ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Game Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$78K - $102K/yr

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer Job Type: Contractor Location: Remote Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models ...

American Golf

Junior Golf Instructor

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$50/hr

... game and the communities around it. We bring deep expertise in golf operations and club culture ... Job Purpose The Junior Golf Instructor supports the delivery of the junior golf program by ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

Work with AI programmers to develop foundational NPC technology and implementing and tuning enemy ... Mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth of the design team What skills you ...

Roblox

Software Engineer, Communications

San Mateo, CA · On-site

You will work with various teams (Game Engine, Safety, ML platform) and products including backend ... Able to write clear design specs, mentor junior engineers, and guide projects from beginning to end

Cloud Chamber

Senior Rendering Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

You'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers including our Lead Rendering Engineer ... Mentor junior engineers. What We'll Do Together: At Cloud Chamber, we are champions of high ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Programmer JobsJunior Game Programmer JobsJunior Game Programmer Jobs in California

Junior Game Programmer information

See California salary details

$7

$26

$46

How much do junior game programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior game programmer in California is $26.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $32.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a junior game programmer?

As a Junior Game Programmer, you'll usually work under the guidance of senior developers to implement gameplay features, debug code, and write or maintain scripts. Your day-to-day tasks may involve collaborating with artists, designers, and other programmers to ensure game mechanics work as intended and integrating assets or supporting tools into the project. You might also assist in optimizing code for performance and testing new features or fixes. This role provides an excellent opportunity to learn industry best practices and gradually take on more complex responsibilities as you gain experience.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a junior game programmer?

To thrive as a Junior Game Programmer, a solid understanding of programming languages such as C++ or C#, along with a relevant degree or proven coding experience, is essential. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills will help you stand out. These capabilities ensure you can contribute to complex projects, adapt to a collaborative development environment, and support the overall game creation process.

What is a junior game programmer?

A Junior Game Programmer is an entry-level role in game development, responsible for coding and implementing gameplay features, fixing bugs, and assisting senior developers. They work with game engines, scripting languages, and development tools to bring game mechanics to life. Common tasks include writing code for player interactions, AI behavior, or UI elements. Junior programmers collaborate with designers, artists, and other team members to ensure smooth game functionality. This role is a great starting point for those looking to grow their skills and advance in the game development industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Junior Game Programmer jobs in California? For Junior Game Programmer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Game Programmer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Game Programmer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Junior Game Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Junior Game Programmer job openings:
Junior Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Game Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,334 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

YO AI Labs

San Francisco, CA • Remote

$78K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Cocos2d-x Junior Game Developer

Job Type: Contractor

Location: Remote

Job Summary: In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Develop and refine game logic, mechanics, and features using Cocos2d-x for prototype and production-level projects.
  2. Collaborate closely with the customer's team to provide high-quality real-world input for AI training processes.
  3. Create, modify, and troubleshoot game assets and scenes to support a diverse set of training objectives.
  4. Test, debug, and optimize Cocos2d-x code to ensure robust and efficient gameplay experiences.
  5. Document code and processes thoroughly, ensuring clarity for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  6. Engage in open, clear written and verbal communication to report project status and challenges.
  7. Work iteratively in response to feedback, consistently improving deliverables for AI development needs.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  1. Solid knowledge of Cocos2d-x and hands-on experience with 2D game development workflows.
  2. Strong problem solving and troubleshooting abilities in a game development context.
  3. Experience collaborating remotely with distributed teams in a fast-paced environment.
  4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on clear, concise updates and documentation.
  5. Ability to follow technical specifications and adapt to evolving project requirements.
  6. Understanding of game design principles and player experience optimization.
  7. Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to grow within a dynamic AI training environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  1. Experience working on projects for AI training or data generation purposes.
  2. Familiarity with additional game engines or programming languages.
  3. Background in collaborating with AI or machine learning specialists.