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Game Design Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Design Verification Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$126K - $153K/yr

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

Design Verification Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$126K - $153K/yr

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

Qualifications & Skills: * 3+ years of experience in gameplay or combat design with at least one shipped action or combat-focused title, bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game ...

Qualifications & Skills: * 3+ years of experience in gameplay or combat design with at least one shipped action or combat-focused title, bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game ...

Design, prototype, and iterate on NPC Design and implementation including abilities, enemy behaviors, weapons, and feedback loops. * Contribute to the development and optimization of gameplay to ...

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ENGINEERING - GAMES ... Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay features, while maintaining ...

Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systemsespecially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness. * Be the primary driver of relevant gameplay systems ...

Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems-especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness. * Be the primary driver of relevant gameplay ...

Job Title : CAD Designer Telecom New Product Development, located in Apex, NC About the Role The CA ... Our employees push the boundaries of communications technology that enables game-changing ...

Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems-especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness. * Be the primary driver of relevant gameplay ...

Job Title : CAD Designer Telecom New Product Development, located in Apex, NC About the Role The CA ... Our employees push the boundaries of communications technology that enables game-changing ...

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide ...

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Game Design information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$45.7K

$151.6K

How much do game design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design in Raleigh, NC is $144,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,700.00 and $150,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game design?

Game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a game, including its mechanics, story, characters, and overall player experience. Game designers develop the structure and features of a game, decide how it will be played, and work closely with artists, programmers, and other team members to bring the game to life. Their goal is to make engaging, balanced, and enjoyable experiences for players. Game design can apply to video games, board games, and other interactive entertainment.

What jobs are in game design?

Jobs in game design include roles such as game designer, level designer, narrative designer, and systems designer. These positions involve creating game concepts, designing gameplay mechanics, developing storylines, and collaborating with artists and programmers. Skills in software tools like Unity or Unreal Engine and understanding of game development processes are often required.

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

To thrive as a Game Designer, you need a strong grasp of game mechanics, storytelling, user experience, and typically a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, scripting languages, and prototyping tools is crucial. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for developing engaging, innovative games that resonate with players and meet project goals.

What is the 80 20 rule in game design?

In game design, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of player engagement or feedback comes from 20% of the game features or content. Game designers often focus on optimizing this core 20% to improve player experience and retention, using tools like playtesting and analytics to identify key elements. Prioritizing these aspects helps create more engaging and balanced games efficiently.

What is the difference between Game Design vs Game Development?

AspectGame DesignGame Development
Primary FocusCreating game concepts, mechanics, and user experienceImplementing, coding, and building the game based on design
Skills RequiredCreativity, storytelling, understanding of gameplay mechanicsProgramming, software engineering, technical problem-solving
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative settingsDevelopment teams, technical environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsGame design degrees, UX/UI certificationsComputer science, software engineering degrees

Game Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing gameplay experiences, while Game Development involves the technical implementation and coding of those designs. Both roles are essential in the game creation process and often collaborate closely to produce engaging games.

Is game designer a good career?

A game designer creates the concepts, rules, and mechanics for video games, often working with teams using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The career can be rewarding for those with strong creativity, technical skills, and a passion for gaming, but it can also involve long hours and competitive entry. Job prospects depend on industry demand, experience, and portfolio quality.

How do game designers typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, writers, and audio engineers to ensure that the gameplay experience aligns with the creative vision and technical constraints of the project. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and iterative prototyping are common, allowing designers to communicate their ideas and adjust designs based on input from other team members. This collaborative environment helps address challenges such as balancing gameplay mechanics and ensuring that all elements integrate smoothly. Strong communication and flexibility are essential for success in this role.

How do you get a job as a game designer?

To become a game designer, you typically need a strong portfolio demonstrating your design skills, knowledge of game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and a background in game design, computer science, or related fields. Gaining experience through internships, personal projects, or entry-level roles can also improve your chances of securing a position in the industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Game Design jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Game Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Design job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,946 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Design Verification Engineer

Design Verification Engineer

Apple

Cary, NC • On-site

$126K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 670 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

At Apple, we work every single day to craft products that enrich people's lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet and changing the game? We have an opportunity for an outstandingly hardworking design verification engineer! As a member of our wide-ranging group, you will have the rare and extraordinary opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple's customers daily.
This role is for a DV engineer who will enable us to produce fully functional first silicon for IP designs. The responsibilities include all phases of pre-silicon verification including but not limited to: establishing DV methodology, test-plan development, verification environment development including stimulus and checkers, test-writing, debug, coverage, sign-off for RTL freeze and tape-out.
Description
In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring bug-free first silicon for part of the SoC / IP and are encouraged to develop detailed test and coverage plans based on the micro-architecture You are responsible for developing verification methodology suitable for the IP, ensuring a scalable and portable environment. You will get to develop verification environment, including all the respective components such as stimulus, checkers, assertions, trackers, coverage. A mindset to break the design is highly desirable.
Furthermore, you will learn to develop verification plans for all features under your care, implement verification plans, including design bring-up, DV environment bring- up, regression enabling all features under your care, and debug of the test failures. You will also learn to develop block, IP and SoC level test-benches track and report DV progress using a variety of metrics, including bugs and coverage. You will also be expected to make use of LLM and related technologies to achieve efficient execution and improved quality.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirement of a bachelors degree
Preferred Qualifications
BS degree in technical subject area and a minimum 3 years relevant industry experience strongly preferred
Strong knowledge of OOP, SystemVerilog and UVM
Strong knowledge in developing scalable and portable test-benches
Proven experience with verification methodologies and tools such as simulators, waveform viewer, build and run automation, coverage collection, gate level simulations
Some working experience using LLMs for efficiency and quality
Experience with power-aware (UPF) or similar verification methodology
Knowledge of one of the scripting languages such as Python, Perl, TCL
Some experience with serial protocols such as PCIe or USB, parallel protocol such as DDR is a plus but not required
Knowledge of formal verification methodology is a plus but not required
Knowledge of emulation for verification technologies is a plus but not required

What Apple employees say

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976