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Unreal Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You should bring strong technical depth in both Unity and Unreal , experience guiding teams through ... Lead and mentor engineers across active co-development and game development projects * Act as a ...

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

As an independent developer and publisher, Templar develops the games that we want, on our own ... The ideal candidate has deep Unreal Engine experience, a love of great gameplay, and a passion for ...

$133K - $175K/yr

Our team is seeking an experienced Unreal Engine C++ Software Engineer to develop and deploy the technology at scale. YOUR ROLE In this role, you will: * Work as part of a small development team in a ...

ENGINEERING - GAMES What We Do Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 Programmer information

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How much do unreal programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Programmer, and why are they important?

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 are Unreal Programmers?

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.

More about Unreal Programmer jobs
What states have the most Unreal Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Unreal Programmer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Unreal Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Senior Unreal Generalist

Pure Imagination Management LLC

Salina, KS • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Senior Unreal Generalist

Job Location: Salina, Kansas

About Us

Pure Imagination Studios started in 2012 as a diversified entertainment company built by a team of creators who shared a true passion for storytelling. We thrive on imagination, and everything we do is set to bring a tangible experience to anything our clients, partners and even ourselves, are able to imagine. We believe that pure imagination should be the fuel to our reality.

Pure Imagination Labs designs immersive, interactive experiences that make complex training and simulation intuitive, purposeful, and fun. Our projects blend real-time systems, tactile interfaces, and narrative framing to support education, decision-making, teamwork, and user engagement in high-stakes scenarios. We take the best of game design and apply it to real-world learning environments that demand more than just entertainment. The environments are dynamic, the challenges are varied, and the work is as rewarding as it is technically ambitious.

Overview


Pure Imagination Labs' Senior Unreal Generalist assembles and stages interactive scenes in Unreal Engine using modular environments and stylized assets. Enhances guest-facing polish through lighting, post-processing, and visual clarity. Integrates animations and scripted narrative content using Sequencer and light logic. Optimizes runtime performance and validates install readiness across physical-digital experiences.


Responsibilities

  • Assemble and stage interactive scenes in Unreal Engine, using modular environments, stylized props, and externally authored assets.
  • Collaborate with designers and technical artists to maintain spatial clarity, performance goals, and visual alignment with project intent.
  • Apply lighting, post-processing, and material tweaks to enhance readability, mood, and guest-facing polish in interactive and transitional moments.
  • Set up light cinematic sequences using Sequencer, including simple camera blocking, animation triggers, and environment timing.
  • Integrate pre-authored animations, mocap sequences, or narrative moments into interactive spaces—ensuring transitions feel smooth and intentional.
  • Support installation-ready content by validating visual performance, readability, and runtime integrity across physical and digital spaces.
  • Contribute to scene optimization through basic LOD setup, occlusion tuning, asset consolidation, and material organization.
  • Work closely with the Experience Design and Technical Art teams to ensure visuals support mission clarity, tone, and emotional beats without sacrificing performance.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Associate’s degree or equivalent from two-year college/technical school required.
  • Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university is preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 5 to 8 years of experience in Unreal Engine working across interactive, simulation, or real-time media projects. (game development, virtual production, LBE, or equivalent pipelines)
  • Experience with importing and organizing assets from external vendors or internal pipelines using clean naming, hierarchy, and performance conventions.
  • Experience staging interactive or narrative content using Sequencer, Blueprints, or simple trigger logic.
  • Proficient in lighting, surfacing, and post-process tuning to support stylistic consistency and guest-facing clarity.
  • Familiarity with optimization best practices in UE5 (Nanite, LODs, collisions, level streaming, lightmap usage).
  • Collaborative team member able to work between art, design, and engineering groups to support cohesive real-time experiences.

Additional Qualifications

  • Proven ability to work in immersive installation environments, including large-format screens or mixed physical-digital layouts.
  • Experience supporting cinematic staging, character animation integration, or light narrative content within a gameplay or simulation context.
  • Familiarity with simulation or edutainment experiences where visual storytelling supports behavior, empathy, or decision-making.
  • Solid foundation with Niagara FX, audio triggers, or material tuning to support immersive cues.
  • Flexibility to travel for live staging and working on-site for installations, tests, or technical rehearsals.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams, external vendors, and other stakeholders.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.

o Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week.

o Required Residence: This candidate must live or reside in the state of Kansas; or relocate within six (6) months of offered employment.

o Required Travel: This candidate is required to travel up to 15% for specific project installations.

The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), medical leave, and a variety of other perks. A bonus and incentive plan may be provided as part of the compensation package, dependent on the level and position offered.

Learn more about the opportunities offered by Pure Imagination by visiting the Careers page of the company website.


Annual Salary: $120,000 (bonus eligible)

Pure Imagination Studios is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).