1

Senior Game Developer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Senior Game Developer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$72.9K

$144.9K

$214.9K

How much do senior game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior game developer in Rio Rancho, NM is $144,912.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,700.00 and $165,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior game developer?

A Senior Game Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing game mechanics, systems, and features. They lead technical and creative aspects of game development, guide junior developers, and collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to ensure high-quality gameplay experiences. Their role often includes coding, debugging, performance optimization, and mentorship. Additionally, they contribute to architectural decisions, maintain best coding practices, and stay updated with industry trends.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior game developer?

As a Senior Game Developer, you are often responsible for designing core gameplay systems, writing and reviewing code, and ensuring technical quality across multiple components of the game. You will mentor junior developers, help establish development best practices, and work closely with artists, designers, and project managers to bring gameplay concepts to life. The role frequently involves troubleshooting complex issues, optimizing performance, and participating in strategic planning for current and future projects. Your work will have a significant impact on both the technical direction and overall success of the game, making collaboration and leadership important aspects of the job.

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

To thrive as a Senior Game Developer, you need extensive experience in programming languages (such as C++, C#, or Java), a deep understanding of game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), and a strong portfolio demonstrating completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), collaborative development tools (such as JIRA or Perforce), and relevant certifications add to your technical proficiency. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering polished games, driving innovation, and ensuring cohesive teamwork in a fast-paced industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Game Developer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Senior Game Developer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Senior Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Senior Game Developer job openings:

Cleared Early Career General Technologist - Digital and Quality Engineering, Onsite

Sandia

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$63K - $123K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with quality engineers and configuration management personnel to track and maintain redlines for technical work documents.

  • Review and update technical work documents such as assembly and testing procedures.

  • Monitor work practices and non-conformances, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.


Job description

About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
  • Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
  • Extraordinary co-workers
  • Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
  • Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
  • Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
*These benefits vary by job classification.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Member or Senior Level General Technologist for our Digital and Quality Engineering organization. The selected candidate will work with technical staff on quality assurance programs, procedures, and controls to ensure that performance and quality of products and services conform to standards such as IS9001 and AS9100. You will engage in project efforts that are highly collaborative and team oriented in nature, working directly with technologists, staff members, and production operators across centers.
The successful candidate will need to be self-directed, innovative, organized, and possess well-developed interpersonal communications skills.
On any given day, one may be called upon to:
  • Team with Quality Engineers and Configuration Management personnel to track and maintain redlines for technical work documents.
  • Review and update technical work documents such as assembly and testing procedures.
  • Monitor work practices and non-conformances; ensures that corrective actions are implemented
  • Work with engineers during new product or facility start-ups and implement key checkpoints for new products and processes
  • Accept or reject finished products and discuss inspection results with team
  • Review, maintain and process procedures and work instructions during and after builds or products or assemblies.

Due to the nature of work, this candidate must be able to work onsite. Some travel may be required.
Salary Range
$63,800 - $123,400
*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.
Qualifications We Require
  • High school diploma plus three years of related experience; or Associates degree in related field
  • Proficiency with Confluence and Microsoft software to include Word, Excel and SharePoint
  • An active DOE Q-clearance or DOD equivalent

Qualifications We Desire
  • Completed additional coursework beyond high school to enhance education and knowledge
  • Familiarity with programs delivering high value flight hardware
  • Familiarity with inventory control tools and processes
  • Proficiency with databases, including skills in tracking, organizing, and managing large quantities of data
  • Experience with mechanical or electrical hardware and documentation, i.e. schematics and drawings
  • Experience with verbal and written interpersonal communication within teams and with external stakeholders.
  • Familiarity and experience with PLM tools such as PDMLink and/or Aras
  • Ability to work effectively in secure environments

About Our Team
Center 5400's mission is in developing and demonstrating game-changing systems and technologies to solve our warfighters' most challenging, urgent and high-risk problems to defend our nation and defeat threats to National Security. We are a team based in solid technical quality skills and the ability to solve complex problems to meet mission success.
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
Security Clearance
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance to start, or equivalent active security clearance with another U.S. government agency (e.g., DOD). Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.