Job Title
UE4 Generalist\Engineer: Talent Resource Guide
Job Overview
Video game recruiting companies report that the UE4 generalist engineer is one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand positions in today’s gaming industry. UE4 Generalists are proficient in Unreal Engine coding in various development areas, including AI, gameplay, UI, and multiplayer networking. While duties and responsibilities may vary between studios, having a solid working knowledge of UE4 will increase your value in the gaming industry when UE5 is released.
The UE4 generalist engineer responsibilities include:
- Aid other engineers in creating new features to improve development.
- Apply and support game systems mainly in C++ and UE4 blueprints.
- Assist in developing, testing, and refining code systems.
- Create and refine systems to deliver more reliable code.
- Maintain and enhance Unreal Engine rendering pipeline based on C++ plugins.
- Modifying Unreal Engine 4 engine source code.
- Working with researchers and engineers in a collaborative team environment.
Skills and experience include:
- At least two years of full-time experience working with Unreal Engine 4, modern C++ code, Python, Blueprint, and Visual Studio.
- Excellent troubleshooting skills.
- Strong in data structures and other software engineering fundamentals.
- Computer Science degree
Job Trends
Unreal Engine is the most in-demand engine for real-time graphics, and demand for generalists will only continue to grow with the release of UE5 in 2022. Video game recruiters report demand for Unreal Engine developer jobs is growing faster than any other talent segment in the games industry. Demand is expected to more than double over the next ten years, which equals twice the growth rate of other market competitors. Due to UE4 recruiting demand, remote work is readily available; however, many larger companies are looking for in-office staff.
Research by Burning Glass found there is a high demand for 3D graphics skills, with over 315,000 jobs listed in the last two years. New and emerging 3D graphics roles like Unreal Engine generalist have grown tenfold simultaneously, with the marketplace being undersupplied with qualified applicants. Due to hiring demand, UE4 generalist engineers are in demand across the country and around the globe. Here are some of the best cities for UE4 generalists to find work.
United States
- Los Angeles, CA
- San Francisco, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Boston, MA
- Austin, TX
- Raleigh, NC
- Atlanta, GA
Interview Tips
Just because there is a high demand for UE4 engineers does not mean employers are willing to hire applicants who are unqualified or unprofessional. If only two applicants for a position and each has the same basic skills and experience, the candidate who performs the best in the interview will typically get the position. To that end, here are some critical interview tips from some of the industries top recruiting firms:
1) Be on Time
Whether it is a Zoom call or a face-to-face meeting, being punctual shows you are responsible and value other people’s time. Arriving early to an interview will give you a few minutes to collect yourself and ensure no technical issues are hindering your interview.
2) Dress the Part
Suits and ties are a definite “no” as the gaming industry is much more laid back than your typical office setting. Business casual is usually just right.
3) Know the Employer
Gaming companies are always looking to hire people who fit their company. Be sure to learn as much as you can about your prospective employer before the interview.
4) Great Everyone
Companies often times have an interview team for high-profile positions who will all ask questions. Be sure to address everyone and pay attention to the interviewer who does the least amount of talking. That is the person who often makes the hiring decision.
5) Turn Negatives into Positives
While you should be honest about past work, try to present any failures in the light of learning opportunities that gave you a chance to improve your work.
6) Be ready for a Test
Recruiters typically inform you if a test is given; however, be prepared even if they don’t.
7) Prepare for Questions
Expect to be asked questions that will require some thought on your part. Here are a few examples:
- “What are the advantages of UE4 over Unity?”
- “What are the drawbacks of Unreal Engine version 4?”
8) Compensation
Never ask about salary during the initial interview. Instead, wait until the interviewer brings it up or you are offered a position before talking about money.
9) Sell Yourself
The entire point of the interview is to give the interviewer(s) the chance to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, so be direct and try to connect with the person asking the questions.
10) Follow Up
Send a “thank you” email within 24 hours of the interview. This simple thing shows both courtesy and interest and is something the vast majority of applicants fail to do. However, this is often enough to land you the position.
Salary Ranges
With UE4 engineer recruiting demand exceeding supply, salaries well exceed the market average and the pay gap is continuing to widen. Skilled engineers demand the highest pay rates in all real-time technology positions. The average Unreal Engine job offers an average salary of $14,354 above other 3D graphic positions, commands a premium of 45 percent more than entry-level jobs, with an average salary of $135,000. Here is a breakdown:
- Mid-level UE4 generalist: $100k to $130k annual base salary.
- Senior UE4 Generalist: $130k to $180k annual base salary.
- Lead/principal UE4 generalist: $180k to $250k annual base salary.
Working with DAM
At DAM, we take an objective eye to your work in helping you develop a well-thought-out resume portfolio that showcases your talent, skills, and abilities to potential employers. We also provide job seekers with access to unpublished job opportunities, salary negotiation, and career consultation. Because the employer pays our fees, we can supply all of this at no cost to the job seeker.
To learn more about DAM video game recruiters, click here.
To view our current job openings, click here.
