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Unity Game Developer Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Gameplay Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$78.39 - $202.90/hr

What the Role Entails Lightspeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic gameplay engineer to ... Unity. * Experience with game console hardware. * Understanding of game asset pipelines.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$116.20 - $269.10/hr

Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers, designers, artists, and QA to explore and ... as Unreal or Unity. * Experience with game console hardware. * Understanding of game asset ...

Senior Mission Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$93.10 - $216.70/hr

Work with programmers to ensure that implemented content functions as intended. * Playtest missions ... Proficiency in using game development tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar. * Excellent ...

Lead VFX Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Work with the Art Directors and art teams to ensure artistic unity across the game * Create real-time visual effects to enhance environments, characters, and combat * Work with designers, engineers ...

Lead Environment Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$174.80 - $221.82/hr

... engineering, and other teams to ensure environment art integrates seamlessly with gameplay and ... Unity. * Understand performance optimization, PBR workflows, UV layouts, and world-building ...

Unity Game Developer information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$34.9K

$116.4K

$193.2K

How much do unity game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for unity game developer in Irvine, CA is $116,431.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,500.00 and $133,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Unity game developer?

A Unity Game Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing games using the Unity engine. They write code in C#, implement game mechanics, work with assets like animations and physics, and collaborate with designers and artists. Their role also includes debugging, performance optimization, and ensuring a smooth player experience across different platforms, such as PC, mobile, and consoles.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Unity game developer?

Unity Game Developers typically spend their days designing, coding, and testing gameplay features, integrating art and audio assets, and identifying as well as fixing bugs within the Unity engine. They often collaborate with designers, artists, and other programmers to ensure that all game elements function harmoniously and meet design specifications. Daily work may also include optimizing game performance, attending team meetings to discuss project updates, and reviewing feedback to continuously improve the game's quality. This collaborative and iterative workflow helps bring creative visions to life while maintaining technical excellence and schedule alignment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Unity game developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Unity Game Developer, you need strong skills in C# programming, 3D/2D game development concepts, and a solid understanding of computer graphics and physics, often supported by a degree in computer science, game development, or a related field. Familiarity with the Unity engine, version control systems like Git, and experience with debugging and optimization tools are typically required, and Unity certifications can be an asset. Creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills, as is the capacity to communicate ideas clearly within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure efficient and innovative game development, timely project delivery, and smooth collaboration in dynamic, iterative environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Unity Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA?

The most popular types of Unity Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Unity Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA?

For Unity Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Unity Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Unity Game Developer jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Unity Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Unity Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Unity Game Developer job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,431 per year, or $56 per hour.

Gameplay Engineer II

Lightspeed Studios

Irvine, CA • On-site

$78.39 - $202.90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the Hiring Team

Welcome to Lightspeed LA, the first U.S.-based, AAA game development studio for Tencent Games. Lightspeed LA is focused on building open‑world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player‑driven gameplay, and mature, thoughtful storytelling. We are developing the first in a series of genre‑defining titles.

Why join Lightspeed LA?
  • We encourage the showing of work that’s still in progress.
  • We don’t attack or question unfinished work; we celebrate its promise.
  • We have a No Blame Culture where we blame the problem, not the person. This is a safe place to fail, and we don’t view failure as a negative, but as the natural result of pushing boundaries and trying new things.
  • We create together.
  • We face challenges together.
  • We succeed together.
What the Role Entails

Lightspeed LA is seeking a talented and enthusiastic gameplay engineer to join our new studio in sunny Irvine, California. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for games and solving ambitious technical and creative problems. Join us and help build a team and culture of mutual respect and passion that pushes boundaries while having lots of fun!

Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and support quality gameplay systems and features.
  • Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers, designers, artists and animators to explore and identify needs and opportunities.
  • Cultivate strong cross‑disciplinary working relationships based on honesty and transparency.
  • Author lean, high‑performance, maintainable code.
  • Actively profile and optimize the gameplay features.
  • Participate in the testing and documentation of game systems.
  • Help build and maintain an open and energetic team culture.
Who We Look For
  • Passion and enthusiasm for creating fun and engaging gameplay through iteration and innovation.
  • 3+ years of professional game programming experience.
  • Experience bringing a large‑scale game title to completion on PC and consoles.
  • Expert in C++, debugging, and 3D math.
  • Enjoy working closely with creative and technical team members.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Value lean, simple, efficient, well‑tested code.
Preferred
  • Experience working either AAA proprietary engines or third‑party engines like Unreal and Unity.
  • Experience with game console hardware.
  • Understanding of game asset pipelines.
  • Knowledge of animation, physics or game AI.
Why Join Us?

Location: Irvine, California.
Expected base pay range: $78,390.00 to $202,900.00 per year. Benefits include sign‑on payment, relocation package, restricted stock units, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off (15–25 vacation days, 13 holidays, 10 sick days). All benefits may be adjusted based on location, employment status, tenure and level.

Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent

As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

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