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Game Developer Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Computer Programming Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes logical thinking and systematic debugging skills and connects programming to web development, data science, game design, and automation applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

innovitusa

RPA Developer

Des Moines, IA

The Software Engineer 3 will perform advanced developer duties including solution design, automation development, document ingestion and analysis, search enablement, infrastructure support ...

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$22 - $29.50/hr

The successful candidate will work closely with our engineers and senior designers to create ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

Life Time

Kids Events Team Member

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

... gym games and more.They incorporate nutrition education with themed activities providing a high ... Maintains cleanliness and order of activities and programming in order to ensure safety * Promotes ...

Life Time, Inc.

Kids Events Team Member

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$11.75 - $15.25/hr

... gym games and more. They incorporate nutrition education with themed activities providing a high ... Maintains cleanliness and order of activities and programming in order to ensure safety * Promotes ...

WesTech Engineering

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech Engineering

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech Engineering

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech Engineering

Field Service Tech 1

Ames, IA · On-site

Ability to read and understand engineering detail drawings * Excellent communication and customer ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

The successful candidate will work closely with our engineers and senior designers to create ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

Worky

Experienced Software Developer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Experienced Software Developer At Farmers Mutual Hail (FMH), our mission is simple: protect the livelihoods and legacies of America's farmers through the complete farm insurance solutions we offer.

Andersen

R&D Product Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$91K - $141K/yr

Product Development Engineer III acts as team leader for medium to large scale projects with ... Performs work that leads to new products or "game changing" product improvements, processes or ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGame Developer JobsGame Developer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Game Developer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$31.7K

$105.9K

$175.7K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Des Moines, IA is $105,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $121,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

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

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

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

Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,859 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Project Engineer

Baxter Construction Company LLC

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Project Engineer Position:

Company Summary

Baxter Construction Company, LLC is a National Construction Management firm specializing in Senior Living, Gaming, Hospitality, Retail and Development that also features a great work environment and provides room for employee growth. For over 75 years Baxter has fostered a balanced family-work culture. As Baxter continues to grow, Baxter strives to remain adaptable, motivated and responsive to our employees. As a result, we consistently meet and exceed our customers' and employees’ expectations with our commitment to safety, family, service, and integrity.

Position Summary

This is a traveling position, meaning the main office is in Des Moines, but the project(s) this position would be assigned to could be remote from Des Moines.  Traveling is a requirement.  Baxter Construction uses PROCORE, all Microsoft products, Bluebeam, and Microsoft project. In brief;

Baxter Construction Company is a fast-paced commercial builder that is seeking full-time, traveling Construction Project Engineers that will be responsible for assisting project teams with the construction projects from the preconstruction and construction phase through closeout.

Candidates will be required to have knowledge of the construction process and understand the specifications and field labor, as well as knowledge of the project management process and principles of scheduling and estimating. Job responsibilities will include assisting with project documentation, cost control, safety, assist in the bidding process, buyout, submittals, pay applications, plan updates and as-builts, RFI’s, ASI’s, Change Management, assist in weekly and monthly progress and OAC meetings, quality control, and close-outs.

Candidates must have strong skills in time management, communication, ability to work in tight deadlines and under pressure. Must have ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all parties involved in the construction project and while handling difficult issues and/or personalities; we are the leaders of our projects.

Qualified candidates would have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field or High School Diploma (or equivalent) or Associates Degree in a construction related field and a minimum of 3 years construction related experience.

Benefit Summary

We view employees as our most valuable asset, and the key to our success. That’s why we provide team members a career (not just a job), supported by learning and development opportunities, and a positive, collaborative work environment. We offer the resources of a large company, while preserving our small company feel. Through family culture, leadership and professional development Baxter believes in supporting its employees to the highest extent to create prosperous futures! With Baxter you will receive an excellent total package, not just great pay.

· Bonus Incentive Plan

· True family valued company culture with long-term staff

· Continuing education and growth opportunities

· Paid vacation

· Premium health insurance benefits

· Robust retirement program with multi-tiered contributions and profit sharing

· Company paid clothing and other incentive programs!


Note: This is a traveling position that will require travel to be onsite for projects.