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Tools Programmer information

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$10.7K

$121.3K

$139.3K

How much do tools programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for tools programmer in Maryland is $121,317.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,600.00 and $138,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Tools Programmer?

As a Tools Programmer, you will spend your days designing, implementing, and maintaining software tools that support artists, designers, and other developers in their workflow. This often involves collaborating closely with team members to gather requirements, troubleshoot issues, and ensure tools are intuitive and reliable. You might also work on optimizing existing tools or integrating new technology into the development pipeline. Regular communication with end users of your tools is common to ensure they meet production needs. This role requires balancing independent programming tasks with frequent team interactions to deliver effective solutions.

What does a Tools Programmer do?

A Tools Programmer develops and maintains software tools that help game developers work more efficiently. These tools can include level editors, asset pipelines, debugging utilities, and performance analysis tools. Their goal is to streamline development processes and improve productivity for artists, designers, and other programmers. They typically work closely with multiple departments to understand their needs and create custom solutions. Strong programming skills, particularly in languages like C++, Python, or C#, are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tools Programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tools Programmer, you need strong proficiency in software development (typically C++ or Python), understanding of computer science fundamentals, and often a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with source control systems (like Git), industry-standard development environments, and experience with game engines or DCC tools is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication, and a collaborative mindset are essential soft skills for working with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for building efficient, user-friendly tools that streamline development workflows and enhance productivity across projects.

What are popular job titles related to Tools Programmer jobs in Maryland? For Tools Programmer jobs in Maryland, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tools Programmer jobs in Maryland look for? The top searched job categories for Tools Programmer jobs in Maryland are:
What are popular job titles related to Tools Programmer jobs in MD? For Tools Programmer jobs in MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Tools Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tools Programmer job openings in Maryland as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,317 per year, or $58.3 per hour.
Game Systems Programmer

Game Systems Programmer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 hours ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 72 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you skilled in C++, game-engine systems, real-time simulation, or performance-sensitive software?
Do you enjoy debugging hard runtime problems and building interactive 3D capabilities that run reliably under real constraints?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a game systems programmer to help us build advanced training and simulation capabilities for critical national security challenges. You'll join a multidisciplinary team creating game-engine-based tools for scenario execution, physics modeling, visualization, experimentation, and mission planning. This is an opportunity to apply the craft of systems programming to technical problems that matter beyond a product cycle.
As a Game Systems Programmer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to design, develop, test, and improve real-time software systems that support simulation, interactive 3D visualization, scenario execution, and training.
  • You will build performance-sensitive software for engine systems involving runtime state, physics models, data flow, networking, input, visualization, or simulation control.
  • You will integrate game engines, simulation frameworks, physics models, data sources, and external tools into reliable interactive capabilities.
  • You will profile, debug, and improve software across CPU, GPU, memory, networking, latency, load time, and real-time frame-budget constraints.
  • You will contribute to runtime systems, tools, automated tests, data pipelines, debugging utilities, and workflows used by engineers and analysts.
  • You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teammates to understand user needs, communicate technical tradeoffs, and deliver software that supports training, experimentation, analysis, and mission planning.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, game development, physics, mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 3+ years of professional software development experience in game-engine systems, real-time simulation, visualization, interactive tools, robotics, extended reality, or related performance-sensitive software.
  • Have experience developing clear, maintainable C++ software for real-time, interactive, simulation, engine, or other performance-sensitive applications.
  • Have experience debugging and improving software using profilers, logs, traces, debuggers, memory tools, frame captures, or similar diagnostic techniques.
  • Have experience with systems programming areas such as memory management, multithreading, job systems, networking, streaming, serialization, asset loading, resource management, platform abstraction, physics integration, rendering integration, tools, build systems, or data pipelines.
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally for meetings, demonstrations, integration events, or partner engagements.
  • Are able to obtai Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience as a systems programmer, engine programmer, platform programmer, rendering programmer, tools programmer, physics programmer, networking programmer, or core technology programmer in the game industry.
  • Have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary, in-house, open-source, or custom real-time 3D engine technology.
  • Have experience with physics modeling, distributed simulation, multiplayer networking, state synchronization, deterministic simulation, scenario systems, terrain systems, geospatial visualization, or simulation-based training systems.
  • Have experience building tools, asset pipelines, debugging utilities, automated tests, build systems, or workflows used by engineers, analysts, designers, artists, or other technical users.
  • Hold an active Secret clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$100,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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