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Minecraft Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Minecraft Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$61.5K

$143K

$199.1K

How much do minecraft software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for minecraft software engineer in Illinois is $142,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Minecraft software engineer do?

A Minecraft Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining features and systems within the Minecraft game. They work with programming languages like Java and C++ to create new gameplay mechanics, optimize performance, and fix bugs. These engineers also collaborate with designers, artists, and other developers to ensure new updates and features run smoothly and are enjoyable for players. Their work helps shape the ongoing evolution of Minecraft and its many versions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Minecraft software engineer?

To thrive as a Minecraft Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (especially in Java), experience with game development, and a relevant degree in computer science or similar. Familiarity with Minecraft's codebase, version control systems like Git, and tools such as IntelliJ IDEA or Visual Studio Code are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help engineers design engaging features and resolve complex issues. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering a seamless gaming experience, maintaining code quality, and collaborating within a dynamic development environment.

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

As a Minecraft Software Engineer, you'll work closely with artists and game designers to translate creative concepts into functional gameplay features. Collaboration often involves regular meetings to discuss design requirements, prototyping new mechanics, and providing technical feedback on feasibility. You'll be responsible for implementing and iterating on features, ensuring they align with the game's vision while maintaining performance and code quality. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both technical and creative perspectives are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Minecraft Software Engineer vs Game Developer?

AspectMinecraft Software EngineerGame Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, programming skills, experience with game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science, programming skills, experience with game engines
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, tech companies, or in-house teams for MinecraftGame development studios, tech companies, or independent projects
Industry UsagePrimarily within Mojang, Microsoft, or companies developing Minecraft modsAcross various gaming companies and independent developers
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to Minecraft-specific developmentBroader game development roles including Minecraft

The Minecraft Software Engineer focuses on developing and maintaining features specifically for Minecraft, often within Mojang or Microsoft. In contrast, a Game Developer has a broader scope, working on various types of games across different platforms. Both roles require similar technical skills and credentials, but their projects and industry focus differ.

How much do Minecraft software engineers make?

Minecraft software engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in game development and programming languages like Java may earn higher salaries. Compensation can also include benefits such as bonuses and stock options.

What are popular job titles related to Minecraft Software Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Minecraft Software Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Minecraft Software Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Minecraft Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Minecraft Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,954 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Technical Artist (Video Games) at DISBELIEF Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL • On-site

Downtown Boulder Partnership
11 - 50 employees

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Technical Artist (Video Games) job at DISBELIEF. Chicago, IL.

Job Title

Technical Artist

Type

Full time

Who We Are

Disbelief is a game development studio focusing on contracting and consulting services. We’ve worked with both AAA and independent studios to help their projects ship. Notable projects we’ve worked on include Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Minecraft, Borderlands 3, Gears Tactics, Gears 5, and Pacific Drive.

At Disbelief we value work-life balance, and want to create an alternative to the crunch-culture prevalent in game development. We also believe strongly in investing in our talent and our team. Disbelief is a place to puzzle out the solutions to cutting-edge problems for industry leading projects, but also a place where people can grow their careers and skills as valued members of a stable and close-knit team.

Description

Currently, we’re looking for a Technical Artist. This opportunity is for a full-time position in Chicago, IL. Technical Artists at Disbelief are self motivated problem solvers. Our technical artists are equally capable of discussing performance, rendering and gameplay issues with engineers, as they are in critique and creative discussion with the artist and designers. They act as a bridge between the technical and artistic aspects of game development, empowering both programming and art to achieve more than either could on their own. Our Technical Artists work in a variety of areas including scripting for tools and gameplay, modeling, materials, texturing, animation, FX, UI, and writing documentation.

At Disbelief we work with leading edge technologies to make them perform at the top of their capabilities, and we take pride in solving problems others can't. We believe a diverse team is a stronger team, and we encourage marginalized candidates to apply.

Key Responsibilities
  • Solve technical problems from an artist’s point of view
  • Solve performance problems while championing visual quality standards
  • Act as a bridge between art, engineering and gameplay teams
  • Continue to explore new software and techniques, including novel solutions
  • Prototype new workflows and systems
  • Make improvements to existing pipelines as part of a team
  • Clearly communicate your work to others
  • Estimate the time it takes to complete tasks
Skills and Requirements
  • Degree in Tech Art or equivalent experience
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • 1+ years in game development, or 3+ in a related industry
  • Understanding of real time rendering
  • Experience with version control with Perforce, Git, or equivalent
  • Portfolio demonstrating AAA quality technical art ability
  • Gameplay or pipeline scripting
  • Proficiency in cross disciplinary tasks
Location

Chicago, IL

Relocation Assistance

Available where applicable

Hybrid

Technical Artists are in the office based on project needs, but can sometimes work from home. Some of our projects require access to physical infrastructure.

Visa Sponsorship

No. Disbelief does not offer visa sponsorship at the current time.

We are an E-Verify employer.

Technologies

Our DCC tools vary depending on the project, but will typically involve a combination of Houdini, Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, Substance, Photoshop. Our real-time work often requires knowledge of animation, physics, material and particle systems. Primarily we work with Unreal Engine, but we also work with custom game engines. Scripting in Python, Maxscript, Mel, Javascript, C# and Unreal Blueprint is often required to solve pipeline and workflow problems.

Salary

This position has a salary range of $83,000 - $100,000. When making a job offer there are many factors that are taken into consideration at Disbelief. This includes, but is not limited to, experience and skills, comparable jobs in the industry/geographical area, and relocation benefits. Therefore the upper end of the shared salary range is oftentimes dedicated to those who showcase strong performance in the role. To learn more about how salary is determined at Disbelief please visit Open Salaries At Disbelief at

Benefits

Please visit Disbelief's company career page at to learn about the amazing benefits we offer.

Contact

Please submit resume and portfolio to jobs@disbelief.com

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