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Entry Level Game Developer Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Game Developer information

See Tempe, AZ salary details

$31.1K

$103.9K

$172.4K

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game developer in Tempe, AZ is $103,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More about Entry Level Game Developer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Tempe, AZ?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Tempe, AZ are:

What cities near Tempe, AZ are hiring for Entry Level Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Tempe, AZ 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 Tempe, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,425 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Front End Software Engineer

Cascadia Global Security

Tempe, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

We are hiring a Front End Software Engineer!
Location: Tempe AZ
The drone industry is not coming it is here, and it is moving faster than any platform is prepared for. At Deus X Defense, we are building the command and control infrastructure that ties autonomous security systems together in real time: drones, ground robotics, live sensor feeds, and the humans who act on all of it. The software that connects those systems has to be fast, intuitive, and built to perform when the stakes are real.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Deus X Defense is an emerging leader in autonomous security, deploying drone-based solutions to supplement
traditional manned guarding. The company is actively expanding into ground robotics and maritime operations, with a proprietary Command & Control (C2) platform in development that will unify fixed, pivoting, drone, ground robot, and maritime camera feeds into a single integrated operational system. The long-term roadmap includes AI-driven
autonomy across all platforms with human-in-the-loop oversight for critical alerts and events.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Front End Software Engineer at Deus X Defense builds and owns user-facing features that power the product
experience. Working closely with product and design, this role translates requirements into responsive, high-quality
interfaces while integrating with backend systems and APIs. At this level, they operate with solid ownership - writing clean, maintainable code, improving performance, and contributing to overall front-end architecture and best
practices. The ideal candidate is technically sharp, detail-oriented, and energized by building interfaces that operate
in real-time, high-stakes environments.
KEY DELIVERABLES
01 Build the core UX experience for DXD, including the primary map and C2 interface
02 Establish all standard interaction models, structure, and approach for long-term buildout
03 Deliver reliable, end-to-end live streaming from all platforms
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
MVP is operating with our first customer (internal operators) flying every day with core capabilities
and positive feedback.
RESPONSIBILITIES
UI Development & Product Experience
• Build the core UX for DXD's Command & Control (C2) platform, including the primary map interface
• Translate product and design requirements into responsive, high-quality user-facing features
• Establish standard interaction models and front-end structure for long-term scalability
• Deliver reliable, end-to-end live streaming from all drone and sensor platforms
Architecture & Code Quality
• Write clean, maintainable, well-documented code that scales with the product
• Contribute to front-end architecture decisions and establish best practices across the codebase
• Optimize for performance, reliability, and responsiveness across user types - from entry-level to pro operators
• Participate in code reviews and help drive consistent, high-quality engineering standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Product, Design, and Backend Engineering to ensure seamless feature delivery
• Integrate with backend systems and APIs to power real-time data flows in the UI
• Partner with Drone Operations to understand operator workflows and translate them into intuitive interfaces
• Contribute ideas, flag risks, and help the team move fast without breaking things
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
We're looking for someone with real experience building complex, real-time interfaces:
• Solid front-end engineering experience with complex, real-time user interfaces
• Background in industries with demanding UI requirements, gaming, automotive, defense, or operations platforms
• Proven ability to present complex information in a clear, intuitive, and enjoyable way for a range of user types
• Strong proficiency in modern front-end frameworks (React, Vue, or equivalent)
• Experience integrating with backend APIs and streaming data sources
PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
We're looking for someone who understands the environment we operate in, not just the technology. Prior
exposure to any of the following is a strong plus:
• Experience with drone technology, mapping interfaces, or geospatial data visualization
• Background in real-time operations, command & control, or live video streaming platforms
• Familiarity with law enforcement, defense, or public safety operating environments
• Ability to design for both entry-level and expert users within the same interface
LEVEL OF OWNERSHIP & DECISION MAKING
A mid-career Front End Software Engineer at DXD owns the delivery of key user-facing features, from
implementation through launch and iteration. They work across product, design, and backend teams to ensure a
seamless, performant experience, while making thoughtful decisions around structure, scalability, and maintainability of the front end. At this level, they operate with clear ownership of their work, contribute to technical standards, and help drive consistent, high-quality execution across the product.

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