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Game Developer Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Understanding of DevOps concepts and practices. * Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines using GitLab to enable efficient software development and deployment. * Ability to thrive in an agile environment with ...

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 ...

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 ...

Property Manager

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$54K - $56K/yr

Pivotal , ranked in the Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers in 2017-2024 , is an industry leader ... Thirsty for knowledge, and always staying on top of their game with the latest updates to our ...

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Showing results 1-20

Game Developer information

See Normal, IL salary details

$31.8K

$106K

$176K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Developer, and why are they important?

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.

Will game dev be replaced by AI?

Game developers create and design video games, and while AI tools can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, they are unlikely to fully replace human developers due to the need for creativity, problem-solving, and understanding player experience. AI can enhance productivity but requires human oversight and expertise in areas such as programming, art, and storytelling.

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 quality assurance tester. 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 Are Game Developers?

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.

How do I get a job as a game developer?

To become a game developer, you should gain proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or C#, develop a strong portfolio of completed projects, and acquire knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. A relevant degree in computer science, game design, or a related field can also improve your chances, along with experience in teamwork and understanding of game development processes.

Is 30 too old to start game development?

Game development is a field open to individuals of all ages, and starting at 30 is common among professionals who often bring valuable experience and skills. Success depends on learning relevant tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, building a portfolio, and continuously updating technical knowledge, regardless of age.

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 Normal, IL? For Game Developer jobs in Normal, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,048 per year, or $51 per hour.
Sr. Series Engineer, Powertrain

Sr. Series Engineer, Powertrain

Rivian

Normal, IL

$98K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 28 days ago


Rivian rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 156 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 44 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

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 drive units. The job opening will be located at our Normal, Illinois facility and report directly to the Sr. Manager, Driveline Series Engineering.


Responsibilities
• Maintain Product Integrity
• Multidisciplinary Team Cooperation and Coordination
• Team Leadership
• High Level Decision Making
• BOM Creation
• DVP Definition
• Stack-Up Analysis
• Risk evaluation for engineering changes/deviations
• Support new program/engineering changes/launch
• Plant support
• Implement engineering changes proposed by suppliers
• Support Manufacturing Process Changes
• Point of contact between corporate PE and plant
• Point of contact for suppliers (design related discussions)
• VAVE support
• Print/BOM release

Qualifications

• Mechanical Engineer/Mechatronic Engineer/Electrical Engineer with automotive experience
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience in automotive/aeronautic/mechanical design
• Multidisciplinary team leadership
• Process knowledge, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R development, APQP
• Working level understanding of GD&T, Root Cause Analysis, Statistics/Data Analysis, VAVE
• Proactive
• Project Planning
• Develop, Design, Validate and Release design changes applicable to components/systems (BOM responsible)
• CAD proficient
• Verbal and written communication / negotiation skills (Product to Plant/Suppliers to Product)


Pay Disclosure

Salary Range Illinois-Based Applicants: $98,500-$123,100 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, and other factors permitted by law).
Benefits Summary: Rivian provides robust medical/Rx, dental and vision insurance packages for full-time employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and children up to age 26. Coverage is effective on the first day of employment.



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

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.  

Please note that we are currently not accepting applications from third party application services.

Qualifications:

• Mechanical Engineer/Mechatronic Engineer/Electrical Engineer with automotive experience
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience in automotive/aeronautic/mechanical design
• Multidisciplinary team leadership
• Process knowledge, DFMEA, PFMEA, DVP&R development, APQP
• Working level understanding of GD&T, Root Cause Analysis, Statistics/Data Analysis, VAVE
• Proactive
• Project Planning
• Develop, Design, Validate and Release design changes applicable to components/systems (BOM responsible)
• CAD proficient
• Verbal and written communication / negotiation skills (Product to Plant/Suppliers to Product)

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Rivian employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Rivian logo

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