Develop and maintain engine-level systems, game modding tools, and editor extensions. Implement and optimize rendering pipelines and shaders using DirectX/Vulkan/OpenGL/Metal. Profile and optimize CPU/GPU/memory and multithreaded workloads, debug complex graphics issues, and collaborate with engineers, artists, and designers to deliver high-quality, maintainable C++ engine code.
This role is for one of our clients
$20 - $60/hourpay
Role Title: Game Tools & Modding Engineer
Role Type: Contractor
Location: Remote
We 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.
RequirementsKey ResponsibilitiesEngine & 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 3–6 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
- Vulkan
- OpenGL
- Metal
- Solid 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.
- 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.
- C++
- Game Development
- Graphics Programming
- DirectX / Vulkan / OpenGL
- Rendering Pipeline
- Unreal Engine
- Shader Programming (HLSL/GLSL)
- Engine Development
- Performance Optimization
- RenderDoc
- PIX
- Nsight
- Game Tools Development
- Modding Tools
Similar Jobs
Fintech • Professional Services • Consulting • Energy • Financial Services • Cybersecurity • Generative AI
Owns the strategy, roadmap, backlog, prioritization, and delivery of a mobile digital banking product. The role gathers requirements, coordinates engineering and cross-functional teams, defines user stories and acceptance criteria, manages releases, monitors product metrics and feedback, drives enhancements, and ensures compliance with applicable banking regulations and industry best practices.
Top Skills:
Digital BankingMobile Applications
Fintech • Legal Tech • Software • Financial Services • Cybersecurity • Data Privacy
Provide operational support and development for enterprise identity and access systems (Ping Identity/ForgeRock). Build features, perform unit testing, create QA test steps, update ITSM/process documentation, troubleshoot incidents, mentor juniors, and collaborate with global security, development, and product teams to improve authentication, SSO/MFA, and identity governance.
Top Skills:
ForgerockGitIdentity GovernanceJenkinsMulti-Factor Authentication (Mfa)Ping IdentityPingamPingdsPinggatewayPingidmPostmanSingle Sign-On (Sso)
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Cloud • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity • Defense
Perform software verification and validation for aerospace platform components, including boot software, hardware abstraction layers, I/O drivers, and compiler abstraction layers. Develop test plans, conduct impact analysis, execute requirements- and scenario-based testing, resolve technical issues, and support audits. Lead technical initiatives, mentor engineers, manage stakeholders, and drive quality improvements using C++, RTOS environments, emulators, debuggers, and verification tools.
Top Skills:
As9100BitbucketC++DeosDoors NgIcdJIRALauterbachLdraLinuxRtosVectorcastVectorcast/Cover
What you need to know about the Chicago Tech Scene
With vibrant neighborhoods, great food and more affordable housing than either coast, Chicago might be the most liveable major tech hub. It is the birthplace of modern commodities and futures trading, a national hub for logistics and commerce, and home to the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association. This diverse blend of industry influences has helped Chicago emerge as a major player in verticals like fintech, biotechnology, legal tech, e-commerce and logistics technology. It’s also a major hiring center for tech companies on both coasts.
Key Facts About Chicago Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 245,800; 5.2% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: McDonald’s, John Deere, Boeing, Morningstar
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, biotechnology, fintech, software, logistics technology
- Funding Landscape: $2.5 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Pritzker Group Venture Capital, Arch Venture Partners, MATH Venture Partners, Jump Capital, Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Research Centers and Universities: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
