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Game Server Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Simplex Trading

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Maintain and deploy servers and workstations * Projects will be completed both independently and as ... In-person happy hours, celebrations throughout the year, game nights, video game fun, and so much ...

QT9 SOFTWARE INC

.NET Developer - QMS

Aurora, IL

$70K - $105K/yr

Cool amenities from Golf Simulator, Sport Court and Arcade games. * Growing team with a small ... NET applications using C#, ASP.NET MVC/Web Forms, Web API, and SQL Server * Collaborate with ...

QT9 Software, Inc.

.NET Developer - QMS

Aurora, IL · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Cool amenities from Golf Simulator, Sport Court and Arcade games. * Growing team with a small ... NET applications using C#, ASP.NET MVC/Web Forms, Web API, and SQL Server * Collaborate with ...

QT9 Software

.NET Developer - QMS

Aurora, IL · On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Cool amenities from Golf Simulator, Sport Court and Arcade games. * Growing team with a small ... NET applications using C#, ASP.NET MVC/Web Forms, Web API, and SQL Server * Collaborate with ...

QT9 Software, Inc.

.NET Developer - QMS

Aurora, IL

$70K - $105K/yr

Cool amenities from Golf Simulator, Sport Court and Arcade games. * Growing team with a small ... NET applications using C#, ASP.NET MVC/Web Forms, Web API, and SQL Server * Collaborate with ...

Canonical

Software Engineer - OpenStack

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

... servers. This role requires a python software developer with a passion for automating ... game. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer We are proud to foster a workplace free from ...

Parts Town

Sr. Systems and Cloud Engineer

Addison, IL · Hybrid

$104K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

That's what keeps us at the top of our game. We're proud that our workplace has been recognized for ... Administer, patch, and harden Windows Server and Linux systems across on-prem and cloud ...

Parts Town

Sr. Systems and Cloud Engineer

Addison, IL · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

That's what keeps us at the top of our game. We're proud that our workplace has been recognized for ... Administer, patch, and harden Windows Server and Linux systems across on-prem and cloud ...

iManage

Technical Support Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Maintaining a deep technical knowledge of Microsoft Windows Servers, networking, relational ... Collaborate in a modern, open-plan workspace featuring a gaming area, free snacks and drinks, and ...

Sonoma Consulting Inc.

.Net Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$49.75 - $65.75/hr

Elevate the game of the entire team. REQUIREMENTS: 7+ years of experience in software development ... Server Databases and Stored Procedures Strong Object Oriented design and development skills.

Leapfrog Technology Group

Be Seen First

IT Support Engineer - Systems Administrator, Projects, MSP - IL

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$60K - $78K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Must have server and cloud (O365, Azure) experience. If you have both of those - GREAT, read on ... We are an established and growing [MSP] technology company that is taking our game to the next ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Server Engineer JobsGame Server Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Game Server Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.9K

$104.8K

$150.4K

How much do game server engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for game server engineer in Chicago, IL is $104,771.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,000.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a game server engineer typically collaborate with game designers and client developers during the development process?

Game Server Engineers work closely with both game designers and client developers to ensure seamless integration between server-side logic and client-side gameplay. They regularly participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss game mechanics, network protocols, and synchronization requirements. Effective communication with designers helps translate gameplay ideas into robust server features, while collaboration with client developers ensures data consistency and smooth player experiences. This teamwork is crucial for maintaining game stability and delivering new features efficiently.

What is a game server engineer?

Game Server Engineers are specialized software developers responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the backend infrastructure that powers multiplayer and online features in video games. They work on server-side logic, networking, scalability, and security to ensure smooth gameplay experiences for players worldwide. Their role often involves collaborating with game developers, network engineers, and QA teams to implement features like matchmaking, leaderboards, and real-time multiplayer interactions. Game Server Engineers are crucial for ensuring stability, low latency, and the ability to handle large numbers of concurrent users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game server engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Server Engineer, you need strong programming skills—typically in languages like C++, C#, or Java—along with a solid understanding of network protocols and real-time multiplayer systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), database management, version control systems, and experience with game engines or dedicated server frameworks are common technical requirements. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you efficiently diagnose issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for building scalable, reliable, and engaging online gaming experiences.

What is the difference between Game Server Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectGame Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, networking, or related field; experience with server management and game protocolsBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, online gaming companies, cloud serversIT departments, telecom companies, data centers
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming and entertainmentBroad across IT, telecommunications, and enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve network infrastructure, a Game Server Engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and optimizing servers specifically for online gaming platforms. In contrast, a Network Engineer manages broader network systems across various industries. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but focus on different end-user applications and network types.

What are popular job titles related to Game Server Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Game Server Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Server Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Game Server Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Game Server Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Game Server Engineer job openings:
Game Server Engineer jobs near you

Senior Software Engineer (Server/Full-stack) - Hit It Rich!

Zynga

Chicago, IL • On-site

$98K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:

Zynga is looking for a server-side engineer in the Austin or Chicago areas, and more specifically, someone whose level of experience should be equivalent to a Senior Software Engineer.

We have a well-rounded and tight-knit, distributed team with a healthy mix of engineering skill levels, and are looking to strengthen our team in tackling a variety of challenges that we face. We need a self-driven and motivated engineer who is a strong communicator, works well as a team player, and performs well under tight deadlines.

The candidate would have an opportunity to work on critical game components that contribute to user-facing features, gameplay functionality, existing functionality & systems, and have a general focus on solving challenging problems for high profile titles. The ideal candidate will have strong working knowledge in PHP and will have at least four years of experience as a software developer.

Our mission is to "Connect the World through Games" by building a truly social experience that makes the world a better place. To be successful in this role you will have a passion for games, a high level of integrity, great technical depth and skills, and a strong desire to build successful software.

What You'll Do:
  • Help to develop features & gameplay functionality in PHP
  • Dive into the internals of existing systems to extend them as-needed
  • Create and work with data objects in relational and non-relational storage models
  • Develop and integrate new technologies and tools
  • Assist with defining and scoping out work
What You Bring:
  • B.Sc. in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent education / work experience
  • 4+ Years industry experience as a Software Developer
  • Strong working knowledge in an object-oriented backend language like PHP
  • Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms and software methodologies
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working in a collaborative environment
Bonus Points:
  • Prior game development experience (on shipped titles or live games experience)
  • Mobile development experience with a focus on Unity, iOS, and/or Android
  • Experience in Javascript, Go, or similar programming languages
  • Experience with Source Control like git
What We Offer You:

Zynga offers a world-class benefits package that helps support and balance the needs of our teams. To find out more about our benefits, visit the Zynga Benefits site

The pay range for this position in Illinois at the start of employment is expected to be between $98,100 and $145,200 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. 

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