Game Tools & Modding Engineer
weekday aiDenver (CO)
About the role
This role is for one of our clients$20 - $60/hourpay Role Title: Game Tools & Modding Engineer Role Type: Contractor
Location:
RemoteWe are looking for a Game Tools & Modding Engineer with strong expertise in graphics programming, rendering systems, and engine-level development to build high-performance, real-time applications. This role focuses on developing graphics systems, rendering pipelines, engine tools, and low-level optimizations using modern graphics APIs such as DirectX (DX11/DX12), Vulkan, OpenGL, or Metal. If you have a strong background in game development, graphics programming, and engine architecture, and enjoy working close to the engine rather than gameplay logic, this opportunity is for you.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Engine & Tools Development:
Design, develop, and maintain engine-level systems and game development tools using C++.Build and enhance game modding tools, editor extensions, and development pipelines. Extend engine capabilities to improve workflows for developers, artists, and designers.
Graphics & Rendering:
Develop and optimize rendering pipelines, shaders, and real-time graphics systems.
Implement graphics features using DirectX (DX11/DX12), Vulkan, OpenGL, Metal, or equivalent graphics APIs.
Work with HLSL/GLSL shaders and modern rendering techniques.
Performance Optimization:
Optimize rendering performance across CPU, GPU, memory, and multithreaded workloads.
Identify and resolve bottlenecks affecting graphics performance and engine efficiency.
Debug complex rendering, graphics, and cross-platform compatibility issues.
Collaboration & Code Quality:
- Collaborate closely with engineers, technical artists, designers, and other stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions.
- Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented C++ code following engineering best practices.
- Participate in code reviews, architecture discussions, and technical decision-making.
- Required Skills & Qualifications3–6 years of experience in game development, graphics programming, or real-time rendering.
- Strong proficiency in C++.Hands-on experience with one or more graphics APIs:
- DirectX 11/12 VulkanOpenGLMetalSolid understanding of:
- Rendering pipelines
- Shader programming (HLSL/GLSL)3D mathematics
- Real-time graphics concepts
- Experience with Unreal Engine or a similar game engine.
- Knowledge of performance optimization techniques across CPU, GPU, memory, and multithreading.
- Strong debugging, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently in a distributed or remote team environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with engine customization and low-level systems programming.
Familiarity with graphics profiling and debugging tools such as RenderDoc, PIX, Nsight, or similar.
Experience developing cross-platform applications or working within performance-constrained environments.
Exposure to game development tooling, editor extensions, asset pipelines, or automation.
Background in multiplayer systems or large-scale game architectures.
Must-Have:
- SkillsC++Game Development
- Graphics Programming
- DirectX / Vulkan / OpenGLRendering Pipeline
- Good-to-Have SkillsUnreal EngineShader Programming (HLSL/GLSL)
- Engine Development
- Performance Optimization
- RenderDocPIXNsightGame Tools Development
- Modding Tools
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