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Gaming Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Lnw

Senior Advanced Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$150K - $172K/yr

Gaming: Welcome to the world of land-based gaming. At Light & Wonder, it's all about the games, and ... Job Summary As a Senior Advanced Software Engineer at Light & Wonder, you will be a key contributor ...

GN Group

Lead Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

SteelSeries is the original esports brand at the intersection of gaming and culture, celebrating ... As a Lead Software Engineer, you will be responsible for working closely with our hardware and ...

New

Canonical

Software Engineer - OpenStack

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

We are hiring a Software Engineer for our OpenStack Engineering team. This is an exciting ... game. Canonical is an equal opportunity employer We are proud to foster a workplace free from ...

Simplex Trading

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Software Engineer pay range $125,000-$200,000 USD Why us? Founded in Chicago in 2004, Simplex is a ... In-person happy hours, celebrations throughout the year, game nights, video game fun, and so much ...

GN Group

Software Engineer (Glenview, IL)

Glenview, IL · On-site

Software Engineer (Onsite - Glenview, IL) *Please consider before applying: This is a hybrid role ... gaming solutions. Inspired by people and motivated by innovation, we deliver technology that ...

GN Group

Software Engineer (Glenview, IL)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Software Engineer (Onsite - Glenview, IL) *Please consider before applying: This is a hybrid role ... gaming solutions. Inspired by people and motivated by innovation, we deliver technology that ...

GN Group

Software Engineer (Glenview, IL)

Glenview, IL · Hybrid

Software Engineer (Onsite - Glenview, IL) *Please consider before applying: This is a hybrid role ... gaming solutions. Inspired by people and motivated by innovation, we deliver technology that ...

Coinflow

Senior Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Founded in 2023, the company serves marketplaces, fintechs, remittance providers, gaming platforms ... About The Role We're looking for a Senior Software Engineer to help build the core infrastructure ...

Comcast

Sr. Programmatic RTB Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Job Summary FreeWheel is looking for passionate Software Engineers to help design, build and ... Know your stuff - be enthusiastic learners, users and advocates of our game-changing technology ...

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All JobsGaming Software Engineer JobsGaming Software Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Gaming Software Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$61.5K

$143K

$199.1K

How much do gaming software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for gaming software engineer in Illinois is $142,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Gaming Software Engineers working on large-scale multiplayer titles often encounter challenges related to synchronizing game states across thousands of players, ensuring low-latency networking, and preventing cheating. These complexities require close collaboration with server engineers, QA teams, and game designers to optimize performance and deliver a smooth player experience. Additionally, engineers must frequently adapt to evolving technologies and tools, making continuous learning and problem-solving essential parts of the role.

What is the difference between Gaming Software Engineer vs Game Developer?

AspectGaming Software EngineerGame Developer
Primary FocusDevelops and maintains gaming software, engines, and toolsDesigns, creates, and implements game content and mechanics
Skills & CertificationsProgramming, software engineering, knowledge of game enginesProgramming, game design, creative skills
Work EnvironmentSoftware companies, gaming studios, tech firmsGame studios, independent developers, entertainment industry

While both roles involve programming and game development, Gaming Software Engineers focus on building the underlying software and tools, whereas Game Developers are more involved in designing and creating game content. Both roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of game creation.

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

To thrive as a Gaming Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (such as C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, algorithms, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing engaging, efficient, and technically sound gaming experiences within collaborative, fast-paced environments.

What is a gaming software engineer?

Gaming Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain the software that powers video games. They work on creating game engines, developing gameplay mechanics, integrating graphics and audio, and optimizing performance for various platforms. Their role often involves collaborating with artists, designers, and other engineers to bring a game concept to life. In addition to strong programming skills, they need a solid understanding of computer graphics, mathematics, and problem-solving techniques.
What are popular job titles related to Gaming Software Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Gaming Software Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Gaming Software Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Gaming Software Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Gaming Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gaming Software Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,954 per year, or $68.7 per hour.

Senior Advanced Software Engineer

Lnw

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$150K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Gaming:

Welcome to the world of land-based gaming. At Light & Wonder, it's all about the games, and our Gaming team builds cutting-edge technology, products, and content for the most iconic casinos and operators across the globe.

Position Summary

The Mission

Drive innovation and quality in slot game development through expert-level software engineering.

Job Summary

As a Senior Advanced Software Engineer at Light & Wonder, you will be a key contributor within a collaborative, global engineering team focused on delivering robust, innovative technology solutions. These solutions support both internal systems and customer-facing products. In this role, you will be responsible for the testing, integration, and validation of software applications, ensuring they meet functional, technical, and regulatory standards.

Outcomes

  • Deliver robust and scalable slot game software.

  • Lead technical initiatives and mentor junior engineers.

  • Ensure compliance with platform standards.

  • Contribute to continuous improvement of development processes.

Essential Job Functions

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain slot game software.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and implement features.

  • Ensure software quality through code reviews and testing.

  • Provide technical guidance and support.

  • Document software designs and processes.

  • Stay current with industry trends and technologies.

  • Any other duties assigned.

The targeted pay range for this role is $150,000- $172,000. The total compensation package for this position may also include applicable incentive compensation, such as an annual performance bonus. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, specific work geography, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

As a member of the L&W team, you will be eligible for company sponsored benefits that include healthcare, dental, vision, paid time off, a generous 401(k) plan, tuition assistance, and much more.

Qualifications

Training and/or Experience

  • 10+ years of professional software development experience.

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field.

  • Experience in gaming industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Expert in C++ and/or C#.

  • Knowledge of Godot and other game engines.

  • Exposure to Windows and Linux platforms and video drivers.

  • Strong understanding of game development frameworks.

  • Proficient with debugging and profiling tools.

  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

  • Ability to lead and mentor team members.

Additional Information

This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago studio. Team members are expected to be in the office4 days aweektosupport collaboration and studio culture.

Physical Requirement

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, use hands, operate a computer, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer and business equipment.

Work Conditions

The work conditions are representative and typical of similar jobs in comparable organizations.

Light & Wonder and its affiliates (collectively, L&W) are engaged in highly regulated gaming businesses. As a result, certain L&W employees may, among other things, be required to obtain a gaming or other license(s), undergo background investigations or security checks, or meet certain standards dictated by law, regulation or contracts.

In order to ensure L&W complies with its regulatory and contractual commitments, as a condition to hiring and continuing to employ its employees, L&W requires all of its employees to meet those requirements that are necessary to fulfill their individual roles. As a prerequisite to employment with L&W (to the extent permitted by law), you shall be asked to consent to L&W conducting a due diligence/background investigation on you.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive; it is intended to identify major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The employee in this position may be requested to perform other job-related tasks and responsibilities than those stated above.

#RA-LI

#RA-Hybrid

Light & Wonder is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If you'd like more information about your equal employment opportunity rights as an applicant under the law, please click here for EEOC Poster.

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