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Entry Level Game Programmer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

... gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More ... If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear ...

... gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing More ... If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear ...

Entry Level Game Programmer information

See Oregon salary details

$11.6K

$97.9K

$183.4K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game programmer in Oregon is $97,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25,400.00 and $153,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level game programmer do?

An entry-level game programmer works to develop application code for video games. Your duties in this career include coding different complex sequences and algorithms that can adapt to video game design. You can choose to work in a specialty of video game programming, such as graphics, network creation, artificial intelligence, or building the user interface. You take the design team’s ideas and assist them in bringing the content to life in a way that a computer understands. Other responsibilities may include trying out a prototype, testing the software for bugs and code errors once the team completes it, communicating with the designers, artists, and writers, and helping to integrate functions into the game.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level game programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Game Programmer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages such as C++ or C#, basic game development principles, and often a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems such as Git is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These combined skills enable you to contribute efficiently to game development projects, troubleshoot issues, and work productively within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges entry level game programmers face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level game programmers often encounter challenges such as adapting to large codebases, understanding existing game engines, and collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. It can be overwhelming to navigate legacy code or pick up new tools quickly. To overcome these hurdles, it's helpful to ask questions, seek mentorship from senior developers, and actively participate in code reviews. Building strong communication skills and regularly studying project documentation also play a key role in ensuring a smooth transition into professional game development.

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

AspectEntry Level Game ProgrammerJunior Game Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Programming skillsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, basic programming knowledge
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companiesGame studios, tech firms
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in gaming industry for entry rolesUsed interchangeably in gaming and software development
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level programming roles in gamingExploring junior development positions in game development

Entry Level Game Programmers and Junior Game Developers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, the term 'Entry Level Game Programmer' typically emphasizes programming skills specifically for game development, while 'Junior Game Developer' may include broader responsibilities like design and testing. Both roles serve as starting points in the gaming industry, with overlapping skills but slightly different focus areas.

Is it hard to get a job as an entry level game programmer?

Entry level game programmers typically need a strong foundation in programming languages like C++ or C#, along with knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. Competition can be high, but building a portfolio with personal projects or internships can improve chances of securing an entry-level position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Oregon are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Oregon?

For Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Programmer job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,943 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

GPU Compiler Engineer

Nvidia

OR • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

We are searching for a Backend Compiler Engineer for an exciting and fun role in our GPU Software organization. Our Compiler team is responsible for constructing and emitting the highest performance GPU machine instructions for Graphics (OpenGL, Vulkan, DX) and Compute (CUDA, PTX, OpenCL, Fortran, C++). This team is comprised of worldwide leading compiler engineering experts who provide leading edge performance and capabilities for NVIDIA's current and future complex parallel SIMT architectures.

What you will be doing:

  • Understand, modify, and improve an NVIDIA proprietary GPU compiler backend written in C++

  • Design and develop new compiler passes and optimizations to produce best-in-class, robust, supportable compiler and tools

  • Work with global compiler, hardware and application teams to oversee improvements and problem resolutions

  • Be part of a team that is at the center of deep-learning compiler technology spanning architecture design and support through functional languages

What we need to see:

  • B.S. or degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience

  • 2+ years of compiler code generation experience

  • Excellent hands-on C++ programming skills

  • Strong background in software engineering principles with a focus on crafting robust and maintainable solutions to challenging problems

  • Good communication and documentation skills and self-motivated

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

  • M.S./PhD. with significant compiler related project or thesis work preferred

  • Background in LLVM code generation including instruction scheduling, software pipelining, register allocation, GlobalISel, TableGen, LLVM IR, and Machine IR (MIR)

  • Experience in developing CUDA, DirectX, OpenGL/Vulkan applications

NVIDIA's invention of the GPU 1999 sparked the growth of the PC gaming market, redefined modern computer graphics, and revolutionized parallel computing. More recently, GPU deep learning ignited modern AI - the next era of computing - with the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world. Today, we are increasingly known as "the AI computing company".

With highly competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology industry's most desirable employers. We have some of the most brilliant and hardworking people in the world working with us and our product lines are growing fast in some of the hottest state of the art fields such as Deep Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vehicles, Virtual Reality, etc. Our diverse team of talented, capable, and professional people are our greatest asset! If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you!

Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions. The base salary range is 124,000 USD - 195,500 USD for Level 2, and 152,000 USD - 241,500 USD for Level 3.

You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.

Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 25, 2026.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA uses AI tools in its recruiting processes.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

What Nvidia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Nvidia logo

About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US