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Independent Contractor Game Developer Jobs in Minnesota

Contractor Role: This role involves designing and building an AWS-hosted application in ... Must be able to work independently as a consultant and developer, investigating and implementing ...

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Independent Contractor Game Developer information

See Minnesota salary details

$31.8K

$106.2K

$176.3K

How much do independent contractor game developer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor game developer in Minnesota is $106,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Independent Contractor Game Developer do?

An Independent Contractor Game Developer is a self-employed professional who designs, develops, and programs video games on a contract basis. They typically work with clients or studios on specific projects, handling tasks such as coding, game design, asset integration, and optimization. Unlike full-time employees, they are responsible for managing their own schedules, contracts, and taxes. This role offers flexibility and the opportunity to work on a variety of projects but requires strong self-discipline and business management skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Independent Contractor Game Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Game Developer, you must have strong programming abilities (such as C++, C#, or Unity), a portfolio demonstrating completed projects, and up-to-date knowledge of game development workflows. Proficiency in game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, experience with version control systems like Git, and familiarity with digital art tools or middleware are highly valuable. Excellent time management, communication, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills for coordinating remotely with clients or teams and managing multiple projects. These competencies allow you to deliver quality work efficiently, handle various responsibilities independently, and build lasting professional relationships as a contractor.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor game developers, and how can they be managed?

Independent contractor game developers often face challenges such as managing multiple clients, adapting to different project requirements, and ensuring clear communication in remote settings. Balancing workloads and meeting varied deadlines requires strong organizational skills and proactive time management. Staying updated on the latest industry tools and technologies is also important, as clients may have different technical preferences. Building a routine for regular client check-ins and using project management tools can help streamline communication and project delivery. Overall, adaptability and self-discipline are key to overcoming these challenges and succeeding in this flexible, dynamic career path.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Minnesota? For Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Independent Contractor Game Developer jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Independent Contractor Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Game Developer job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 66% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $106,237 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Dojo Five

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข Remote

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Staff Firmware Engineer | 1099 Independent Contractor

Dojo Five | Remote โ€“ Contiguous US

About Dojo Five

Dojo Five is on a mission to drive the firmware industry forward. We partner with companies to modernize their embedded software developmentโ€”integrating the right tools, techniques, and culture to deliver reliable, high-performance firmware. Our vision: 10,000 Successful Modernization Initiatives by 2035.

We're a team that takes quality seriously, celebrates continuous learning, and genuinely has fun doing it.

What Is an Evergreen Posting?

We may not have an immediate opening todayโ€”but we're always building relationships with exceptional engineers for upcoming projects. When the right project kicks off, we move fast. If your background is a strong fit, our team will reach out to start the process. We encourage you to apply and stay connected.

We are primarily seeking 1099 independent contractors at this time.

The Role

As a Staff Firmware Engineer at Dojo Five, you'll be a trusted technical leaderโ€”both for our clients and within our team. You'll tackle complex embedded systems challenges, guide architectural decisions, mentor engineers, and help set the standard for modern firmware development.

This isn't just a heads-down coding role. You'll engage directly with clients, lead projects end to end, and play an active part in shaping how Dojo Five grows.

What You'll Do
  • Set strategic direction for firmware best practicesโ€”for clients and for Dojo Five
  • Design, develop, review, and test firmware, products, and electronics
  • Define build systems, repository structures, and documentation standards
  • Lead projects: work breakdown, architecture, and delivery
  • Mentor and coach engineers; lead technical training
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to align on project goals and requirements
  • Represent Dojo Five's technical capabilities in client and sales discussions
  • Participate in recruiting, group interviews, and technical reviews
  • Contribute to branding, outreach, and marketing initiatives
  • Manage your time independently with accurate reporting
What We're Looking ForExperience
  • 10+ years of professional embedded systems development (15+ preferred)
  • 2+ years leading other developers (5+ preferred)
  • 3+ years of at least one of the following:
    • Customizing Embedded Linux via yocto, including board bring-up
    • Zephyr with STM32 or Nordic
Programming Languages
  • Required: C, C++, Python
  • Desired: Rust, Assembly (ARM, x86, PIC), VHDL, Verilog
Operating Systems
  • Desired: FreeRTOS, Zephyr, Embedded Linux (Yocto), Secure bootloaders
Protocols & Drivers
  • Required: UART/USART, I2C, SPI, BLE
  • Desired: CAN/CAN-FD, USB, Ethernet, WiFi, Cellular/LTE, Protobuf, MQTT, Flash
Processors
  • Required: Various ARM cores
  • Desired: Single, multi-core & heterogeneous SoCs; STM32, Nordic, NXP, SiLabs
Development Tools
  • Required: IDEs (VSCode, Eclipse, STM32CubeIDE), Docker/devcontainers, benchtop tools (oscilloscope, logic/protocol analyzers, power supplies, multimeter), Git, pytest, unit testing frameworks (Unity/CMock/Ceedling, Google Test/gMock), Agile (Scrum & Kanban), risk assessments
  • Desired: CI/CD pipeline configuration, CMake, binutils, serial consoles (minicom, screen)
You'll Thrive Here If You
  • Are passionate about best practices and modern development approaches
  • Communicate clearly and build trust with a wide range of stakeholders
  • Approach problems with curiosity, optimism, and kindness
  • Are a methodical thinker who can articulate trade-offs and lead others to good decisions
  • Prioritize outcomes over ego and lead through influence, not authority
  • Can take a client's visionโ€”often from non-embedded expertsโ€”and make it real
  • Are proactive: you spot risks early and come prepared with solutions
  • Enjoy both leading people and doing deep technical work
Our Values

Always Learning ยท Humble Confidence ยท Always Deliver ยท Push Boundaries ยท Give a Sh*t ยท Have Fun

Remote Work Requirements

Work must be performed from a secure, fixed location with reliable high-speed internet within the contiguous United States.

Interview Process

Our process is designed to see how you think and work.

  • Conversational interviews: No AI tools, reference materials, or outside assistance permitted. We want to hear your thinking.
  • Coding exercise: AI tools are welcomeโ€”with disclosure. We want to see how you work with them in practice.

All interview stages require video with camera on (no virtual backgrounds). Candidates must provide proof of US-based residence and verify identity prior to or during the process.

Equal Opportunity

Dojo Five provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any typeโ€”regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.