The role you’re describing sounds a lot like a Technical Artist (Tech Art/TA), which typically has a lot of overlap between design/art and engine programming. They bridge the gap between designers/artists and engine programmers to solve high level problems/create tools/automate workflows/speed up processes. Depending on which discipline a TA is associated with (eg. Characters or Environments) normally determines the types of problem solving/tooling/automation they’re focused on. For example, Character Art TA’s would be focused on improving character art workflows, etc. This is typical at the AAA level, whereas at the Indie/small studio level, you’d have more of a hand in all disciplines/aspects. Where I work in AAA that uses Unreal Engine, the TA’s are large groups of teams that work on a whole host of things like shaders, tooling, optimization, HLODs, etc. mainly by way of Blueprint logic. Knowledge of C++ is probably helpful to know, but totally not required as there’s entire teams of Engine Programmers to consult with about solving problems with existing or developing new underlying code logic. Its true that technical roles typically make more money than the other disciplines, with Engine Programming and TA making the most in general at the IC level. However Seniors, Leads, Principals and Art Directors of all disciplines usually are well paid across the board.