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Game Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$141K - $145K/yr

Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking Physical Design Engineer. As a member of our wide-ranging group, you will have the rare and ...

Apple

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR

$141K - $145K/yr

Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking Physical Design Engineer. As a member of our wide-ranging group, you will have the rare and ...

SELF ENHANCEMENT INC

ASP Support

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Assist in the coordination of after school programming activities ... Adhere to and ensure rules and regulations are followed for all game room and gym activities ...

SELF ENHANCEMENT INC

ASP Support

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Assist in the coordination of after school programming activities ... Adhere to and ensure rules and regulations are followed for all game room and gym activities ...

Actalent

Water Resources Engineer

Beaverton, OR

$48.07 - $57.69/hr

Water Resources Engineer We are seeking a Water Resources Engineer to support a growing portfolio ... outings such as game nights, karaoke, and ski nights. A laptop will be provided. Job Type ...

Actalent

Water Resources Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$48.07 - $57.69/hr

Water Resources Engineer We are seeking a Water Resources Engineer to support a growing portfolio ... outings such as game nights, karaoke, and ski nights. A laptop will be provided. Job Type ...

Actalent

Civil Engineer Pe

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$135K - $155K/yr

Civil Engineer - Project Manager (PE/PM) We are seeking a highly skilled Civil Engineer with a ... games, and office-sponsored bike-to-lunch events. We offer a gym with showers on-site and maintain ...

Nike

Principal, Software Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$140K - $188K/yr

Are you game? WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH The Activity Apps team builds and operates Nike Run Club (NRC ... This role reports to the Director of Engineering for Activity Apps and collaborates across mobile ...

Nvidia

Senior ASIC Timing Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are now looking for a motivated ASIC Timing Engineer to join our dynamic and growing team. If ...

Nvidia

Senior ASIC Timing Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · Hybrid

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than ... We are now looking for a motivated ASIC Timing Engineer to join our dynamic and growing team. If ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsGame Programmer JobsGame Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR

Game Programmer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11.2K

$94.7K

$177.3K

How much do game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer in Portland, OR is $94,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,500.00 and $148,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game programmer?

Game Programmers are software engineers who specialize in writing code for video games. They work closely with designers, artists, and other team members to turn game concepts into playable experiences by developing game mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Game Programmers use programming languages such as C++, C#, or Python and may focus on specific areas like gameplay, graphics, physics, or networking. Their work ensures that games run smoothly and are engaging for players.

What does a game programmer do?

Game programmers develop video game concepts into functioning programs. A career as a game programmer involves paying close attention to details, analyzing lines of code, and troubleshooting to find solutions. As a game programmer, you use coding languages, such as C++ and Java, to build an interactive gaming experience. There are different kinds of game programmers who have specialized skills to produce a specific purpose in the game, but they all work together to create the final product. For example, some game programmers focus on the 2D and 3D graphics for the game, while others generate user interfaces to make the game fun and easy to use.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game programmer?

To thrive as a Game Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, a solid understanding of computer science principles, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal Engine), version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with designers and artists to bring game concepts to life. These skills ensure efficient development, smooth gameplay experiences, and successful project delivery within the dynamic gaming industry.

What are some common challenges game programmers face when working on large-scale projects?

Game programmers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as optimizing performance for different hardware platforms, managing complex codebases, and ensuring smooth collaboration with designers and artists. Balancing feature implementation with bug fixing and meeting tight deadlines are also common hurdles. Effective communication with other departments and staying up-to-date with evolving game engines and development tools are essential for overcoming these challenges and delivering a high-quality product.

What is the difference between Game Programmer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame ProgrammerGame Designer
Primary RoleWriting code to develop game mechanics, features, and systemsCreating game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, game mechanics design
Work EnvironmentTypically in a development team, coding in studios or remoteDesign studios, collaborative teams, often in creative settings
Common UsageUsed in technical development phasesUsed in conceptual and planning phases

While both roles are essential in game development, game programmers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas game designers concentrate on creating engaging gameplay and story elements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the industry.

Is a game programmer a good career?

A game programmer develops software for video games, often requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. The field offers opportunities for creativity and technical growth, with job prospects influenced by industry demand and experience levels. It can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.
More about Game Programmer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Programmer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Game Programmer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Programmer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Programmer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Programmer job openings in Portland, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 65% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,663 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Apple
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Appleexternal

$141K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 684 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers

Job description

At Apple we work every single day to craft products that enrich people's lives. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? Do you like changing the game? We have an opportunity for a forward-thinking and unusually hardworking Physical Design Engineer. As a member of our wide-ranging group, you will have the rare and great opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple's customers every single day. In this role, we will be at the center of a PHY design effort working with architecture, CAD, timing, and logic design teams, with a critical impact on delivering outstanding PHY designs. You will be required to do physical designs of outstanding PHY design.
Description
As a Physical Design engineer you will contribute to all phases of physical design of high performance PHY design from RTL to delivery of our final GDSII. Your responsibilities include but are not limited to: Generate block/chip level static timing constraints. Build full chip floor-plan including pin placement, partitions and power grid. Develop and validate high performance low power clock network guidelines. Perform block level place and route and close the design to meet timing, area and power constraints. Generate and Implement ECOs to fix timing, noise and EM IR violations. Run Physical Design verification flow at chip/block level and provide guidelines to fix LVS/DRC violations to other designers. Participate in establishing CAD and physical design methodologies for correct by construction designs. Assist in flow development for chip integration.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering and 10+ years experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
Deep design experience in high PHY and/or SOC designs.
Deep Knowledge about industry standards and practices in Physical Design, including Physically aware synthesis, Floor-planning, and Place & Route.
Experience in developing and implementing Power-grid and Clock specifications.
Strong understanding of all aspects of Physical construction, Integration and Physical Verification.
Shown Knowledge of Basic SoC Architecture and HDL languages like Verilog to be able with logic design team for timing fixes Power user of industry standard Physical Design & Synthesis tools.
Deep Understanding of scripting languages such as Perl/Tcl, solid understanding of Extraction and STA methodology and tools.
Deep Understanding of Physical Design Verification methodology to debug LVS/DRC issues at chip/block level.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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