Game Engine Development & Optimization Engineer

Title: Game Engine Development & Optimization Engineer (Contract)Pay Rate: $40 - $60/hr. (Depending on Experience)Hours: Full-Time | 40 Hours/Week | Flexible Schedule

Location: Irvine, CA (Preferred) or Playa Vista, Los Angeles, CA | 100% Onsite (5 Days/Week)Contract Duration: 12 MonthsStart Date: ASAPSummary:We are seeking a talented Game Engine Development & Optimization Engineer to support cutting-edge game engine development, performance optimization, and engineering innovation for a leading global technology and gaming organization.In this role, you will work directly with game engine source code, primarily Unreal Engine 5, to develop and enhance core engine systems, optimize performance, and improve development workflows.

You'll tackle complex technical challenges involving C++ programming, computer graphics, memory management, multithreading, and real-time rendering while exploring AI-assisted development tools to accelerate engineering productivity.The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong C++ programming skills, experience working with Unreal Engine or other commercial game engines, and a passion for solving complex performance challenges. We welcome candidates with varying levels of professional experience who demonstrate strong technical fundamentals, curiosity, and the ability to independently develop innovative solutions.

What You'll Do

Develop, maintain, and optimize game engine systems and tools, primarily using Unreal Engine 5Work directly with game engine source code to investigate technical issues, implement new features, and improve existing functionalityDevelop and optimize engine subsystems involving rendering, physics, animation, asset processing, and other core technologiesProfile and optimize CPU performance, memory usage, multithreading, and low-level engine systemsIdentify and resolve performance bottlenecks through debugging, profiling, and code-level analysisImprove engine runtime performance, compilation efficiency, system stability, and overall development workflowsLeverage AI coding assistants and AI agents to accelerate software development, debugging, testing, and code maintenanceExplore AI-assisted workflows for code generation, automated testing, code analysis, and developer productivityDevelop automation scripts and engineering tools to streamline repetitive tasks and improve development pipelinesCollaborate with software engineers and technical artists to troubleshoot engine-related challenges and implement technical improvementsSupport engine build systems, cross-platform development, technical integrations, and engineering infrastructureCreate technical documentation and reusable engineering practices to support long-term maintainabilityWhat You Bring:Hands-on experience developing, debugging, modifying, or extending game engine systems using Unreal Engine 5 or another commercial game engineStrong proficiency in modern C++, including memory management, multithreading, data structures, and algorithmsSolid understanding of game engine architecture, runtime systems, and development workflowsExperience analyzing and optimizing low-level software performance, including CPU usage, memory utilization, and multithreaded systemsFamiliarity with game engine profiling, debugging, and performance analysis toolsStrong computer graphics fundamentals, with practical experience in at least one of the following areas:Geometry Processing: Mesh representations, geometric algorithms, spatial data structures, collision detection, or mesh processingRendering: Graphics pipelines, shaders, lighting, materials, GPU programming, or real-time renderingPhysics Simulation: Rigid-body dynamics, collision detection and response, numerical methods, or real-time physics systemsAbility to understand, debug, and optimize graphics-related algorithms and engine systemsPractical experience with AI-assisted coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Code, or similar technologiesUnderstanding of AI-generated code validation, debugging, reliability, and code qualityStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently investigate complex technical challengesExcellent collaboration, communication, and technical documentation skillsAbility to work onsite five days per week in Irvine or Playa Vista, CABonus Points If You Have:Experience modifying or extending Unreal Engine 5 source code, particularly core engine subsystemsAdvanced knowledge of real-time rendering, geometry processing, or physics simulationExperience with GPU programming, CUDA, DirectX, or VulkanFamiliarity with performance profiling tools such as Unreal Insights, PIX, or NVIDIA NsightExperience optimizing rendering, physics, animation, collision detection, or asset streaming systemsExperience developing AI agents, AI-powered engineering tools, or automated coding workflowsProficiency in Python for scripting, automation, and development tool creationExperience with CI/CD pipelines, build systems, automated testing, or compiler-related technologiesBackground in cross-platform game development and optimization, particularly for PC or mobile platformsTCWGlobal is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on age, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religious belief, or sexual orientation.