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Computer Science Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$112.60K - $154.60K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or related field. * Proficient in C++, C#, or Python with strong understanding of software engineering principles. * Experience with customer ...

NxT Level

Senior Tools Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$112.60K - $154.60K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Development, or related field. * Proficient in C++, C#, or Python with strong understanding of software engineering principles. * Experience with customer ...

Qualcomm

CPU Integration CAD Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$167.10K - $250.70K/yr

Bachelors/Masters degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering or Computer Science * Ten+ years of hands-on experience in development of high-performance chips - either in a design or CAD role * High ...

Pwc

Google Cloud Architect - Senior Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$124K - $280K/yr

... Computer Systems Analysis, Data Processing/Analytics/Science, Game Design, Information CyberSecurity, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Industrial and Operations Engineering ...

Pwc

Google Cloud Architect - Senior Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$124K - $280K/yr

... Computer Systems Analysis, Data Processing/Analytics/Science, Game Design, Information CyberSecurity, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Industrial and Operations Engineering ...

Pwc

Google Cloud Architect - Senior Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$124K - $280K/yr

... Computer Systems Analysis, Data Processing/Analytics/Science, Game Design, Information CyberSecurity, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Industrial and Operations Engineering ...

Pwc

Google Cloud Architect - Senior Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$124K - $280K/yr

... Computer Systems Analysis, Data Processing/Analytics/Science, Game Design, Information CyberSecurity, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, Industrial and Operations Engineering ...

Qualcomm

Director of Game Product Management

San Diego, CA · On-site

$196K - $294K/yr

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science ... Experience with game programming and game design. * Experience with core game development and game ...

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Computer Science Game Design information

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$76.5K

$152K

$225.5K

How much do computer science game design jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer science game design in California is $152,045.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,800.00 and $173,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Science Game Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Science Game Designer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Python), a solid understanding of algorithms, and a relevant degree in computer science or game development. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, experience with version control systems, and sometimes certifications in game design tools are typical requirements. Creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving stand out as essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure you can effectively build engaging, technically sound games and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by computer science professionals working in game design, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in computer science game design is balancing technical constraints with creative vision, especially when optimizing for performance across different platforms. Game designers often need to collaborate closely with artists, writers, and audio engineers, ensuring that all elements integrate seamlessly while maintaining efficient code. Meeting tight deadlines and adapting to evolving project requirements can also be demanding. To address these challenges, strong communication, agile project management skills, and a willingness to iterate on both design and code are essential.

What is computer science game design?

Computer science game design is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of computer science, such as programming and algorithms, with game design concepts to create interactive digital games. Professionals in this area work on both the technical and creative aspects of games, including software development, graphics, artificial intelligence, and gameplay mechanics. The field requires strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and a solid understanding of how to engage players through both technology and storytelling.

What is the difference between Computer Science Game Design vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer Science Game DesignSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fieldsBachelor's in Computer Science or Software Engineering
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment companies, independent projectsTech companies, startups, corporate IT teams
Industry UsageVideo game industry, entertainment sectorSoftware industry, app development, enterprise solutions
Common Search IntentDesigning and developing games with a focus on gameplay and graphicsBuilding software applications and systems

While both roles require a strong foundation in computer science, Computer Science Game Design focuses on creating engaging games with an emphasis on gameplay mechanics and graphics, often within the entertainment industry. Software Developers have a broader scope, working on various software applications across industries. The two careers share similar educational backgrounds but differ in their primary focus and work environments.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Science Game Design jobs in California? For Computer Science Game Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Science Game Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Science Game Design jobs in California are:
Computer Science Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Science Game Design job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Full Time, 72% Part Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $152,045 per year, or $73.1 per hour.
Senior Technical Product Manager, Data Science

Senior Technical Product Manager, Data Science

2K

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$136.30K - $179.90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Who We Are
2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K's portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today's most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.
Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K's portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K, renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K.
At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don't meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!
About the Role
2K Games is building a world-class data ecosystem to power real-time analytics, machine learning, and game intelligence across all our franchises. We are looking for a Senior Product Manager, Data Science to drive the vision, strategy, and execution of our data science strategies and products, partnering with game studios and analytics teams to enable enhanced player experiences.
This role requires a blend of strategic development, product management expertise, and technical understanding of data science and machine learning (ML) methodologies. The ideal candidate will seamlessly integrate data-driven strategies with player-centric goals, ensuring AI and analytics improve game design, live operations, and business intelligence.
Responsibilities
Strategic Vision & Product Leadership
  • Develop and implement the product strategy for 2K's central data science platform, partnering with Data Scientists across our gaming business units to drive predictive analytics, player personalization, and real-time decision-making;
  • Collaborate with the Director of Product, 2K Data to align the data engineering roadmap with customer objectives and player-centric outcomes;
  • Define and prioritize a high-impact data science roadmap to lead a team of central data scientists in driving a variety of use cases such as player retention modeling, dynamic content generation, and real-time fraud detection.
Data Science Platform Development
  • Lead the development of reusable and extensible machine learning models, feature engineering pipelines, and ML-driven insights using tools like Databricks, MLflow, and SageMaker;
  • Ensure data science initiatives integrate seamlessly with the real-time data infrastructure, supporting streaming analytics, AI-powered LiveOps, and dynamic matchmaking systems;
  • Establish and maintain self-service tools that enable game teams to experiment with and deploy AI models independently;
  • Support the build and enhancement of the central ML feature store;
  • Monitor and optimize model performance in production environments, using MLOps standard methodologies;
  • Implement governance frameworks to ensure AI models adhere responsibly to data privacy, security, and compliance standards (e.g., CCPA, GDPR).
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with data scientists across game studios and business units to understand their data science needs and to provide data-driven solutions at the pace they need them;
  • Act as a strategic liaison between data scientists and product teams, ensuring model outputs are actionable, reliable, and aligned with business goals;
  • Promote a culture of experimentation and rapid iteration, supporting game studios with A/B testing frameworks, predictive analytics, and personalization engines.
  • Find opportunities to enhance game design and player engagement through advanced analytics and machine learning.
Required Qualifications
  • 6+ years of experience in product management with a focus on data science, analytics, or ML-driven products
  • 5+ years of experience in gaming, technology, or entertainment industries;
  • Strong understanding of data science methodologies, such as predictive modeling, natural language processing, and computer vision;
  • Experience with data science tools and platforms, such as Python, SQL, Databricks,TensorFlow, and R;
  • Customer-focused mentality with focus on the Why and What without getting lost in the What and the How;
  • Consistent track record of delivering data science products and features from ideation to production, with measurable business impact;
  • Ability to translate complex data insights into clear product strategies and business opportunities;
  • Knowledge of real-time analytics platforms, streaming data processing, and feature store management;
  • Familiarity with data governance frameworks, model risk management, and MLOps standard processes preferred;
  • Advanced degree or equivalent experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, or a related field preferred.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $130,000 and $155,000 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.
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