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Entry Level Game Designer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Game Designer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$48.9K

$162.3K

How much do entry level game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game designer in Reston, VA is $155,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $161,300.00 and $161,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Game Designer vs Junior Game Developer?

AspectEntry Level Game DesignerJunior Game Developer
Required CredentialsDegree in game design, computer science, or related field; portfolioDegree in computer science, software engineering, or related; coding skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, game companies, remoteDevelopment teams, coding environments, collaborative
Industry UsageDesign-focused roles, concept creationProgramming, coding, implementing game features
Common Search IntentEntry level design roles, game design careersStarting coding roles, game development jobs

While both roles are entry-level positions in the game industry, an Entry Level Game Designer primarily focuses on creating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. In contrast, a Junior Game Developer emphasizes coding, implementing features, and technical development. Both roles often require related degrees and are part of collaborative game development teams, but they serve different functions within the game creation process.

What Does an Entry-Level Game Designer Do?

A game designer is involved in creating the concept, story, and characters of a video game. While lead game designers are experienced professionals with previous experience, entry-level game designer jobs include positions such as level designer, video game artist, or programmer. The duties of an artist involve designing the game's visual elements, while level designers produce the story elements and gameplay mechanics. Programmers use existing game engines or frameworks to translate the artistic vision of their team into a playable game, and programming specialists may even create new game engines from scratch.

What does an entry level game designer do?

An entry level game designer assists in creating and developing the concepts, mechanics, and rules for video games. They often work on tasks such as designing levels, writing documentation, and helping to balance game play. Entry level designers typically collaborate with artists, programmers, and senior designers to implement features and ensure the game is fun and engaging. This role is a great starting point for those looking to build a career in the game industry, offering opportunities to learn from experienced professionals while contributing creative ideas.

What types of projects and tasks can an Entry Level Game Designer expect to work on during their first year?

As an Entry Level Game Designer, you’ll typically start by assisting senior designers with tasks such as brainstorming game concepts, designing levels, playtesting, and balancing gameplay mechanics. You may also be responsible for documenting design ideas, creating simple prototypes, and providing feedback on game features. Collaboration is key—you’ll work closely with artists, programmers, and producers to bring ideas to life, learn about the development pipeline, and gradually take on more responsibilities as you build experience. This hands-on involvement helps you develop a broad understanding of both creative and technical aspects of game development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Game Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Designer, you need a solid understanding of game mechanics, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree or coursework in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, basic scripting, and prototyping software is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and an eagerness to learn make candidates stand out in collaborative development environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to engaging games and integrating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Designer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Game Designer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Game Designer job openings:
Data Security Analyst

Data Security Analyst

Pacific Legal Foundation

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

You: An early-career IT professional eager to explore the security side of technology while building a foundation in hands-on IT support. You're curious about how systems work, excited to learn from experienced security professionals, and motivated by the challenge of protecting organizational data. You thrive on solving technical problems, take pride in helping colleagues work efficiently and securely, and are comfortable following established processes while you develop your expertise. You're looking for a role that will expose you to both day-to-day IT operations and the fascinating world of cybersecurity. Most importantly, you are customer focused, detail oriented, and eager to contribute to PLF's mission through reliable technology support and disciplined data protection.
Them: Bureaucrats, city councils, mayors, governors, and federal agencies stripping Americans of their rights every day. There's a lot of government overreach out there, and it's backed by seemingly endless resources. But fortunately, like all lumbering giants, abusive government is most vulnerable when countered by individuals who act strategically and nimbly, take calculated risks, have each other's backs, and are confident in, and passionate for, the cause-the very sort of swashbucklers we employ in spades here at PLF.
Us: We fight back. Pacific Legal Foundation is the nation's first and most successful public interest law firm dedicated to vindicating individual liberty. PLF has an unmatched record in the U.S. Supreme Court, with 18 victories out of 20 cases heard by the Court. We also have nearly two hundred active cases across the nation.
We are a next-generation public interest law firm. What does "next generation" mean for a legal nonprofit? It means we aren't interested in doing the same thing as everyone else. We aspire to be the best player in a constantly changing game.
Here's what you get to do in this role:This is an in office role that combines hands-on IT support with entry-level security operations. You'll be the go-to person for our DC office (Arlington, VA) technology needs while gaining significant exposure to cybersecurity practices under the guidance of our Security Operations Manager. This role is designed as a learning opportunity, you'll handle security tasks that follow established procedures while developing the skills and knowledge to potentially specialize in security as your career progresses.
Getting down to brass tacks, your specific job duties will likely include:
IT Operations & Support
  • Serve as primary IT support for DC office staff. Troubleshooting printers, setting up AV equipment for meetings and moot courts, and resolving general technical issues.
  • Manage IT hardware inventory: monitors, keyboards & mice, cables, and other peripherals to prevent waste and ensure availability.
  • Configure and set up laptops and workstations for new hires, ensuring devices are ready on day one.
  • Coordinate onboarding logistics including parking passes, metro cards, and physical security access (key fobs).
  • Track devices throughout their lifecycle-from deployment through employee departure.
  • Maintain a ready supply of configured devices to streamline the onboarding process.

Security Operations:
  • Helping maintain PLF's access control program by assisting with least-privilege reviews, entitlement checks, and regular access audits.
  • Assisting with onboarding and separation checklists to provision and deprovision system access.
  • Supporting monitoring activities to identify anomalies, inappropriate data access, or potential policy violations.
  • Helping coordinate and maintain documentation related to incident response, risk assessments, and data governance activities.
  • Assisting with evaluating third-party security practices to help ensure vendors meet PLF's data protection expectations.
  • Supporting periodic reviews and updates of PLF's security documentation and guidance materials.
  • Assisting with the execution of PLF's security awareness program by helping create training materials, reminders, and guidance for staff.
  • Participating in internal data-related audits, compliance activities, and record-keeping efforts to ensure adherence to PLF policies.

This role is ideal for someone with:
  • 1-3 years of experience in security/IAM, help desk, or related roles with demonstrated experience in IT support or help desk operations.
  • Experience working with helpdesk ticketing systems (Freshdesk, Zendesk, ServiceNow, or similar).
  • Strong customer service orientation, you genuinely enjoy helping people solve technical problems.
  • Strong analytical skills and an investigative mindset.
  • Excellent communication skills and professional fluency in English (written and verbal) to effectively handle documentation, incident response, and explain technical concepts to non-technical staff.
  • A willingness to earn security certifications (Security+, Okta, etc.) as needed.
  • An understanding of and commitment to the organization's mission and vision for individual liberty.

Bonus points for:
  • A solid understanding of how user accounts, permissions, and access controls work in cloud-based systems, along with general identity lifecycle concepts.
  • Assisting with onboarding and separation workflows, including helping ensure accounts, access, and data permissions are set appropriately and securely.
  • Experience with Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Okta, Azure AD/Entra, Intune, or similar cloud platforms.
  • Awareness of modern IT security threats (malware, phishing, credential theft, spoofing, ransomware, AI-generated attacks, etc.).
  • Familiarity with EDR tools, email security (CrowdStrike, Darktrace), and DLP systems.

General information:
Pacific Legal Foundation identifies and litigates important legal issues to set landmark precedents that will benefit Americans nationwide. Using strategic and principled litigation, communications, and research, we battle for freedom in the nation's courts and the court of public opinion.
As a national nonprofit organization, PLF has brick-and-mortar offices in Sacramento, California; Arlington, Virginia; and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, although approximately half of the staff work from home offices across the country. This role is based in our Arlington, Virginia office and requires the ability to work on-site.
This is a full-time, permanent position. PLF is committed to recruiting and retaining the highest-quality talent available nationwide, and we offer a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, medical and dental insurance, and employer-paid retirement savings. We take work-life balance seriously through our generous paid leave and flextime policies. We have a flexible, collaborative, positive, and collegial work environment. We take pride in investing in your future and encourage internal advancement. PLF is the place for someone principled, tenacious, and determined to succeed in positively shaping the future of our country and restoring real limits on government power.
Salary Range and Benefits
To learn more about the starting salary range and benefits options, please apply.
How to apply:
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
  • Resume

Thank you for your interest! Please note that only applications submitted through this posting will be reviewed. We ask that you do not contact us directly about the role. We will reach out to candidates selected for an interview.