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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

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Entry Level Game Developer information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$33.6K

$112.1K

$186.1K

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Silver Spring, MD is $112,135.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $128,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level game developers when working on their first projects?

Entry level game developers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative ideas with technical limitations, adapting to collaborative workflows, and managing tight deadlines. Learning to navigate large codebases, understanding version control systems, and effectively communicating with designers, artists, and senior programmers are key aspects of the role. Overcoming these hurdles requires a willingness to learn, ask questions, and seek feedback from teammates, which helps foster both technical and interpersonal growth within a supportive game development environment.

Will AI replace game devs?

AI is unlikely to fully replace entry level game developers, as creative design, problem-solving, and programming skills remain essential in game development. AI tools can assist with tasks like asset generation and coding, but human oversight and creativity are critical for creating engaging games. Developers will need to adapt by learning new tools and focusing on areas where human input is vital.

What Does an Entry-Level Game Developer Do?

As an entry-level game developer, your responsibilities revolve around programming the algorithms and code that control video games. Your duties are to develop action sequences in games, graphical user interfaces, and other basic tools that allow seamless gameplay. You must be conscious of console or computer requirements, such as memory usage and graphics chip limitations, and you should be able to identify and fix glitches in the game quickly. You work closely with other programmers and QA testers to ensure that you deal with these issues systematically.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In game development, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of the features or work. Entry level game developers often focus on core mechanics and essential assets first to maximize impact and efficiency during development cycles.

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

AspectEntry Level Game DeveloperJunior Game Programmer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentGame studios, indie developers, or freelance projectsGame development teams, software companies, or indie studios
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming industry for entry rolesOften used interchangeably with Entry Level Game Developer in job listings
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field and involve working in game development environments. While the titles may differ slightly, they often refer to similar entry-level positions focused on coding, debugging, and supporting game projects. The main difference lies in terminology preference among employers, but both roles serve as starting points for a career in game programming.

What does an Entry Level Game Developer do?

An Entry Level Game Developer assists in the creation and implementation of video games by writing code, debugging, and collaborating with other team members such as artists and designers. They typically work under the supervision of senior developers and are often responsible for smaller features or specific tasks within a larger project. Their work may include programming gameplay mechanics, fixing bugs, and learning new tools and technologies used in game development. This role is an excellent starting point for those looking to gain experience and grow within the gaming industry.

Is 30 too late to get into game development?

Entry level game developers can start at any age, including 30 or older, as the industry values skills, portfolio, and continuous learning. Many successful developers have transitioned into the field later in life by learning programming languages like C++ or Unity, and building a strong portfolio through personal projects or courses.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like C++ or C#, basic game design principles, and typically a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems like Git, and basic graphic or animation tools is highly beneficial. Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help you collaborate and adapt in dynamic development environments. These skills ensure you can efficiently contribute to game projects, meet technical requirements, and work well within multidisciplinary teams.

How to be a game developer with no experience?

Entry level game developers typically start by learning programming languages such as C# or C++, and gaining familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Building a portfolio with small projects, participating in game jams, and studying game design principles can help demonstrate skills to employers without prior professional experience.
More about Entry Level Game Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
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What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Entry Level Game Developer job openings:
Entry Level Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Developer job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, and 51% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,135 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Data Scientist - Multiple Levels (TS/SCI with Poly Required)

Red Alpha Careers

Annapolis Junction, MD

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

A little about us:
Culturally, it probably suffices to say that we take our work seriously, but not ourselves. Our leaders have spent time in the trenches and have cursed daylight savings time changes and trailing whitespace as many times as you have. We like to say that we spend 80% of our time cleaning the data...and 20% of our time complaining about cleaning the data. Joking aside, our voices matter, and it is easy to see how our decisions affect the Data Science practice and Red Alpha as a whole. We have a clear vision of where we are headed.
Our team takes a pragmatic approach to Data Science, defining it loosely as the intersection of technical expertise, business acumen, and soft skills to solve business problems with data. We spend a lot of time trying to understand the problem before we set about building a solution, and we prefer lower tech useful solutions over shiny algorithms and dust on the shelf. Did we mention we're pragmatic? We have a diverse set of skills across our team, and whether you are a traditional Data Scientist (whatever that means...), an Applied Research Mathematician, a Database Engineer, a Full Stack Developer, or something else in that neighborhood, if you have a knack for picking apart data to make sense of it, we would enjoy having a conversation with you.
A day in the life:

The Red Alpha Data Science practice grew out of Red Alpha's reputation in Software and System Engineering with our Department of Defense clients. As sometimes happens, customers who trust our expertise in adjacent areas asked Red Alpha to assist with some of their burgeoning Data Science problems.

This role is hands-on across all areas as a data scientist; from understanding customer requirements and collecting data, to developing visualizations and advanced analytics to make data-driven recommendations and decisions. You will work directly with intel analysts to develop prototypes and novel solutions that satisfy complex operational needs.
What you bring to the table:
Now on to the fun of formal requirements - we have to apologize in advance for the corporate-speak here, but just hold your breath for a few lines and everything will be okay. We are actively hiring data professionals for roles across a broad range of skill levels and projects. Our goal is to find the best fit for you so please note that if you apply to one of them and we see a fit elsewhere we will let you know. So do not worry about applying initially for every position you might be interested in.

All of our data scientists need the following skills:

  • Proficiency with a scripting language such as R or Python
  • Experience with data science techniques and algorithms such as classification, clustering, random forests, deterministic forests (jk), hierarchical modeling, deep learning, Markov Chain Monte Carlo, and others. Note that you do not need to have all of these (we hope you enjoyed our random smattering of techniques...!) but you should be comfortable and capable with several of them and know some others not on this list.
  • A B.S. Degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field.
  • For entry-level data scientists, 0-3 years of experience on Data Science projects.
  • For mid-level data scientists, 3-6 years of experience on Data Science projects.
  • For senior-level data scientists, at least 6 years of experience on Data Science projects with at least 3 years of experience managing teams.
  • A TS/SCI with Polygraph security clearance.

For this particular role, you will also need:

  • Large dataset experience
  • Strong familiarity with data science applications such as association analysis, graph/network analytics, clustering, text analytics, classification and regression (multivariate and logistic).
  • Training in the design and implementation of static and dynamic visualizations in R, Python, Tableau, or similar visualization software.

These are important skills to have, but not necessarily mandatory:

  • Exceptional interpersonal skills. You know, as in you might not be at the top of the list to be a game show host, but you do like people and enjoy solving problems jointly with your colleagues.
  • Experience or exposure to Natural Language Processing (NLP).
  • Experience with Java, C, or other compiled languages
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Saturday Night Live sketches (just kidding)
  • Experience with SQL/NoSQL, Spark, Hadoop
  • Familiarity with Javascript and Scripting
  • Familiarity with Docker, GitLab, and React
The total package:
Our total compensation package was strategically designed with our members in mindwith the intention to: reward our members for their hard work and commitment to our customers' missions; allow members to share in Red Alpha's success as wecontinue to grow and expand our footprint; provide long-term career opportunities through stability and internal mobility; and provide the resources our members need to support themselvesandtheir dependents in the form of a robust benefits package. Our total compensation package includes a competitive base salary andbenefits such as health, life/disability, 401k, paid time off,professional development, and generous bonus programs. Please visit ourbenefitstab for additional information.
Salary Range:
  • Disclosed pay ranges are a general guideline, and are not a guarantee of a final salary or compensation. Our approach in determining final salaries takes into consideration a number of factors such as education, certifications, total years of relevant professional experience,actual level of expertise, and the responsibilities of the role itself.
  • Based on the outlined roles, responsibilities, and requirements, the projected pay range for these positions are:
    • Entry-level: $95,000 - $135,000
    • Mid-level: $110,000 - $155,000
    • Senior-level: $135,000 - $235,000
Some of our additional perks and benefits include:
  • Retire soonerthan planned: Get closer to retirement with up to 10% in 401k contributions, immediately vested.
  • Have a career AND a life:Enjoy up to 5 weeks of leave (25 days of personal time off) and 11 paid floating holidays.
  • Stay at your best:As a member, we'll pay 100% of your premiums for comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. We'll also pay the majority of the premiums for your family. Let's not forge free access to a fully equipped state of the art gym!
  • Keep current on new technologies and technological advancements: $5250 per year towards ongoing education, trainings, certifications, and maintaining professional memberships.
  • Dress in style: Spend up to $300 per year on company branded merchandise featuring top quality brands such as Under Armour, Nike, Carhartt, YETI, etc.
  • Enjoy the culture: Attend fun company events throughout the year such as our Oktoberfest, summer picnic, and annual holiday party! These are all in additon to your team events which may include happy hours, baseball games, snowboarding, RenFest, and more!
Every day, our elite customers are pushing through "the grind" to defeat the enemy, even putting their lives on the line for our freedom. Rise to the occasion with us to deliver engineering excellence, to match their dedication to this nation. Join us as webring digital transformation to the fight!
Employment Type: Full-Time

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