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Unreal Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Senior AI Engineer

San Rafael, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $190K/yr

In this role you will build systems and features that support a rich open world in Unreal Engine 5. ... Collaborate with technical leaders to uphold engineering best practices, coding standards, and ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

As a Senior Rendering Engineer, you will collaborate with a talented team to develop rendering ... Preferred : • Strong understanding and familiarity with current Unreal Engine technology desired ...

2K

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

31st Union

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 ...

2K

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 ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You have extensive Unreal Engine experience, preferably in a Core Tech or Systems Programming capacity. Your generalist programming skills and previous experience in C++ will allow you to contribute ...

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Unreal Developer information

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$52

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How much do unreal developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal developer in California is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $63.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Unreal developers, and how do teams typically address them?

Unreal Developers often encounter challenges such as optimizing performance for different platforms, integrating complex assets, and debugging intricate gameplay systems. Teams typically collaborate closely, employing regular code reviews, playtesting sessions, and performance profiling to identify and resolve issues quickly. Cross-functional communication is essential, as developers frequently work with artists, designers, and QA testers to ensure smooth gameplay and high visual fidelity. Staying adaptable and proactive in learning new Unreal Engine updates helps developers navigate evolving project needs effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal developer?

To thrive as an Unreal Developer, you need strong skills in C++ programming, 3D graphics, and a deep understanding of Unreal Engine, usually backed by a degree in computer science, game development, or related experience. Proficiency with development tools such as Unreal Engine Blueprint, version control systems (e.g., Git), and experience with performance profiling are commonly required; relevant certifications can be advantageous. Effective problem-solving, communication, and the ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams are key soft skills. These capabilities ensure you can create complex, high-quality interactive experiences while meeting project timelines and collaborating effectively.

What is an Unreal developer?

An Unreal Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing interactive experiences using Unreal Engine. They work on game development, simulations, virtual production, or architectural visualizations, depending on the industry. Their tasks typically include scripting gameplay mechanics, creating visual effects, and collaborating with artists and designers to build immersive environments. Strong knowledge of Unreal Engine’s Blueprint system or C++ programming is often required.

What are popular job titles related to Unreal Developer jobs in California? For Unreal Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Unreal Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Unreal Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Unreal Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Unreal Developer job openings:
Unreal Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,466 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Staff Software Engineer, Build Platforms - VALORANT

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in many broader domains. As a Software Engineer, you'll also dive into projects that focus on team cohesiveness and cross-team goals. You'll lead without authority and provide other engineers with a clear illustration of extraordinary engineering.
VALORANT is Riot's take on a character-based tactical shooter (learn more about VALORANT here ). As a Staff Software Engineer on the VALORANT Build Platforms team, you will develop and improve the technologies that enable us to deliver VALORANT into our players' hands. You will improve the iteration flow for hundreds of developers, including designers, artists, and engineers. You will act as a pipeline-aware problem solver in the Unreal development ecosystem, reducing friction across local development, validation, cook, release, and CI. Your work will lay a critical foundation for teams across the globe as they delight players with new features, skins, maps, and agents.
Responsibilities:
  • Drive the technical direction and decision-making at the team level, advising on aspects of delivery such as architecture, maintenance, cost, and scale.
  • Identify and resolve cross-system bottlenecks across local workflows, Unreal build/cook systems, CI, release infrastructure, and developer-facing tools.
  • Work with VALORANT developers and stakeholders to align on priorities and deliverables.
  • Lead efforts to break down and execute on multi-month engineering efforts, partnering with central technology teams to leverage their expertise.
  • Participate in the team's support rotation.

Required Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of experience as a software engineer.
  • BS degree or equivalent experience.
  • Experience architecting and maintaining developer-facing products and platforms, supporting complex workflows and emerging requirements.
  • Experience building automated build, test, and release pipelines.
  • Strong empathy for improving the developer experience and reducing friction within the iteration loop.
  • Expertise with C++, C#, Java, or Go.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical subjects to all levels.
  • Willingness to jump into unfamiliar technologies and take on new challenges.
  • Experience mentoring other engineers.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Professional experience working with cloud technologies.
  • Experience working directly with Unreal Engine game build systems.
  • Experience with Perforce workflows, large Unreal workspaces, content cooking, packaging, or build artifact debugging.
  • Game DevOps experience is a plus.
  • BuildGraph and Horde experience is a plus.
  • Professional experience serving as a technical lead for a team of engineers.
  • Professional experience building large-scale backend systems or game services.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!
Our Perks:
Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.
At Riot Games, we put players first . That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.
It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.
Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:
  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.
  • (Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
  • (Mercer Island only) Base salary range between $192,500.00 - $269,400.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.
Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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