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Lead Game Programmer Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Lead Security Architect

Austin, TX · On-site

$54.75 - $75/hr

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in ... As a member of the Security Engineering team, you'll work closely with our Tech and Development ...

Lead Security Architect

Austin, TX · Hybrid

$54.75 - $75/hr

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in ... As a member of the Security Engineering team, you'll work closely with our Tech and Development ...

QA Lead

Austin, TX · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Do you want to craft games that challenge expectations and inspire players? Come build something extraordinary with us. Reporting to the Head of Engineering, the QA Lead will own test strategy and ...

New

Lead Infrastructure Engineer, Risk Lead

Plano, TX · Hybrid

$98K - $129K/yr

Join our team and help us develop game-changing, high-quality solutions. As a Lead Infrastructure Engineer at JPMorganChase within the Infrastructure Platform - Network Services, you are an integral ...

UI Systems Lead

Dallas, TX · On-site

$57.50 - $73.75/hr

You can lead senior individual contributors and drive change across teams through craft authority ... of game engines. * You enjoy mentoring design and engineering staff and raising the bar for the ...

UI Systems Lead

Dallas, TX · On-site

$57.50 - $73.75/hr

Description THE ROLE: ProbablyMonsters is seeking a UI Systems Lead to ensure the health ... of game engines. * You enjoy mentoring design and engineering staff and raising the bar for the ...

Quality Assurance Lead

Roma, TX · Hybrid

$52 - $59.50/hr

We have a longstanding commitment to Responsible Gaming (RG) that is engrained within our core ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Game Programmer information

See Texas salary details

$9

$51

$77

How much do lead game programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead game programmer in Texas is $51.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.29 and $64.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead game programmer do?

A Lead Game Programmer oversees the technical development of a video game, managing a team of programmers and ensuring the game’s codebase is robust, efficient, and meets design requirements. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and producers to implement gameplay features and solve complex technical challenges. Lead Game Programmers also mentor junior developers, set coding standards, and are responsible for planning and prioritizing programming tasks to keep the project on schedule. Their role is crucial in ensuring that the final product is both high-quality and delivered on time.

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

To thrive as a Lead Game Programmer, you need advanced programming skills (especially in C++ or C#), deep understanding of game engines, and a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with development tools like Unreal Engine or Unity, source control systems (e.g., Git), and sometimes certifications in software architecture are typical requirements. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities make someone stand out in guiding teams and troubleshooting complex issues. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure technical excellence, efficient project delivery, and cohesive team performance in a competitive game development environment.

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

A Lead Game Programmer works closely with designers, artists, and producers to ensure technical feasibility and smooth integration of features. They translate creative concepts into robust technical solutions, regularly communicating with other departments to identify challenges early and align on project goals. This collaborative approach helps maintain workflow efficiency and ensures the final product meets both technical and artistic standards. Effective cross-team communication is a key part of daily and weekly responsibilities in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Game Programmer jobs in Texas?

For Lead Game Programmer jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Game Programmer jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Game Programmer jobs in Texas are:

Infographic showing various Lead Game Programmer job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,510 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Unreal Systems Developer

Austin, TX • On-site

Allen Control Systems
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup developing advanced robotics and software solutions. They are seeking highly experienced game developers with expertise in Unreal Engine to lead the development of real-time simulations and optimize high-performance code for their autonomous defense systems.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the development and integration of real-time systems in Unreal Engine for our defense simulation projects.
• Implement and optimize high-performance code in C++ to ensure smooth and responsive simulations under constrained hardware conditions.
• Work closely with the electrical engineering and machine learning teams to integrate real-world data and control systems into Unreal simulations via AirSim.
• Conduct extensive testing, debugging, and optimization to ensure reliable and efficient system performance.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the growth of Unreal Engine and C++ development expertise within the company.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Strong passion for building high-performance real-time systems using C++ and Unreal Engine.
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with Unreal Engine and possess strong C++ development skills.
• Proficient in debugging, profiling, and optimizing C++ code for real-time applications.
• Familarity with networking, multiplayer systems, or parallel processing in Unreal Engine environments.
• You enjoy working closely with engineers from various disciplines to solve complex technical challenges.
Preferred:
• Direct experience working with AirSim and are familiar with integrating simulations with real-world autonomous systems.
• Experience in Robotics systems.
• Unreal Engine C++ Plugin Development experience.
Company:
Allen Control Systems develops autonomous defense technologies designed to detect, track, and counter unmanned aerial threats. Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Austin, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.