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Game Developer Jobs in California, MD (NOW HIRING)

SCCI

AR/VR Developer I

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

... VR) Developer I to support the Battle Management System (BMS), an innovative DoD program. If you ... Utilizing the Unity or Unreal gaming engine, along with C# and Python to develop AR/VR environments

SimVentions, Inc

Journeyman Software Developer

Dahlgren, VA · On-site +1

$79K - $135K/yr

Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as C, C++, Python, or Rust (if no C or C ... S. military, and we take pride in our ability to provide relevant, game-changing solutions to our ...

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Game Developer information

See California, MD salary details

$31.1K

$103.9K

$172.5K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in California, MD is $103,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $118,800.00 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 California, MD are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near California, MD with the most Game Developer job openings:

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in California, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,946 per year, or $50 per hour.

AR/VR Developer I

Dahlgren, VA • On-site

SOUTHEASTERN COMP CONSULTANTS INC
See more jobs at SOUTHEASTERN COMP CONSULTANTS INCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview

SCCI has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) Developer I to support the Battle Management System (BMS), an innovative DoD program. If you are an innovative thinker with a background in Virtual Reality, have advanced knowledge and background in utilizing the Unity game engine and searching for a dedicated team of professionals, this is the position for you! BMS specializes in rapidly developing and deploying innovative technology solutions to outmatch the evolving threats faced by our warfighters. This position is on-site and located in Dahlgren, VA.

SCCI offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability benefits, 401k with Company Match, time off consisting of 2 weeks of paid vacation, 48 hours of sick/personal leave, and 11 paid Holidays.

Responsibilities:

  • Developing AR and VR environments and systems using the latest AR/VR headsets
  • Leveraging 3D scanning systems to create realistic 3D models of real world objects
  • Utilizing the Unity or Unreal gaming engine, along with C# and Python to develop AR/VR environments
  • Integrating sensor outputs, other software applications, and AI/ML algorithms into AR/VR environments
  • Collaborating with other developers, engineers, data scientists, testers, and AI specialists within a rapid development framework

Essential Skills and Experience:

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and have an Active Secret Security Clearance
  • Degree or related experience:
    • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, data science or field directly related to XR/VR development, or
    • Direct hands-on experience with Extended Reality/Virtual Reality (XR/VR) development or
    • A military background with relevancy to XR/VR development
  • One (1) - two (2) years of experience with Unity or Unreal game engine and C#, C++ or C, and knowledge or experience in game engine asset creation
  • Familiarity with Git workflows

SCCI is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to meet the needs of employees and their families. EOE of Veterans and Disabilities.

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