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Game Developer Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Advanced Diagnostics Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

The Senior Advanced Diagnostics Engineer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, service, and IT/MES teams to identify issues, reproduce failures, analyze evidence ...

Software Engineer

Washington, IL · On-site

$79 - $119/hr

Understanding of DevOps principles and experience with tools such as GitHub Actions* Experience working with large language model (LLM) APIs or generative AI systems* Experience designing and ...

Sr. Battery Engineer

Normal, IL

$102K - $140K/yr

As a Sr. Battery engineer, you will be responsible for components and assemblies related to hv battery packs built in our normal, il manufacturing plant. This opportunity will allow you to grow in ...

Sr. Battery Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

As a Sr. Battery engineer, you will be responsible for components and assemblies related to hv battery packs built in our normal, il manufacturing plant. This opportunity will allow you to grow in ...

Sr. Battery Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

As a Sr. Battery engineer, you will be responsible for components and assemblies related to hv battery packs built in our normal, il manufacturing plant. This opportunity will allow you to grow in ...

This engineer must operate with meaningful autonomy, manage multiple technical inputs, and drive decisions across design, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams internal and external to ...

Sr. Joining Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$99 - $123/hr

Role Summary The Joining Engineering role at Rivian is critical to ensuring our welding technologies and processes are creating a high quality product. In this front-line role, you will have a hand ...

Role Summary In this position, you will be the liaison between Driveline Product Development and Manufacturing Engineering for Driveline Production lines and the general assembly of our electric ...

Role Summary In this position, you will be the liaison between Driveline Product Development and Manufacturing Engineering for Driveline Production lines and the general assembly of our electric ...

Role Summary In this position, you will be the liaison between Driveline Product Development and Manufacturing Engineering for Driveline Production lines and the general assembly of our electric ...

Sr. Joining Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Role Summary The Joining Engineering role at Rivian is critical to ensuring our welding technologies and processes are creating a high quality product. In this front-line role, you will have a hand ...

Sr. Joining Engineer

Normal, IL · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Role Summary The Joining Engineering role at Rivian is critical to ensuring our welding technologies and processes are creating a high quality product. In this front-line role, you will have a hand ...

Role Summary The Joining Engineering role at Rivian is critical to ensuring our welding technologies and processes are creating a high quality product. In this front-line role, you will have a hand ...

Senior Software Engineer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Developer Workflow and Methodologies Experience (i.e. Git/GitLab/GitHub, Product Management, Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery) * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Ability ...

Showing results 21-40

Game Developer information

See Normal, IL salary details

$31.8K

$106K

$176K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Normal, IL is $106,048.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $121,200.00 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.

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,048 per year, or $51 per hour.

Sr. Advanced Diagnostics Engineer

Rivian

Normal, IL • On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Rivian rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 160 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 45 rated automakers


Job description

About Rivian
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.
As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.
Role Summary
Rivian is seeking a Senior Advanced Diagnostics Engineer to support factory and vehicle software diagnostics across manufacturing, launch, end-of-line, and vehicle test environments. This role will investigate complex electrical, vehicle software, factory software, and production issues; provide hands-on technical support; and drive problems to root cause and corrective action.
The Senior Advanced Diagnostics Engineer will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, quality, service, and IT/MES teams to identify issues, reproduce failures, analyze evidence, implement containment, and validate durable solutions. This role is ideal for an experienced, hands-on problem solver who can operate independently while collaborating effectively across functions.
Responsibilities
  • Provide advanced technical triage and troubleshooting for vehicle, factory software, electrical hardware, and production-impacting issues
  • Lead investigations for recurring or high-severity concerns across manufacturing and vehicle systems
  • Apply structured problem-solving methods such as 8D, fault-tree analysis, data analysis, fault reproduction, and controlled experimentation
  • Investigate issues across vehicle ECUs, networks, diagnostics interfaces, embedded software, factory applications, end-of-line systems, and supporting IT/MES infrastructure
  • Use vehicle diagnostic tools, production data, logs, traces, network captures, and electrical test equipment to isolate failures and validate corrective actions
  • Support lineside, end-of-line, launch, rework, and flash-lab investigations, including hands-on testing and vehicle or station troubleshooting
  • Partner with Firmware Integration Engineering, Vehicle Software, Electrical Hardware, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations and IT/MES teams to drive issues to closure
  • Document clear problem statements, evidence, reproduction steps, suspected causes, containment actions, owners, and closure criteria
  • Translate diagnostic findings into defect reports, corrective-action recommendations, test updates, and process improvements
  • Monitor issue trends across vehicles, stations, software versions, configurations, suppliers, and production processes
  • Develop and improve diagnostic playbooks, troubleshooting procedures, escalation workflows, and knowledge-base content
  • Create or improve dashboards, metrics, scripts, and other tools that improve issue detection, prioritization, and response time
  • Support software and firmware integration activities by helping evaluate changes, investigate regressions, and confirm production readiness
  • Identify opportunities to improve diagnostic coverage, factory tooling, station robustness, and design-for-diagnostics practices
  • Mentor engineers and technicians in advanced troubleshooting, evidence collection, root-cause analysis, and technical communication
  • Represent Advanced Diagnostics in issue reviews, launch readiness meetings, incident reviews, and cross-functional working sessions

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, or a related technical field
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in automotive systems, vehicle software, factory software, electrical hardware, manufacturing engineering, test engineering, reliability engineering, or advanced diagnostics
  • Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex hardware and software systems in a production, launch, test, or service environment
  • Experience leading root-cause investigations, containment activities, and corrective actions for complex or recurring issues
  • Strong understanding of vehicle electrical architectures, ECUs, communication networks, and diagnostic concepts
  • Experience with one or more of CAN, CAN FD, LIN, Automotive Ethernet, UDS, or related vehicle communication protocols
  • Experience analyzing software logs, network traces, production data, test results, and system telemetry
  • Experience with diagnostic and debugging tools such as CANalyzer, CANoe, Wireshark, oscilloscopes, multimeters, data acquisition systems, or comparable tools
  • Ability to troubleshoot interactions between vehicle systems, embedded software, factory applications, manufacturing equipment, and IT/MES infrastructure
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple issues, and make sound technical decisions with limited guidance

Preferred Qualifications
  • Supporting high-volume automotive manufacturing or major vehicle launches
  • Experience with end-of-line testing, manufacturing execution systems, flashing/programming, station controls, or factory automation
  • Experience with embedded software integration, firmware releases, configuration management, or software version troubleshooting
  • Experience developing diagnostic scripts, data pipelines, dashboards, or automation using Python or similar tools
  • Experience with cloud-connected vehicle systems, telemetry platforms, or remote diagnostics
  • Familiarity with electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, board-level electronics, power distribution, and signal integrity fundamentals
  • Experience improving serviceability, diagnostic coverage, or design-for-diagnostics practices
  • Experience training or mentoring engineers and technicians

Pay Disclosure
Salary Range for Illinois Based Applicants: The salary range for this position is $98,500 - $123,100 for Illinois based applicants. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, shift, and organizational needs.
The successful candidate may be eligible for annual performance bonus and equity awards.
Benefits Summary: We offer a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26, including but not limited to paid vacation, paid sick leave, and a competitive portfolio of insurance benefits including life, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability insurance, and long-term disability insurance to eligible employees. You may also have the opportunity to participate in Rivian's 401(k) Plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time employee coverage is effective on their first day of employment. Part-time employee coverage is effective the first of the month following 90 days of employment. More information about benefits is available at rivianbenefits.com.
You can apply for this role through careers.rivian.com (or through internal-careers-rivian.icims.com if you are a current employee). This job is not expected to be closed any sooner than September 8, 2026.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Rivian is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy and Technology
Rivian may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) recordkeeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian affiliates; and (iii) Rivian's service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
How We Use AI in Our Hiring Process: To ensure transparency, we want candidates to know that Rivian uses iCIMS Talent Cloud Artificial Intelligence (TCAI) and AI-enabled tools to assist with screening, reviewing, organizing and highlighting profiles and applications that match the key requirements for each role.
AI does not make hiring decisions: Qualified candidate applications are reviewed by a member of our team, and all decisions throughout the process are made by humans. We use AI to support efficiency and consistency, not to replace human judgment. We are committed to a fair, thoughtful, and equitable experience for every candidate.
Participation in AI profile matching is entirely voluntary. If you prefer that your profile not be used in this process, you can opt out at any time. Opting out means your profile will be excluded from automated matching and will not be surfaced for additional roles through this system. Your current application remains active and will not be affected in any way.
Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

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About Rivian

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rivian is a pioneering automotive industry player headquartered in Irvine, California. Established in 2009, the company has made notable advancements in developing sustainable transportation solutions. It is widely recognized for its electric adventure vehicles: the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Rivian is dedicated to creating a positive shift in societal mobility and emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and adventure as part of its core values. Their mission is to keep the world adventurous forever - a testament to their commitment in transitioning the world to sustainable transportation. Rivian's achievements are numerous, with one of the most notable being securing a significant multi-billion dollar investment from Amazon for the production of electric delivery vans.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

2009