Engine's Blueprint system, asset management, version control tools like Git, and basic shader or material creation is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help developers efficiently collaborate and adapt to changing project needs. These abilities are crucial for delivering high-quality, interactive experiences and contributing effectively to game development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by junior Unreal Engine developers when starting out on a new project?

Junior Unreal Engine Developers often encounter challenges such as understanding large and complex codebases, adapting to the team's workflow, and learning how to efficiently use version control systems like Git with Unreal projects. Additionally, balancing creative problem-solving with performance optimization can be demanding, especially when working under tight deadlines. Collaborating with artists, designers, and senior developers to implement features while maintaining good coding practices is a key part of the learning curve in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unreal Engine Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Unreal Engine Developer jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Unreal Engine Developer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Unreal Engine Developer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Unreal Engine Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Unreal Engine Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Unreal Engine Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,810 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Lead Engineer

Side

Fort Lauderdale, FL • On-site, Remote

$98K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

About This Opportunity:
Please note, this listing is for a project-based opportunity. These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability.
Side is a global game development and services partner, working alongside many of the world's leading developers and publishers. From co-development and engineering to art, audio, QA, localization, and player support, we help teams solve production challenges and deliver exceptional player experiences.
We're looking for a Lead Engineer / Technical Director to help drive both project success and engineering excellence across our co-development engagements. This role is to start work as the Lead on one of our live projects, maturing into a department leadership role in the future., whilst still maintaining project activity.
This is a role for an experienced engineer who is equally comfortable leading a project team in a hands-on manner, leading by example, mentoring developers, and building strong cross-discipline relationships. You'll play a key role in shaping technical solutions for our clients while helping grow and strengthen the engineering practice within Side.
If you're an Unreal expert who thrives in collaborative environments and enjoys balancing technical leadership with people leadership, we'd love to hear from you.
Only resumes submitted in English will be considered.
Requirements
What you will be doing:
Lead engineering efforts across active co-development projects.
  • Partner closely with production, design, art, QA, and client stakeholders to deliver high-quality experiences.
  • Provide technical direction, identify risks early, and drive pragmatic solutions throughout development.
  • Communicate technical trade-offs clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Support estimation, planning, and execution throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Contribute hands-on to development when needed, particularly within Unreal Engine.
  • Architect and review gameplay systems, tools, integrations, and performance-critical features.
  • Guide teams through debugging, profiling, optimization, and technical problem-solving.
  • Support projects across multiple engines and technologies where required.
  • Ensure code quality, maintainability, scalability, and performance standards are consistently met.

What we are looking for:
We are looking for someone with a background as a Lead Engineer or Technical Director, with professional experience in engineering roles in games or related tech fields.
• Shipped at least two titles on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR with Unreal Engine.
• Experience in one or more areas such as gameplay, AI, tools, systems, engine, animation tech, backend services, cloud, or DevOps
• Proficiency in C++, C#, Python, or equivalent languages
• Hands-on Unreal Engine expert, with solid experience in Unity and proprietary engines
• Familiarity with source control, debugging tools, performance profiling, and agile workflows
Benefits
  • Competitive Salary.
  • Dynamic, multicultural and fun environment.
  • You will be working for the world's leading provider of game services.
  • We empower our people and offer regular progression opportunities to ensure our employees flourish.

About Side
Side (formerly PTW) is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in 2009 and drawing on 30+ years' experience from our parent company in Japan, Side has since grown to become a global force with 20 studios in 14 countries across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.
Our industry-leading services include game development, art production, audio production, quality assurance, localization, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.
Help us bring stories to the world! Join a global team of passionate gamers and contribute to delivering unforgettable game experiences.
Experience our side of life. For more information, visit www.side.inc