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Indie Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $159K/yr

Job Summary : Elsewhere is hiring an Engineering Lead to write code, build infrastructure, and ... You're well-versed in everything from modern indie and AAA hits to the old school pioneers that ...

Developer Relations Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$125K - $180K/yr

More than one million developers, from indie researchers to teams running frontier models in production, use Runpod to experiment, train, fine-tune, deploy, and scale AI on one platform. The platform ...

VP, Engineering

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$212K - $273K/yr

... , DevOps. This leader will drive the architectural vision, delivery excellence, and technical culture behind our consumer subscription products and our growing B2B indie label business. A core ...

Senior Developer Advocate

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$150K - $200K/yr

More than one million developers, from indie researchers to teams running frontier models in production, use Runpod to experiment, train, fine-tune, deploy, and scale AI on one platform. The platform ...

The Unity Engineer Role: We are looking for an experienced game engineer with strong C# and Unity ... small indie studio: close-knit, with high ownership and flexibility. You're excited about the ...

Showing results 21-40

Indie Developer information

What is an indie developer?

Indie developers are individuals or small teams who create, design, and publish software, most commonly video games, without the financial support of a large company or publisher. They are known for their creative freedom, experimental ideas, and unique approaches to game development. Indie developers often handle multiple aspects of production themselves, including coding, art, marketing, and distribution. This allows them to innovate and take risks that larger studios might avoid, but it can also mean limited resources and smaller budgets. The rise of digital distribution platforms has made it easier for indie developers to reach global audiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an indie developer?

To thrive as an Indie Developer, you need strong programming skills, a solid understanding of game or app design principles, and ideally a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing completed projects. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal), version control systems (like Git), and possibly publishing platforms is often required. Creativity, self-motivation, and problem-solving abilities help Indie Developers stand out, as they often work independently or in small teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for independently bringing a project from concept to completion and successfully navigating the challenges of self-publishing.

What are some common challenges indie developers face when working independently and how can they be managed?

Indie developers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple roles (e.g., programming, art, marketing), limited budgets, and maintaining motivation over longer development cycles. Balancing creative freedom with practical business considerations can be difficult, as can building visibility for their games in a crowded market. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to set clear milestones, seek collaboration through online communities, and utilize free or low-cost development tools. Regularly sharing progress and networking with other developers can also provide valuable feedback and support.

What is the difference between Indie Developer vs Game Developer?

AspectIndie DeveloperGame Developer
CredentialsOften self-taught or with informal trainingTypically holds a degree in computer science, game design, or related fields
Work EnvironmentIndependent, small teams or solo projectsLarge studios or companies, collaborative teams
Industry UsageUsed for solo or small-scale game projectsUsed broadly across all game development levels
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on independent, self-published gamesEncompasses all professional game development roles

Indie Developers are typically independent creators working solo or in small teams, often self-funding and self-publishing their games. Game Developers, on the other hand, usually work within larger studios or companies, following structured development processes. While both roles involve game creation, Indie Developers emphasize independence and smaller projects, whereas Game Developers may work on larger, commercial titles within a team environment.

How much do indie developers make?

Indie developers' earnings vary widely based on experience, project success, and platform, with many earning from a few thousand dollars annually to six-figure incomes for successful titles. Income often depends on skills in game design, programming, marketing, and distribution channels like app stores or digital marketplaces.

Is indie game development a good career?

Indie game development as a career involves creating and publishing games independently, often requiring skills in programming, design, and marketing. It can be rewarding but also competitive and financially uncertain, with success depending on creativity, persistence, and market understanding.
Infographic showing various Indie Developer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Cybersecurity Engineer III with Security Clearance

San Diego, CA • On-site

Mount Indie, LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 10 employees

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Mount Indie is seeking a Cybersecurity Engineer III to support the NIWC PAC Information Technology Management Support Services contract. The Cybersecurity Engineer III will be responsible for supporting Assessment and Authorization (A&A) accreditation efforts. This role maintains cybersecurity monitoring operations, performs triage to assess the scope and impact of incidents, identifies vulnerabilities, and recommends remediation strategies. The role requires in-depth knowledge of the Risk Management Framework. 100% onsite Key Responsibilities: • Test and apply security controls based on security categorization, the application of overlays (privacy, classified, intel, etc.) and security control tailoring (AI, NOFORN, etc.). • Conduct active and passive reconnaissance of data, with the ability to assess and author Plans of Milestones and Actions (POA&Ms) containing accurate and verifiable mitigation statements, milestone tracking, and applying to the most relevant security control. • Development of comprehensive required A&A documentation, including System Security Plan (SSP), Security Assessment Plan (SAP), Security Assessment Reports (SARs), etc. • Adherence to the eMASS scheduled tasking within the accreditation cycle, including Quarterly Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), quarterly STIG checks, Annual Security Review (ASR), monthly POA&M updates, and resubmission for ATO, ATC, IATC and IATT as applicable. • Maintenance of DISA circuit connections (CCSDs), inheritance from accredited systems and cloud service providers, and the workflow schedule on accreditations. Requirements Clearance Level: Secret Certification IAM II One of the following: CAP CASP CISM CISSP (or Associate) GSLC Required Qualifications: • 10+ years of experience in cybersecurity or incident response. • Certifications preferred: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Skills & Competencies: • Cybersecurity Monitoring and Incident Response • Security Testing, Auditing, and Remediation • Data Analytics and Risk Assessment • Proficiency with IT Security Software and Web Security Tools