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Game Dev Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril Industries

Game Development Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Linux development experience * Experience developing on console platforms. * Shipped at least one AAA game title in a similar role. * Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance ...

Anduril Industries

Game Development Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$166K - $220K/yr

Linux development experience * Experience developing on console platforms. * Shipped at least one AAA game title in a similar role. * Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance ...

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Game Dev information

See California salary details

$32.1K

$107K

$177.6K

How much do game dev jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for game dev in California is $107,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $122,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a game dev do?

A Game Developer designs, programs, and tests video games across various platforms. They work with a team of artists, designers, and writers to bring a game from concept to completion. Developers focus on coding gameplay mechanics, optimizing performance, and fixing bugs. Their role may also include integrating audio, creating physics systems, and enhancing user experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game dev?

To thrive as a Game Dev, you need strong programming skills (such as proficiency in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of game engines, and often a relevant degree in computer science, game design, or a related field. Experience with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, version control systems, and, in some cases, relevant certifications are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that help developers excel within dynamic, multidisciplinary teams. These abilities enable the development of engaging, bug-free games while ensuring smooth collaboration and successful project delivery.

What does a typical workday look like for a game dev and how do they interact with other team members?

As a Game Dev, your daily responsibilities often include coding new features, debugging, integrating assets, and optimizing game performance. You’ll regularly attend team meetings or stand-ups to discuss project progress and coordinate tasks with designers, artists, and project managers. Collaboration is a central part of the job, so you'll be sharing feedback, reviewing code, and brainstorming creative solutions to technical challenges. Most teams use agile methodologies, which means you’ll frequently work in sprints with clearly defined goals and timelines. This environment fosters both individual focus and strong teamwork to create compelling gaming experiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Dev jobs in California?

The most popular types of Game Dev jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Dev jobs in California?

For Game Dev jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Dev jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Dev jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Game Dev jobs?

Cities in California with the most Game Dev job openings:

Game Dev jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Dev job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,050 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Game Development Engineer

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,990 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Our team builds, tests, integrates, and scales software that beautifully visualizes both real and simulated historical or live data. Our software acts as the visual client for Anduril's Mission Simulation product, bringing visions to life in a 2D environment as well as an immersive 3D AR environment. It lets users create "what ifs" to evaluate mission concepts, drive future mission tactics, and accelerate mission understanding. It is often used for Business Development and Engineering purposes.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • Partner with stakeholders to establish clear priorities and define expectations which translate to a scope of work that you and the team can effectively deliver on
  • Identify technical risks and their solutions, collaborating with the broader engineering groups at Anduril.
  • Ensure client stability by diagnosing and resolving defects.
  • Analyze and optimize both memory and performance in systems that must scale from high-end desktops to mobile AR systems
  • Identify problems; solve them: implement robust, high-quality solutions

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Excellent C++ skills and software engineering principles
  • Experience working in large codebases to solve complex problems.
  • Minimum five years of professional programming experience
  • Solid understanding of 3D math
  • Ability to write clean, maintainable and extensible code with attention to reusability
  • Experience in a broad range of engineering areas on shipping games or real time visualization systems, with special attention given to low-level code
  • Excellent spoken and written communication
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Linux development experience
  • Experience developing on console platforms.
  • Shipped at least one AAA game title in a similar role.
  • Be able to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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