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Junior Game Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SRE Lead

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$63.25 - $84.25/hr

Drive chaos engineering and game-day exercises to validate fault tolerance * Architect resilient ... Mentor junior engineers and foster SRE culture across teams Required Skills * Akamai CDN - edge ...

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Prior experience in leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers *The exact job level ...

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Prior experience in leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers *The exact job level ...

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Prior experience in leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers *The exact job level ...

As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to ... Prior experience in leading technical projects and mentoring junior engineers *The exact job level ...

Senior Software Engineer, Geometry

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, fostering a culture of high ... 3D game engines or real-time geometry applications. * Technically Proficient: Highly skilled in ...

Showing results 41-60

Junior Game Developer information

See California salary details

$23.7K

$87.8K

$135.7K

How much do junior game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior game developer in California is $87,810.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $85,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior game developer do?

A Junior Game Developer is responsible for assisting in the creation and development of video games. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced developers, helping with tasks such as coding, debugging, and testing game features. Their duties may also include collaborating with artists and designers, learning new programming tools, and implementing small components of a game. This role serves as an entry point into the gaming industry, allowing individuals to gain valuable experience and grow their skills.

What does a junior game developer do?

A junior game developer is another name for an entry-level game developer who assists experienced game developers with video game software design, creation, and testing. In this position, you learn your responsibilities and duties under the supervision of an expert game developer who teaches you the skills you need for the job. This includes tasks like coding games, designing graphics, developing a game for a specific gaming console or computer operating system, and testing the game for bugs. You also help create and optimize testing programs and processes to ensure that each game meets a company’s standards for its final products.

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

To thrive as a Junior Game Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages like C++ or C#, familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal, and a relevant degree or coursework in computer science or game development. Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) and a basic grasp of 2D/3D asset integration are typically required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and a willingness to learn new technologies help set candidates apart in collaborative environments. These skills ensure efficient contribution to game projects, adaptability to evolving tools, and effective communication within development teams.

What are some common challenges faced by junior game developers when working on a team project?

Junior Game Developers often encounter challenges such as adapting to collaborative workflows, understanding version control systems (like Git), and communicating effectively with designers, artists, and senior developers. Navigating code reviews and integrating feedback can also be daunting at first, but these experiences are invaluable for skill development. Over time, learning to balance creativity with project deadlines and technical constraints becomes an essential part of growth in this role.

What is the difference between Junior Game Developer vs Game Programmer?

AspectJunior Game DeveloperGame Programmer
Required SkillsBasic programming, game design fundamentals, teamworkAdvanced programming, software development, coding expertise
Experience LevelEntry-level, internships, or 1-2 yearsTypically 2+ years, specialized coding experience
Work EnvironmentGame studios, indie developers, collaborative teamsDevelopment teams, technical departments in gaming companies
Common UsageAssisting in game development, learning coding practicesWriting game code, optimizing performance, debugging

While both roles involve programming in game development, a Junior Game Developer focuses on learning and supporting various aspects of game creation, whereas a Game Programmer specializes in coding, performance optimization, and technical implementation. The Junior Game Developer is ideal for those starting their careers, while the Game Programmer requires more advanced technical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Game Developer jobs in California?

For Junior Game Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Game Developer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Game 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, with an average salary of $87,810 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Front-End/UI Engineer - Egofold (Junior to Mid-Level)

Snail Games USA

Culver City, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design and implement user interfaces for interacting with AI agents, simulation tools, and system outputs

  • Translate complex system state (agent reasoning, memory, perception) into clear, usable visual representations

  • Build responsive, real-time Front-End & UI components for monitoring and controlling agents


Job description

Location: Los Angeles Area (Hybrid)Salary: $100,000 – $150,000 Annually

About Snail Games USA

Snail Games strives to create the new high bar for gameplay experience in online gaming. We have been a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment since 2009 and are committed to pushing the boundaries of the industry.

About Egofold

Egofold is an AI initiative within Snail Games focused on building a modular AI “brain” ecosystem for NPC intelligence, real-time perception systems, and simulation tooling across multiple game projects.

About the Role

We are seeking a Front-End/UI Engineer to design and build the interfaces through which users interact with Egofold’s agent systems. This includes internal tools for developers and designers, as well as future user-facing systems for configuring and controlling AI agents.

This role is not focused on static UI implementation alone. You will help define how complex AI systems—such as agent state, memory, decision-making, and training workflows—are exposed in intuitive, usable ways. The goal is to make powerful systems understandable and controllable.

Responsibilities
  • Design and implement user interfaces for interacting with AI agents, simulation tools, and system outputs

  • Translate complex system state (agent reasoning, memory, perception) into clear, usable visual representations

  • Build responsive, real-time Front-End & UI components for monitoring and controlling agents

  • Collaborate closely with Tools, AI, and Systems engineers to define workflows and user interactions

  • Contribute to design decisions around usability, clarity, and interaction models

  • Iterate on interfaces based on internal usage and feedback

Minimum Requirements
  • Strong experience building modern UIs (web or desktop) using frameworks such as React, Vue, or similar

  • Ability to design intuitive interfaces for complex or technical systems

  • Experience working with real-time data or interactive systems

  • Strong understanding of UX principles and usability

  • Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript and frontend architecture

Nice to Have
  • Experience building tools for developers, designers, or technical users

  • Familiarity with game engines, simulation tools, or AI systems

  • Experience visualizing complex system state (graphs, timelines, debugging tools)

  • Interest in human-AI interaction or agent interfaces

Why Join the Studio Sirens Team?

  • True focus on work/life balance

  • Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave

  • Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD

  • 401k with company match

Work Authorization Requirements

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future (including H-1B).

Additional Information

As part of the Company’s activities in video game development, publishing, and short-form video content creation, certain projects, discussions, or creative materials may include themes, visuals, language, or subject matter that some individuals could find mature, violent, sexual, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature (collectively referred to as “Mature Content”). Examples may include, but are not limited to, depictions or descriptions of combat, violence, adult themes or relationships, suggestive or satirical humor, or strong language. Employees are expected to engage with such material in a professional and creative context as part of their job duties.