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Simulation Game Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Skild AI

Simulation Engineer

San Mateo, CA

We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds, including game development, CGI artistry ... Create new, specialized simulators optimized for high throughput, high fidelity data. * Work with ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

MANTECH

Simulation Developer

Quantico, VA

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

playstudios

Lead Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

Work with software engineers to test and verify game math model simulations using statistical ... Actively participate in the game development process, engaging the team and resolving issues

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Simulation Game Development information

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$67.6K

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How much do simulation game development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for simulation game development in the United States is $67,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $79,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will game devs be replaced by AI?

Simulation game developers use programming, design, and creative skills to create interactive experiences. While AI can automate certain tasks like asset generation or testing, human developers are essential for designing complex gameplay, storytelling, and ensuring quality. AI tools are more likely to augment rather than replace game developers entirely.

What is the difference between Simulation Game Development vs Simulation Software Development?

AspectSimulation Game DevelopmentSimulation Software Development
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fields; experience with game enginesDegree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields; expertise in simulation algorithms
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment companies, independent developersResearch labs, engineering firms, aerospace, or defense industries
Industry UsageVideo game industry, entertainment, educationProfessional simulation, training, engineering, scientific research
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Simulation Game Development focuses on creating interactive entertainment experiences using game engines and storytelling, while Simulation Software Development involves building specialized tools for training, scientific analysis, or engineering purposes. Both roles require programming skills and understanding of simulation principles but serve different end-users and industries.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

In simulation game development, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of its features or content. Developers often focus on optimizing this core 20% to improve gameplay experience efficiently, using project management tools and iterative testing to prioritize key elements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Simulation Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Simulation Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++ or C#), a solid understanding of mathematics and physics, and experience with game engines, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and possibly certifications in relevant software are highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for designing engaging simulations and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for building realistic, interactive experiences and ensuring the success of complex game development projects.

What is simulation game development?

Simulation game development is the process of designing, creating, and programming video games that replicate real-world activities or systems. These games often aim to mimic real-life scenarios, such as flying planes, managing cities, or running businesses, providing players with realistic experiences and decision-making opportunities. Developers use specialized software, physics engines, and detailed modeling to create immersive environments and mechanics. This field requires a blend of technical skills in programming, design, and sometimes subject matter expertise to accurately simulate the chosen scenario.

How much do game simulation programmers make?

Game simulation programmers typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions start around $50,000, while experienced developers with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in major tech hubs or with advanced knowledge of programming languages and game engines.

Is 30 too old to get into game dev?

Simulation game development is a field that values skills, experience, and a strong portfolio over age. Many developers start or transition into the industry later in life, and learning programming languages like C++ or Unity can help build relevant expertise regardless of age.

What are some typical challenges faced by simulation game developers when collaborating with subject matter experts?

Simulation game developers often work closely with subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure the accuracy and realism of their games. One common challenge is translating complex, real-world systems into engaging and accessible gameplay without oversimplifying key details. Effective communication between developers and SMEs is crucial, as developers need to balance technical constraints with the need for authenticity. Establishing clear expectations and maintaining regular feedback loops can help overcome these challenges, resulting in a more realistic and educational gaming experience.
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Simulation Game Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Simulation Game Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,601 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Simulation & Game Developer (Autonomous Systems)

Simulation & Game Developer (Autonomous Systems)

TurbineOne

Washington, DC • Remote

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE JOB

Company Intro:
 TurbineOne is the frontline perception company. We deliver decision advantage, better situational awareness, and stronger force protection. Our customers love how we automate the right portions of the military intelligence cycle while keeping them in the loop. The company is a small, fast-moving, and high-performance startup backed by the best DefenseTech venture capitalists.

Job Title: Senior / Principal, Simulation & Game Developer (Autonomous Systems)
Reporting to: Applied Robotics Engineering Manager
Location: Geographically flexible (remote-friendly)

Description

TurbineOne is looking for a senior/principal game developer to build an interactive simulation environment that brings our autonomous vehicle software to life. This role will focus on developing a "game-like" platform where both technical and non-technical users can design, run, and evaluate real-world scenarios involving aerial drones and autonomous maritime systems.

You will own the development of a simulation product that integrates our autonomy stack as the "agents" inside rich, physics-based environments. Leveraging platforms like Unreal Engine (AirSim) or Unity, you will create intuitive tools and immersive environments that enable rapid scenario testing, validation, and experimentation.

This is a highly cross-functional role at the intersection of game development, simulation, and robotics.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Own the design and development of a simulation platform that enables users to create and test real-world autonomous vehicle scenarios
  • Build immersive, physics-based environments using Unreal Engine (preferred, with AirSim) or Unity
  • Integrate TurbineOne's autonomy software into simulation environments as controllable agents
  • Develop intuitive tooling and UX that allows non-technical users to configure scenarios, define conditions, and evaluate outcomes
  • Create systems for scenario scripting, playback, telemetry visualization, and analysis
  • Collaborate closely with robotics engineers to ensure simulation fidelity and alignment with real-world vehicle behavior
  • Balance realism with usability-build simulations that are both technically meaningful and easy to interact with
  • Be a product owner-define and drive the vision for simulation capabilities; there are no tickets to crunch here
  • Dream big-prototype, experiment, and iterate quickly on new ideas for how simulation can accelerate autonomy development and testing
Desired Experience
  • 5+ years of experience in game development, simulation engineering, or interactive 3D application development
  • Strong experience with Unreal Engine (preferred) or Unity, including physics systems and environment creation
  • Experience building tools or systems for user-generated content (e.g., level editors, scenario builders, modding tools)
  • Familiarity with simulation frameworks such as AirSim, Gazebo, or similar is a strong plus
  • Experience integrating external systems or APIs into game engines (e.g., networking, real-time data, control systems)
  • Understanding of enemy AI, complex scripting behaviors or other NPC mecahnics
  • Strong sense of UX for interactive tools-especially for non-technical users
  • Experience working through ambiguity and shaping early-stage products
  • Bonus: familiarity with robotics concepts (ROS, MAVLink, etc.) or prior work in simulation for autonomy
Startup Culture Expectations
  • We're a small, fully remote team-everything is our responsibility
  • Our team thrives on autonomy, trust, and strong communication
  • You'll be expected to take full ownership of your domain-from idea to implementation
  • Comfort with constant change, fast iteration, and learning by doing is essential
  • We value builders who experiment, share failures openly, and push toward impactful solutions
  • Most startups fail-no one is coming to save us, and that's what makes this fun

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