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Freelance Game Simulation Programming Jobs in Detroit, MI

Senior Game Developer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

Education and/or Experience Desired: * 7+ years of experience in game or simulation development. * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or relevant field. * Strong C ...

Education and/or Experience Desired: * 7+ years of experience in game or simulation development. * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or relevant field. * Strong C ...

Freelance Game Simulation Programming information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$9

$22

$68

How much do freelance game simulation programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance game simulation programming in Detroit, MI is $22.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $18.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is freelance game simulation programming?

Freelance game simulation programming involves designing, developing, and implementing simulation systems for video games on a contract or project basis. Freelancers in this field may work on aspects like physics, AI behaviors, environmental interactions, or economic systems within games. They collaborate remotely with game studios or indie developers to build realistic and engaging virtual worlds. This role requires strong programming skills, typically in languages like C++ or C#, and a good understanding of both game design and simulation algorithms.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Game Simulation Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Game Simulation Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, a solid understanding of mathematics and physics, and experience with game development frameworks. Familiarity with engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and version control systems like Git, is typically required, while certifications in game development or computer science can be advantageous. Creative problem-solving, effective communication, and the ability to work independently are essential soft skills for managing client projects and collaborating remotely. These competencies ensure you can deliver high-quality, realistic simulations that meet client expectations and adapt to the dynamic demands of the gaming industry.

What are some common challenges freelance game simulation programmers face when working with remote teams?

Freelance game simulation programmers often encounter challenges related to communication and project alignment when collaborating with remote teams. Since simulation work is highly technical and often interdependent with other development areas, clearly understanding requirements and frequent updates are essential. Miscommunication can lead to integration issues or delays, so establishing regular check-ins and using collaboration tools like version control and task trackers is crucial. Proactively seeking clarification and documenting work also help ensure smooth progress and successful project delivery.
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What job categories do people searching Freelance Game Simulation Programming jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Game Simulation Programming jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Freelance Game Simulation Programming jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Freelance Game Simulation Programming job openings:

Sr. Virtual Design Release Engineer - Electric Power Systems Simulation

General Motors

Warren, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


General Motors rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

General Motors

Based on 305 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Automakers average

Based on 6,266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Our Mission:
At General Motors, our product teams are redefining mobility. Through a human-centered design process, we create vehicles and experiences that are designed not just to be seen, but to be felt. We're turning today's impossible into tomorrow's standard -from breakthrough hardware and battery systems to intuitive design, intelligent software, and next-generation safety and entertainment features.
Every day, our products move millions of people as we aim to make driving safer, smarter, and more connected, shaping the future of transportation on a global scale.

Hardware Engineers are a professional responsible for leading the development and design of electrical hardware. The role of the hardware engineer involves various key responsibilities: component requirements development, component design, component validation.

This Virtual DRE role offers the selected candidate the opportunity to be a part of a team releasing game-changing Electric Power (EP) technologies and controls strategies enabling cost effective and power efficient systems delivering improved Power capabilities and enhanced diagnostics to support GM's Zero, Zero, Zero vision for the future.Must be very organized, have strong program management and problem solving skills

General Motors is accelerating the development of virtual simulation technologies for future GM vehicles, and we are looking for a highly innovative, data driven person who works well in a team setting, This person needs to be able to work with sufficient understanding of industry technology trends, solid technical knowledge, critical reasoning, simulation technical skills, and a structured approach to solving problems in both familiar and unfamiliar domains.

Selected candidate will focus on the design release of virtual and/or actual hardware providing an innovative diagnoseable power delivery system.

Key Responsibilities

  • Establish domain expertise to develop and maintain requirements, use cases, and virtual scenarios for Electric Power systems, incorporating lessons learned and ensuring robust virtual integration.

  • Establish and track quality, performance, and validation requirements across component, subsystem, and vehicle levels.

  • Define and execute traceable validation methodologies including analysis tests for integration, subsystem, and full vehicle use cases.

  • Design, implement, and approve simulation solutions (component and subsystem level) using tools such as 3D ANSYS, Sherlock, CFD, FEA, and 1D Saber, Simulink, matlab, pspice, or other pcb analysis system models.

  • Develop standardized methods and models to execute assigned analysis projects.

  • Establish, document, and maintain common CAE methods and requirements through continuous improvement and development of new analysis capabilities.

  • Perform correlation studies between simulation and physical test data; conduct root cause analysis utilizing simulation.

  • Execute simulation test cases, root cause, generate reports, and support cross-functional virtual validation, including packaging and performance analysis.

  • Develop standardized CAE methods and continuously improve modeling capabilities.

  • Proactively lead design optimization, benchmarking, trade studies, problem solving investigations, and innovation initiatives for improved performance, warranty reduction, launch excellence, and vehicle integration utilizing data driven methods.

  • Lead and support issue resolution including supplier, test, and warranty-related concerns.

  • Collaborate with test teams to replicate failures and develop virtual scenarios for design improvements.

  • Provide recommendations for product and process enhancements based on analysis insights.

  • Lead Product Development Team (PDT) activities for virtual model delivery aligned with program timing and quality targets and driving robust engineering solutions.

  • Manage virtual development projects, status project and validation progress, and present updates to leadership.

  • Ensure execution of quality deliverables including virtual test reports, timing plans, DFMEA, DRBFM, and supplier reviews.

  • Collaborate with global engineering teams, suppliers, and stakeholders across development and launch phases for successful simluations to drive design milestone readiness

  • Mentor team members and contribute to capability build-up within the Electric Power domain.

  • Support SMEs on the development of new Roadmap solutions

  • Travel as required

Your Skills & Abilities (Required Qualifications)

  • Degree majoring in computer science, chemistry, automation, electronics and electrical or mechanical engineering.

  • 3+ years experience in automotive or computer aided engineering field

  • Proficient in using Matlab or C++/Python programming;

  • Experience in using simulation software such as CarSim and Prescan, Saber, Simulink, synopsys (ANSYS), Sherlock, CFD, FEA, SPICE, MathCAD, or experience in general simulation testing (MIL, SIL, HIL, VIL, etc.)

  • Experience with DNG, FMEAs and high quality requirement development

  • Good analytical ability where problems are unusual and complex.

  • Proactive study sense, Structural and forward thinking, team work spirit.

  • Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with others.

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

  • Have a serious and responsible work attitude.

What Will Give You A Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

  • Knowledge of Agile or SAFe

  • Simulation experience

  • Release experience

#LI-SW1

This job is not eligible for relocation benefits. Any relocation costs would be the responsibility of the selected candidate

Why Join Us

At GM, you'll be at the forefront of shaping the future of connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles. You'll work on cutting-edge antenna systems alongside some of the brightest minds in automotive and RF technology - with the resources to make an impact at scale. We offer competitive compensation, growth opportunities, and a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and forward thinking. This is a unique opportunity to lead, innovate, and help millions of customers around the world stay connected on the move.

Bonus Potential:An incentive pay program offers payouts based on company performance, job level, and individual performance.

Benefits: GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs. Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.

Diversity Information

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that workforce diversity creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers. We understand and embrace the variety through which people gain experiences whether through professional, personal, educational, or volunteeropportunities.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications and apply for any positions that match your skills and capabilities.

About GM

Our vision is a world with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion and we embrace the responsibility to lead the change that will make our world better, safer and more equitable for all.

Why Join Us

We believe we all must make a choice every day - individually and collectively - to drive meaningful change through our words, our deeds and our culture. Every day, we want every employee to feel they belong to one General Motors team.

Benefits Overview

From day one, we're looking out for your well-being-at work and at home-so you can focus on realizing your ambitions. Learn how GM supports a rewarding career that rewards you personally by visiting Total Rewards resources.

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws.

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

Accommodations

General Motors offers opportunities to all job seekers including individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, email us or call us at 1-800-865-7580. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.


Working at General Motors


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General Motors logo

About General Motors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Motors is a company with global scale and capabilities, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, with employees around the world. The company employs over 165,000 people, serves six continents, operates across 22 time zones, and has a diverse workforce speaking 75 languages1. GM’s vision is to drive the world forward by pioneering innovations that move and connect people to what matters. The company is working towards an all-electric future with its new Ultium Platform and is pushing transportation options beyond our wildest imaginations with autonomous vehicles. GM is also committed to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1908