ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Unreal Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 +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 ...

Cosm

Lead Software Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

The ideal candidate has significant hands-on experience developing with Unreal Engine, with either a video technology or graphics programming background to complement it. You are solutions oriented ...

Echtra Games

Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... Unreal Engine 4 • Experience shipping software to the public • A love and passion for gaming Company : Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsUnreal Programmer JobsUnreal Programmer Jobs in California

Unreal Programmer information

See California salary details

$11

$39

$67

How much do unreal programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal 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 challenges do unreal programmers face when working on large-scale game projects?

Unreal Programmers often encounter challenges related to optimizing performance and managing complex codebases, especially in large-scale game projects. Ensuring smooth gameplay across platforms requires deep knowledge of Unreal Engine's systems and best practices for memory and CPU/GPU usage. Collaboration with designers, artists, and other engineers is essential to integrate features efficiently and maintain stability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are key to navigating these challenges and delivering high-quality results.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unreal programmer?

To thrive as an Unreal Programmer, you need strong proficiency in C++ programming, a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals, and experience with Unreal Engine’s architecture and workflows. Familiarity with source control systems, debugging tools, and Unreal Engine certifications are often required, along with expertise in Blueprints and asset integration. Excellent problem-solving skills, collaboration, and adaptability help you work efficiently with designers and artists to deliver high-quality interactive experiences. These skills ensure you can build efficient, scalable game systems and effectively contribute to complex development projects.

What is an unreal programmer?

Unreal Programmers are software developers who specialize in using Unreal Engine, a widely-used game development platform, to design, develop, and optimize interactive experiences, primarily video games. They write code, often in C++, to implement gameplay mechanics, user interfaces, artificial intelligence, and other systems within Unreal Engine. Unreal Programmers collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other team members to bring creative visions to life and ensure smooth, efficient performance. Their work may also include debugging, optimizing code, and integrating third-party tools or plugins. Strong knowledge of Unreal Engine’s architecture and best programming practices is essential for this role.

What is the difference between Unreal Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectUnreal ProgrammerGame Developer
Required SkillsProficiency in Unreal Engine, C++, Blueprint scriptingVaries; may include programming, design, art, and project management
Work EnvironmentGame studios using Unreal Engine, often in tech-heavy rolesBroader; includes indie, AAA, mobile, and various platforms
CertificationsUnreal Engine certifications, programming credentialsNone specific; varies by specialization
Industry UsagePrimarily in companies developing with Unreal EngineAcross all game development companies and platforms

While Unreal Programmers focus on developing and optimizing games using Unreal Engine, Game Developers have a broader role that can include design, scripting, and project management across various engines and platforms. Unreal Programmers typically possess specialized skills in Unreal Engine and C++, whereas Game Developers may have diverse skill sets depending on their focus area.

Unreal Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,158 per year, or $39 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer AI [USA]

HoYoverse

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
At HoYoverse, we are committed to creating immersive virtual world experiences for players around the world. In addition to game products such as Genshin Impact, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and Honkai: Star Rail, HoYoverse also launched the dynamic desktop software N0va Desktop, the community product HoYoLAB, and created a variety of products such as animations, comics, music, novels, and merchandise around our original creative concept.
Adhering to our mission of Tech Otakus Save the World, we have always been committed to technology research and development, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and have accumulated leading technical capabilities in cartoon rendering, artificial intelligence, cloud gaming technology, and other fields.
HoYoverse is actively engaged in globalization, with offices in Singapore, Montreal, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, and other areas.
Job Description
We are searching for a candidate who is passionate about enhancing developer productivity through workflow focused solutions. As a member of the vehicle team, you will be responsible for working together with designers to architect gameplay systems, APIs, and features within Unreal Engine on schedule. #LI-Remote
  • Design, implement and maintain gameplay-related systems and tools
  • In-depth cooperation with planning, art, and procedures
  • Write clear, maintainable, and efficient code
  • Performance analysis and optimization code
  • Test and document code

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or above, computer science
  • 7+ years or above experience in game development
  • Experience in vehicle operation, vehicle shooting, vehicle destruction, vehicle AI, and vehicle synchronization
  • Familiar with C++, preferably with relevant work experience
  • Excellent programming ability understand 3d game gameplay architecture
  • Familiar with 3d mathematics and linear algebra
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent teamwork ability

Additional Information
Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • 100% employer-paid healthcare premiums for you and your dependents
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401K/ RRSP plan
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • Comprehensive relocation package
  • Team-building activities throughtout the year
  • Flexible working hours

Do We Support Flexible Work?
Yes, as a remote team across North Americe time zones, we embrace flexible working. You may choose to work remotely, in-offices or hybrid, for a more flexible lifestyle that suits you best. Our offices are located in downtown Montreal and downtown Santa Monica, surrounded by great restaurants, entertainment, and cultural venues.
We are an equal opportunity employer that believes diverse backgrounds are key to bringing our concepts to life. If you're looking to play a key role in creating the best immersive virtual world experience for our users, we invite you to join our team.
Learn more online by clicking here.

Apply