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Gaming Developer Jobs in Boulder, CO (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Lead

Loveland, CO ยท On-site +1

$105K - $138K/yr

Engineering Lead Second Unit Games | Remote - U.S. Second Unit is looking for an experienced Engineering Lead for client game projects. This is a hands-on role. You'll lead engineers, but you'll also ...

New

They are seeking a talented Software Developer to design, develop, and maintain high-quality ... Information Systems, Game Development, etc. โ€ข TS/SCI Full Poly clearance (Please note this ...

Maintenance Technician

Central City, CO ยท On-site

$23 - $29/hr

Monitor all engineering equipment to ensure the safety and comfort of casino customers and ... A Colorado Limited Gaming Support License is preferred. * High school diploma, GED or equivalent ...

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Gaming Developer information

See Boulder, CO salary details

$15

$18

$25

How much do gaming developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for gaming developer in Boulder, CO is $18.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.93 and $17.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a gaming developer do?

A Gaming Developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. They work on various aspects of game development including gameplay mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Gaming Developers collaborate with artists, designers, and other programmers to bring a game from concept to completion. Their work involves problem-solving, creativity, and technical expertise to ensure an engaging and smooth gaming experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gaming developer?

To thrive as a Gaming Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++, C#, or Java), a deep understanding of game design principles, and typically a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as knowledge of version control systems and graphics tools, is essential. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help developers innovate and collaborate on complex projects. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, high-quality games that perform well and provide excellent user experiences.

What are some common challenges gaming developers face when working on large-scale multiplayer games?

Gaming Developers working on large-scale multiplayer games often encounter challenges such as ensuring server stability, maintaining real-time synchronization across multiple players, and optimizing game performance to prevent lag. Collaboration with network engineers and QA testers is essential to identify and resolve issues quickly. Additionally, balancing gameplay and implementing effective anti-cheat measures are ongoing tasks that require coordination with designers and security specialists.

What is the difference between Gaming Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectGaming DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build the game, focusing on coding, mechanics, and technical implementationDesign game concepts, storylines, gameplay mechanics, and user experience
Required SkillsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software development, problem-solvingCreativity, storytelling, game mechanics design, user experience
Work EnvironmentTypically in a development team, collaborating with artists and designersOften in a creative team, working closely with developers and artists
Industry UsageCommonly employed in game studios, tech companies, and indie projectsFound in game studios, design firms, and freelance roles

While Gaming Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, Game Designers concentrate on creating the game's concept, mechanics, and user experience. Both roles are essential and often collaborate closely in game development projects.

How much do gaming developers make?

Gaming developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and skill level, but the median annual wage in the industry typically ranges from $60,000 to $120,000. Entry-level developers may earn less, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or working on popular titles can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by bonuses and benefits.

What jobs can a gaming developer do?

A gaming developer can work as a game programmer, game designer, graphics programmer, or quality assurance tester. They often collaborate with artists, sound designers, and project managers in game development teams and may specialize in areas like mobile, console, or PC game creation. Proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or Unity, along with knowledge of game engines, is essential for these roles.
Infographic showing various Gaming Developer job openings in Boulder, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,828 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Senior Game Engineer - PC & Console

Second Unit Games

Loveland, CO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Senior Game Engineer - PC&Console
Second Unit Games | Remote - U.S.
Second Unit is looking for an experienced, hands-on game engineer to work on client PC and console projects.
We're specifically looking for engineers who have shipped games and then kept working on them after they launch. You'll have experience building DLC, expansions, live events, new features, content updates, or other post-launch releases.
We're looking for someone who is comfortable making technical decisions, mentoring engineers, reviewing code, troubleshooting builds or Perforce problems. and jumping in to implement a feature when that's what the project needs.
What You'll Do
Our project teams will typically be small, cross-discipline groups of approximately 6-20 developers, depending on the scope of the engagement.
You'll work directly on our client's existing codebases, tools, development pipelines, and possibly their proprietary engines. You're joining a game that has already shipped and helping build what comes next.
You'll be making day-to-day technical decisions, reviewing code, helping estimate and plan work, identifying risks early, and solving technical problems for both the project and team's development environment.
The actual work will vary by project. You might be:
  • Implementing gameplay features
  • Building DLC, expansions, missions, or other new content
  • Supporting live events and ongoing game updates
  • Fixing bugs and addressing issues in a mature codebase
  • Prioritizing a backlog of work for the next release
  • Working in Unreal, Unity, or a proprietary engine
  • Improving tools and quality of life for the content team
  • Helping solve technical problems with the Second Unit staff
  • Working with the client QA and release teams

We need engineers who are comfortable getting into an existing project, understanding how it works, and becoming productive without needing to redesign everything first.
What We're Looking For
There are two experience requirements for this position that are important to us: you've shipped a major PC or console game, and you've worked on a game after it shipped.
You must have:
  • Personally contributed to the development and launch of at least one AA or AAA game
  • Have experience supporting a released game and delivering live or post-launch content
  • Strong hands-on game engineering experience and the ability to write production-quality code
  • Experience working in a large, established game codebase
  • Experience diagnosing difficult technical and production problems
  • A solid understanding of game-development pipelines, source control, build systems, and development workflows
  • The ability to estimate engineering work, identify risks, and communicate technical issues clearly
  • The judgment and communication skills to work directly with client engineers, discipline leads, and studio leadership

Professional experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, Perforce, Git, PC/console development, proprietary engines, or cross-platform development is useful. We're less concerned with checking every technology box than we are with finding someone who understands how games actually get built, shipped, updated, and maintained.
What We Want to See From You
When you apply, we'd like to see more than a list of studios and job titles. Help us understand what you actually did.
In the application process we'll include a place for you to tell us which PC or console games you've shipped, what you personally worked on, and which DLC or other post-release work you've done.
We care much more about what you actually did than what your title was.
About Second Unit
Keep your next game moving. Keep your current game thriving.
Second Unit works with established game studios that need to keep supporting successful games while their internal teams move on to what's next.
Our U.S.-based teams work directly inside our clients' development pipelines and take responsibility for defined pieces of their roadmap, including DLC, live content, gameplay features, systems, and other player-facing work.
Our teams are led by experienced developers who are still actively involved in making the game.
How We Work
Second Unit is a remote-first U.S. studio.
Our primary employment model is W-2 hourly.
You'll be paid for every hour you work, including approved overtime when applicable. Because our work depends on client projects, there may be periods between assignments when hours are not available. We want to be clear about that from the beginning.
While assigned to client work, eligible employees receive monthly healthcare and hardware stipends.
You'll use your own development workstation, provided it meets Second Unit's hardware and security requirements. We provide the dedicated project environment and security configuration used for company work. Individual clients may require additional security measures or virtual development environments.
The Person We're Looking For
You still like solving technical problems. You love supporting an existing game, with a passionate fan base, by making the game better. You raise problems early. If you don't know the answer, you're comfortable saying so and then figuring it out. When the team hits a difficult problem, you're more likely to get involved than stand back and manage it from a distance. And after years in game development, you still like shipping games.
If that sounds familiar, we'd like to hear what you've built, what you've shipped, and what you worked on after launch.