1

Lua Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hardware System Validation Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $191K/yr

Join the system validation team at Apple's Hardware Engineering, where we validate system-level ... Lua; proficient in Shell scripting. Familiarity with industry standards (USB, PCIe, DDR, etc ...

Senior Software Engineer - Storage Cache

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

As a Senior Engineer on the Cache team (part of the Infra Storage org), you will innovate and ... Experience extending cache functionality (e.g., writing custom Redis modules in C/Rust, complex Lua ...

Minimum Qualifications BS Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering and/or relevant work ... Lua experience is a plus Data Analysis and visualizations experience

Description The digital hardware design engineer will closely work with internal hardware and ... g., Lua, Python, C) Experience with volume stress testing, reliability screening, or production ...

Systems Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $214K/yr

... Python/Lua/Bash Proven task management Effective communication skills Minimum Qualifications BS in CS/CE/EE and 0-2+ years of software engineer career experience Expertise in at least one of C ...

Showing results 41-60

Lua Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do lua programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lua programmer in California is $39.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $50.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Lua programmer?

Lua Programmers are software developers who specialize in using the Lua programming language to write scripts, applications, or integrate Lua into larger software systems. Lua is known for its lightweight, fast, and flexible scripting capabilities, making it popular in game development, embedded systems, and applications that require scripting support. Lua Programmers often work on tasks like game logic scripting, plugin or module development, and automation. They collaborate with other developers, use Lua's APIs, and may also optimize code for performance. Their skills are especially valued in the gaming industry, as well as in fields requiring customizable and extensible solutions.

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

To excel as a Lua Programmer, you need strong proficiency in Lua scripting, problem-solving abilities, and a solid understanding of software development principles, often supported by a background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, game engines (such as Roblox or Corona SDK), and debugging tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help Lua Programmers stand out when working on complex projects or in team environments. These skills are vital for writing efficient, maintainable code and delivering high-quality software solutions in dynamic programming settings.

What are some common challenges Lua programmers face when integrating Lua with other programming languages or game engines?

One common challenge for Lua Programmers is ensuring seamless communication between Lua scripts and the host application, which is often written in C, C++, or another language. This typically involves dealing with data type conversions, memory management, and debugging across language boundaries. Additionally, Lua Programmers may need to optimize performance when integrating Lua into resource-constrained environments, such as embedded systems or real-time game engines. Collaborating closely with engine developers and QA teams is essential to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Lua Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectLua ProgrammerGame Developer
Required SkillsProficiency in Lua scripting, basic programming knowledgeMultiple programming languages, game design, and development skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companies, or freelance projects focused on scriptingGame studios, software companies, or independent development teams
Industry UsagePrimarily in game scripting, modding, and embedded systemsFull game development, including design, programming, and testing

While a Lua Programmer specializes in scripting with Lua for specific game functions, a Game Developer has a broader role encompassing overall game creation, design, and programming across multiple languages. Both roles often work in the gaming industry, but Lua Programmers focus on scripting tasks within larger development teams.

What job categories do people searching Lua Programmer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lua Programmer jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Lua Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Lead Engineer, Game Systems

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Absurd Ventures is seeking a highly experienced and collaborative Lead Engineer, Game Systems to help drive the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay, progression, and economy systems. In this role, you will lead a team of gameplay engineers and work closely with design and production teams to create engaging systems that enhance the player experience.
Responsibilities:
• Lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of core gameplay systems, including but not limited to player control, NPC behavior, traversal, mission logic, progression, economy and inventory.
• Collaborate with designers and other stakeholders to translate design goals and specs into robust, extensible technical solutions. Design and develop a suite of tools to meet design workflow needs.
• Mentor and guide a team of systems engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and knowledge sharing.
• Own systems performance and memory footprint, working to ensure functionality and compatibility across multiple platforms, as well as long term extensibility.
• Define and enforce best practices for coding standards, documentation, and architecture within the game systems team.
• Oversee tools and workflow for game systems. Coordinate with design leads on tool and workflow design.
• Participate in technical planning, task estimation, and milestone reviews.
• Debug and resolve complex game systems issues and contribute to ongoing game stability and polish.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 7+ years of professional game development experience with a focus on gameplay or systems engineering.
• Shipped at least one AAA title in a senior or lead systems engineering role.
• Expertise in C++ and strong knowledge of modern software engineering practices.
• Strong understanding of game engine architecture and modern gameplay systems development.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience leading technical teams and managing cross-disciplinary collaboration.
• Passion for crafting exceptional player experiences through gameplay systems.
Preferred:
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
• Familiarity with multiplayer game systems, replication, and network optimization.
• Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Blueprint, Lua, Angelscript, etc.) and their integration with game systems.
• Prior experience with open-world games or systemic gameplay projects.
Company:
Absurd Ventures is an entertainment firm that creates new intellectual property across various channels. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in Santa Monica, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.