1

Game Developer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Oversee the Engineering and Design of the equipment. * Prepare job review materials. * Prepare ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

Oversee the Engineering and Design of the equipment. * Prepare job review materials. * Prepare ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

C++ Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain dynamic memory allocation, virtual functions, operator overloading, and smart pointers while preparing students for systems programming, game development, and computer science ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

Description: Senior Traffic Engineer (Senior PE) McClure is currently searching for a skilled Senior Traffic Engineer to help live our mission of Making Lives Better through our growing ...

Deep knowledge of computational thinking, programming fundamentals in Python or Java, data types ... Emphasizes building computational thinking skills and connects computer science to robotics, game ...

Software Engineer

Johnston, IA · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting the development, maintenance and improvement of software applications with minimal guidance from more experienced engineers. This ...

Provide presentations and outreach programming on mental health topics for students, staff, and ... The city also hosts a wide variety of athletic events, from Cyclone football and basketball games ...

Provide presentations and outreach programming on mental health topics for students, staff, and ... The city also hosts a wide variety of athletic events, from Cyclone football and basketball games ...

Showing results 21-40

Game Developer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$31.8K

$106.1K

$176.1K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Ames, IA is $106,105.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $121,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes certifications in these platforms are commonly required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for building engaging, technically robust games and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary development teams.

What is a game developer?

As a game developer, you write the code for video game software. Your code, combined with the work of other developers, brings video games to life on computers and gaming consoles. Your responsibilities are to design core game features and to collaborate with a team of other developers, graphic designers, and artists. Your job duties include game testing, debugging, and production in all aspects of gaming—player character creation, non-player characters, backgrounds, and gameplay. Being a gamer yourself gives you a solid understanding of the importance of game mechanics and storytelling.

What are some common challenges game developers face when working on large team projects?

Game developers working on large team projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple disciplines (programming, art, design, audio), ensuring clear communication, and managing dependencies between different parts of the game. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and deadlines can also be demanding. Adapting to shifting priorities and integrating feedback from playtesting are key aspects of the collaborative process, making strong teamwork and flexibility essential in this role.

What does a game developer do?

A game developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. Their work involves coding, testing, and debugging game software, as well as collaborating with artists, designers, and other team members to bring a game concept to life. Game developers may specialize in areas like gameplay programming, graphics, or artificial intelligence, and often use game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine to build their projects.

What is the difference between Game Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build game mechanics, code, and softwareDesign game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software developmentCreative design, storytelling, game design tools
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding environments, software studiosDesign teams, creative studios, collaborative spaces
Industry UsageUsed across game studios for technical implementationUsed for conceptualization and gameplay design

While both roles are essential in game development, Game Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Designers craft the gameplay experience and story. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the gaming industry.

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Ames, IA?

For Game Developer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,105 per year, or $51 per hour.

Simulation Support Team Network Engineer (58493)

BESHENICH MUIR & ASSOCIATES LLC

Johnston, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

BMA is seeking a Simulation Support Team Network Engineer to join our team at Camp Dodge in Des Moines, IA. 

Job Summary 

  • This position is a fulltime Exempt (salary) position, supporting the ARNG Mission Command Training Support Program.
  • The SST Network Engineer provides networking support for the MTC and any exercise support in preparation for training.
  • Technical personnel install, operate, integrate, troubleshoot communications, application configurations, establish network addresses and connections, monitor and analyze system performance.
  • Responsible for providing operator, instructor, technical, and administrative support necessary to sustain and enhance the effective training of U.S. Army Commanders and their staffs.
  • Troubleshoots network connectivity and diagnoses network failures.
  • Communicate with Unit S6 to successfully network the simulation with the Units systems demonstrating their understands and ability to document network layouts.
  • Designs, implements, and maintains network configurations.
  • Responsible for TCP/IP networks and protocols. Tracks and reports system/software anomalies that are reported to system developers for corrections.
  • Maintains necessary information assurance protocols on stimulation/simulation systems that includes but not limited to: System lockdown procedures, operating system patches, and stimulation/simulation software patches.
  • Serves as the a hardware, software and functional expert for JLCCTC and Low Overhead Simulations (LOTS, DXTRS, etc.)
  • Responds to questions concerning operation of the system, troubleshoots problems and provides configuration management on software/hardware systems.
  • Maintains knowledge of relevant technologies and subject areas, to include, but not limited to FIRESIM, BSWS, JDLM, MUSE.
  • Recommends and performs application maintenance, upgrade as needed, conduct data backups, system recovery, install information assurance vulnerability alert (IAVA) patches, security updates, responding to critical vulnerabilities, and conducting remediation before, during, and after training exercises using the JLCCTC suite and friends of the federation.

Clearance Requirement

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance and meet other eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Required Skills & Certifications

  • Minimum of five (5) years' experience in the LVC-G field. Demonstrated experience in Live, Virtual, Constructive, Gaming (LVCG) federations, models, systems, tools and Mission Command Systems (MCSs); Military Experience (Preferred).
  • Working knowledge of Cisco Switches, VLAN Configuration, Multicast Technology, VMware networking.
  • Will have an understanding of Windows OS and Linux OS.
  • Experience working in a high security environment and management of classified equipment; Understand the Risk Management Framework (RMF) certification and accreditation process and Information Assurance (IA) requirements.
  • Must meet DOD 8570.01-M Baseline and Computing Environment (CE) Certification Requirements Level II. Must meet all IA training and reporting requirements.
  • Must be able to successfully pass the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Awareness compact disk--read-only memory (CD-ROM) course as a minimum training requirement.

Desired Skills & Certifications 

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and meet other eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain CompTIA Security + certification.

Benefits

We believe that our employees well-being is paramount to our success so our benefits package has been crafted with that in mind. We offer multiple healthcare coverage options to include low deductible, high deductible, and plans eligible for our Health Savings Account (HSA) option. Along with medical coverage, employees have dental, vision, accident & illness, short- and long-term disability all available to them. BMA proudly maintains a 401(k) plan with an industry leading 6% match that can include profit sharing based on company performance. Lastly, being an employee-owned company means that BMA offers a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), providing eligible employees the opportunity to earn stock in BMA, subject to plan eligibility and vesting requirements. 

Other Duties 

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice

  • Working Conditions
    • Position: Outdoor and Office working environments. Exposure to natural conditions existing at different locations around the US. 
    • Work Week:  Monday-Friday (varies based on mission requirements) 
    • Work Hours:  0800 - 1700 (varies based on mission requirements) 
    • Overtime:  As Required 
    • Travel: As Required 

AAP & EEO Statement

Beshenich Muir & Associates, LLC (BMA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, protected Veteran Status, genetics or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access BMA’s current openings as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 913.945.1489. Thank you for your interest in BMA.