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Entry Level Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cortina Solutions

M&S Analyst (Entry-Level)

Panama City, FL · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Collaborate with systems engineers, QA, and hardware teams to define integration requirements and ... Familiarity with simulation development using the Unity game engine or virtual/augmented reality ...

i3

Entry Level Software Engineer

Huntsville, AL

Overview i3 is seeking a Software Engineer with 0-3 years of professional experience to help ... game development and implementation. We have established a broad offering of products and ...

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Entry Level Game Programmer information

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level game programmer in the United States is $92,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 does an entry level game programmer do?

An entry level game programmer is responsible for assisting in the development of video games by writing, testing, and debugging code under the guidance of senior developers. They typically work on specific features such as gameplay mechanics, user interfaces, or artificial intelligence, and help ensure the game's codebase is functional and efficient. This role is ideal for individuals who are new to the industry and want to gain hands-on experience while learning from more experienced team members.

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 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.

More about Entry Level Game Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Game Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Game Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Game Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Game Programmer jobs are:
Entry Level Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Game Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,636 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
M&S Analyst (Entry-Level)

M&S Analyst (Entry-Level)

Cortina Solutions

Panama City, FL • On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Us
Be a part of a winning team that provides technical solutions with integrity. Cortina is a government contractor providing technical professional services. But we are so much more than that! For approximately every three employees brought on to support the government, we hire an individual from an under-resourced, developing community and train them to enter the professional job market.
Cortina is very proud of the reach-back it offers to the local community. Not only that, we LOVE our employees and do all we can to ensure they have a great work experience. Come join a company that believes in being a part of something bigger than themselves!
Job Description
Cortina Solutions is seeking an entry-level Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Analyst to support the execution of a complex contract supporting the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD). In this role, you will be a key contributor to multi-domain efforts that shape the future of naval warfare technology. The ideal candidate will be expected to execute with Excellence, serve with Integrity, and approach every problem with a drive to Get Things Done.
The M&S Analyst provides critical simulation execution and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) integration support for complex engineering projects. This role bridges the gap between software development and virtual test environments, ensuring our systems are robust, reliable, and ready for deployment. The position utilizes contemporary analytical tools to prepare model inputs/outputs, support data collection, and manage simulation scenario preparation.
At Cortina, we believe in training and developing our workforce, not just providing a job. The selected candidate will be paired with a senior team lead for structured mentoring, hands-on training, and professional development in support of your career and our nation's critical defense workforce.
Key Responsibilities
  • Support Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) integration testing, ensuring seamless communication and functionality between software components and simulated environments.
  • Run simulation events and assist with scenario preparation to evaluate system performance and support design validation.
  • Conduct data collection and perform analysis of simulation results to improve simulation fidelity, system durability, and safety.
  • Assist with day-to-day SWIL lab operations, support Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) documentation, and keep simulation environments calibrated and operational.
  • Prepare model inputs/outputs and manage simulation interfaces to support dynamic, multi-variable engineering scenarios and real-time data exchange.
  • Collaborate with systems engineers, QA, and hardware teams to define integration requirements and resolve technical issues.

Job Requirements
  • 0-3 years of relevant civilian or military professional modeling and simulation, data analysis, or technical experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical/analytical discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience with or academic exposure to simulation technologies, specifically SWIL/SIL and HIL test environments.
  • Familiarity with programming languages or scripting tools (such as C++, Python, MATLAB, and/or Fortran) used for simulation and modeling.
  • Proven ability to perform data extraction, scenario setup, integration testing, and basic data analysis.
  • Clearance: Active DOD Secret clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Requirements
  • Experience preparing M&S inputs/outputs and data visualization products.
  • Familiarity with simulation development using the Unity game engine or virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) applications.
  • Experience assisting with the physical setup, maintenance, or operations of a simulation lab.
  • Experience working in a DevOps or other Agile software development environment.

Benefits
Cortina Solutions is committed to offering comprehensive and affordable benefits to employees and their families.
  • BCBS Medical and Dental Insurance
  • VSP Vision
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Reimbursement
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • Company-paid Short and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance
  • Matching 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible PTO
  • Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Federal Holidays
  • Company Match on Employee Non-Profit Donation
  • Professional Development

Background Check Requirement
As our team members work on government sites, all potential candidates are subject to a background screening that fully complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Position dependent on contract award.

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