ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Developer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Iowa State University

Senior Psychologist

Ames, IA · On-site

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 ...

Iowa State University

Senior Psychologist

Ames, IA · On-site

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 ...

Iowa State University

Senior Psychologist

Ames, IA · On-site

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 ...

Iowa State University

Senior Psychologist

Ames, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

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 ...

Iowa State University

Senior Psychologist

Ames, IA · On-site

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 ...

Varsity Tutors

Coding Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of programming fundamentals including variables, loops, conditionals, functions ... Emphasizes hands-on project creation and connects coding to creative expression, game building, web ...

McClure

Senior Traffic Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

The Senior Traffic Engineer will be the primary point on a variety of highly visible and critical projects for the organization. A successful Senior Traffic Engineer will demonstrate past success in ...

SHAZAM

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 ...

Harris

Software Engineer

Nevada, IA

$80K - $90K/yr

GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor or ChatGPT) - Familiarity with AI directed prompt engineering for developing applications. Requirements: - Bachelor's degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering ...

NxT Level

Senior Engineer - Water Resource Engineer

Boone, IA · On-site +1

$102K - $141K/yr

They are an engineering and environmental consulting firm that specializes in water, ecology, and community. The ideal person loves the outdoors and wants to work at a firm focused on creating a ...

SHAZAM

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 ...

NxT Level

Senior Engineer - Water Resource Engineer

Boone, IA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

They are an engineering and environmental consulting firm that specializes in water, ecology, and community. The ideal person loves the outdoors and wants to work at a firm focused on creating a ...

Qualus Corporation

Senior Engineer - SCADA

Nevada, IA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Step into leadership as a Senior SCADA Engineer at Qualus, where innovation meets expertise. In this pivotal role, you'll plan, direct, and implement advanced SCADA systems that drive operational ...

Mannik Smith Group

Senior Traffic Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Senior Traffic Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Reno, NV Reporting To: Devin Cartwright Compensation: $130,000 - $180,000 / year Description Unmatched Comp ...

Redapt

Senior Software Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$150 - $170/hr

We'll want your opinions on operational processes, DevOps, deployment checklists, and more. Qualifications: * BS or MS in Computer Science preferred, equivalent experience considered. * 5+ years as ...

Mannik Smith Group

Senior Drainage Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$130 - $180/hr

Senior Drainage Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Reno, NV Reporting To: Devin Cartwright Compensation: $130,000 - $180,000 / year Description At Horrocks, we ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Ames, IA

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 Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Is a game developer a good career?

A game developer creates video games and typically requires skills in programming, design, and software tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The field offers opportunities for creativity and growth, but it can also involve long hours and competitive job markets. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work in roles such as game programmer, game designer, level designer, graphics programmer, or technical artist. They often collaborate with artists, sound designers, and project managers, and may specialize in areas like mobile, console, or PC game development using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.
More about Game Developer jobs

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

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

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,105 per year, or $51 per hour.

Automotive Sales Associate / Product Specialist

Ames Ford Lincoln

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Career Summary

Are you a positive and ambitious professional with a passion for solving problems? As a member of the Ames Ford Lincoln team, you will learn valuable lifelong skills as a professional sales consultant in a fast-paced and exciting environment where your hard work is rewarded. Whether you are a seasoned sales professional or seeking your very first role in sales, you will find no better program to further develop your craft and build lasting relationships. We want you to be part of our growing team and positive culture. The automotive industry continues to evolve and needs dedicated people like you to carry the torch. Ames Ford Lincoln is one of our nation's largest performance dealers and best-selling automotive retailers across Iowa. We offer a balanced work schedule and opportunity for advancement for those seeking a long term career path. Our management team offers hands on and online training to ensure your success. We look forward to hearing about your unique skillset and future aspirations.

If you have any experience in the following roles we highly encourage you to apply:

  • Customer Service 
  • Call Centers 
  • Hotels & Restaurants 
  • Retail Sales
  • IT or Engineering
  • Construction or Trade
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Agricultural 

Benefits 

  • Medical and Dental
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance 
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Training 
  • Employee discounts on products and services 

Responsibilities

  • Build relationships & create customers for life. Assist them in selecting a vehicle by asking questions and listening carefully to their responses.
  • Bring your ‘A game’ & positive attitude with you every day
  • Be the vehicle expert. Know the in’s & the out’s of product offerings, optional packages & latest technology
  • Perform high-quality and professional demonstrations of new/used vehicles.
  • Follow-up with buyers to ensure referral business.
  • Learn to overcome objections and thrive in sales situations
  • Direct report to the Sales Manager regarding objectives, planned activities, reviews, and analyses.

Qualifications

  • A reliable and positive character
  • Available to work flexible hours
  • Confidence in speaking with others
  • Ready to hit the ground running on learning new product in’s & out’s
  • Fantastic written and verbal communication skills 
  • Professional, well-groomed personal appearance.
  • Clean driving record
  • Willing to submit to a pre-employment background check & drug screen

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We are committed to providing a safe, drug-free work environment. Applicants must be willing to submit to a pre-employment background check and drug test. Interested candidates must possess a valid driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.

Apply