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Computer Science Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

TapBlaze

Narrative Design Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This is a 12 week internship where you'll work directly with the game and design teams to ideate ... Prolonged period of time sitting at a desk and computer. COMPENSATION The range for this role is ...

TapBlaze

Narrative Design Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This is a 12 week internship where you'll work directly with the game and design teams to ideate ... Prolonged period of time sitting at a desk and computer. COMPENSATION The range for this role is ...

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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.
Director of Game Product Management

Director of Game Product Management

Qualcomm

San Diego, CA • On-site

$196K - $294K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Company:
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Job Area:
Operations Group, Operations Group > Product Management
General Summary:
The Director of Game Product Management is a pivotal, cross-functional role within our gaming division, offering a rare opportunity to shape the future of mobile gaming and Game AI. This leader will be deeply embedded within the global gaming team, playing a central role in developing mobile gaming technology roadmaps and product planning across multiple tiers and defining best-in-class elite gaming products. The role will drive OEM and game studio adoption of flagship elite gaming features, ensuring exceptional mobile gaming experiences on Snapdragon platforms.
At the heart of the Snapdragon Gaming, we are passionate about next generation gaming technologies and delivering exceptional gaming experiences across all platforms. Our highly creative teams are full of veteran AAA game developers, game artists, game engine experts and graphics enthusiasts who work on our latest Gaming hardware innovations around Mobile that scales to other business units.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate closely with multiple functional technology teams to define gaming requirements
  • Drive new development of gaming R&D around Game AI and game engines.
  • Develop detailed product plans, execution plans and drive delivery progress to market.
  • Timely communication with key OEMs and partners to align market demands and achieve business objectives.
  • Conduct executive reviews to ensure alignment with strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, Humanities, or related field.
• 8+ years of Product Management or related work experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in game technologies in key tech domains, including GPU, CPU, NPU and AI.
  • Experience with game programming and game design.
  • Experience with core game development and game engines.
  • Deep Knowledge of Mobile game industry and studio engagements.

Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation during the application/hiring process, rest assured that Qualcomm is committed to providing an accessible process. You may e-mail disability-accomodations@qualcomm.com or call Qualcomm's toll-free number found here. Upon request, Qualcomm will provide reasonable accommodations to support individuals with disabilities to be able participate in the hiring process. Qualcomm is also committed to making our workplace accessible for individuals with disabilities. (Keep in mind that this email address is used to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We will not respond here to requests for updates on applications or resume inquiries).
To all Staffing and Recruiting Agencies: Our Careers Site is only for individuals seeking a job at Qualcomm. Staffing and recruiting agencies and individuals being represented by an agency are not authorized to use this site or to submit profiles, applications or resumes, and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited. Qualcomm does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Qualcomm employees or any other company location. Qualcomm is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/applications.
EEO Employer: Qualcomm is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or any other protected classification.
Qualcomm expects its employees to abide by all applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to security and other requirements regarding protection of Company confidential information and other confidential and/or proprietary information, to the extent those requirements are permissible under applicable law.
Pay range and Other Compensation & Benefits:
$196,000.00 - $294,000.00
The above pay scale reflects the broad, minimum to maximum, pay scale for this job code for the location for which it has been posted. Even more importantly, please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Qualcomm. We also offer a competitive annual discretionary bonus program and opportunity for annual RSU grants (employees on sales-incentive plans are not eligible for our annual bonus). In addition, our highly competitive benefits package is designed to support your success at work, at home, and at play. Your recruiter will be happy to discuss all that Qualcomm has to offer - and you can review more details about our US benefits at this link.
If you would like more information about this role, please contact Qualcomm Careers.
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About Qualcomm

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. You interact with products and technologies made possible by Qualcomm every day, including 5G-enabled smartphones that double as pro-level cameras and gaming devices, smarter vehicles and cities, and the technology behind the smart, connected factories that manufactured your latest purchase. Our powerful connectivity solutions keep you connected—even in remote areas. Qualcomm 5G and AI innovations are the power behind the connected intelligent edge. You’ll find our technologies behind and inside the innovations that deliver significant value across multiple industries and to billions of people every day.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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