Game Tools & Modding Engineer

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. 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 & Qualifications 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. 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 Skills C++ Game Development Graphics Programming DirectX / Vulkan / OpenGL Rendering Pipeline Good-to-Have Skills Unreal Engine Shader Programming (HLSL/GLSL) Engine Development Performance Optimization RenderDoc PIX Nsight Game Tools Development Modding Tools