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Video Game Programmer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

$184 - $357/hr

FlashDreams and FastGen are NVIDIA's core technologies for turning video models into real-time ... The work can enable autonomous-driving simulation, robot policy development and testing, game ...

New

$171 - $234/hr

... music, games, and live sports to more places around the world across a wider range of consumer ... Design and maintain security and audio/video real-time software on mixed-architecture embedded ...

$120 - $180/hr

At least one shipped piece of generative media in image, video, voice, or music that someone other ... Together, we build game-changing products that empower modern real estate entrepreneurs to dominate ...

New

$111 - $145/hr

Our services span collectible trading cards, autographs, comic books, coins, video games, event ... engineering exercises* Proven ability to translate business objectives into measurable goals and ...

$150 - $210/hr

... gaming, defense, and beyond. Odyssey's founders previously pioneered the most complex application ... Drive execution across research, applied engineering, and platform teams. * Translate user and ...

$150 - $200/hr

Drive execution with engineering partners across time zones, including a standing evening working ... Background in short-form video, webtoon, interactive fiction, or gaming a plus * Self-directed, low ...

$69 - $103/hr

All virtual interviews involve a scheduled video or phone call with a member of our team. * LRS ... Experience building real-time visualization or gaming applications. The base range for this ...

New

Software Engineer

Lexington, KY · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

That's why we help teams from all over the world see their game differently. Our products make it ... video, analyze data, share highlights and more. Ready to join us? Your Role We are looking for ...

Showing results 21-40

Video Game Programmer information

See Kentucky salary details

$9.6K

$80.5K

$150.7K

How much do video game programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for video game programmer in Kentucky is $80,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20,800.00 and $126,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a video game programmer?

Video game programmers are professionals who write the code that brings video games to life. They work closely with game designers, artists, and other team members to develop gameplay mechanics, graphics, artificial intelligence, and user interfaces. Their expertise in programming languages, such as C++ or C#, allows them to create the software backbone of a game. Video game programmers may specialize in areas like graphics, physics, networking, or tools development, depending on the needs of the project. They play a crucial role in turning creative ideas into functional and entertaining games.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Programmer, you need strong proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, or Java, a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, and often a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and debugging tools is typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top programmers apart. These competencies ensure the development of high-quality, engaging games that perform well and deliver an excellent user experience.

What are some common challenges video game programmers face when working on large development teams?

Video game programmers on large development teams often encounter challenges such as coordinating code integration, managing version control conflicts, and ensuring consistent coding standards across the project. Effective communication is essential, as programmers must frequently collaborate with artists, designers, and audio engineers to implement features and troubleshoot issues. Adapting to changing project requirements and tight deadlines can also be demanding, but strong teamwork and agile development practices help teams stay on track.

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

AspectVideo Game ProgrammerGame Developer
Primary RoleWriting code and implementing game featuresOverseeing entire game development process, including design and production
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), computer science degreesProject management, design skills, sometimes programming knowledge
Work EnvironmentGame studios, software companiesGame studios, independent teams, publishers
Industry UsageFocuses on coding and technical implementationBroader role including design, management, and coordination

While both roles are essential in game development, a Video Game Programmer primarily focuses on coding and technical implementation, whereas a Game Developer oversees the entire development process, including design and project management. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the gaming industry.

How to get a job as a video game programmer?

To become a video game programmer, develop strong programming skills in languages like C++ or C#, build a portfolio of game projects, and gain experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. A bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field is often required, along with knowledge of graphics, physics, and AI programming. Internships and networking within the gaming industry can also improve job prospects.

Is a video game programmer a good career?

A video game programmer is a specialized software developer who designs and implements code for video games, often requiring skills in programming languages like C++ and knowledge of game engines such as Unity or Unreal. The career offers opportunities in the gaming industry, but it can involve long hours and competitive job markets; success often depends on technical skills, creativity, and experience. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and programming, with potential for growth and specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Video Game Programmer jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Video Game Programmer jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Video Game Programmer jobs in Kentucky?

For Video Game Programmer jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Video Game Programmer jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Video Game Programmer jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Video Game Programmer jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Video Game Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Video Game Programmer job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,457 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Senior Research Engineer, Interactive World Models

NVIDIA Corporation

On-site

$184 - $357/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Nvidia rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

FlashDreams and FastGen are NVIDIA’s core technologies for turning video models into real-time world simulations. The stack spans model adaptation for faster generation and richer control, plus the execution layer that runs those models as responsive experiences. We develop and ship this technology in pursuit of generative worlds that people can explore and direct. The work can enable autonomous-driving simulation, robot policy development and testing, game worlds, medical simulation, and virtual training. As a Senior Research Engineer, you will lead engineering across model development and runtime systems, building capabilities and turning research into systems that work in real applications. We work across the world-model ecosystem, from emerging startups to established model labs. If you want to collaborate with leading researchers, shape a new computing platform, and ship AI capabilities with real-world impact, we would love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing:

Build and optimize the continuous autoregressive serving loop, including per-step control inputs, model and KV-cache state management, GPU inference, frame streaming, and model integrations to speed-of-light. Advance the production-ready world model frontier by working with researchers on few-step distillation, causal or autoregressive generation, reward fine-tuning, action conditioning, and long-horizon spatiotemporal memory and consistency. Lead end-to-end delivery of capabilities such as multi-user experiences and simulation workflows, from prototype through evaluation, integration, and release. Partner with applied researchers and domain teams to meet quality, performance, and reliability goals.

What we need to see:

Experience in one or more areas such as video or world models, diffusion and generative modeling, model distillation and adaptation, simulation, robotics, computer vision, or real-time, stateful ML systems. MS or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of equivalent experience in applied ML or research engineering. A record of advancing applied ML or ML systems through research, open-source software, patents, or deployed technology, including taking ambiguous ideas through thorough evaluation and release. Hands-on experience with Python, PyTorch and GPU-accelerated training, inference, performance optimization, or serving. Research and engineering judgment, with the ability to find practical solutions to open-ended problems and deliver reliable results within software and hardware constraints.

Ways to stand out from the crowd:

Experience with post-training generative video models, including distillation, self-forcing, action conditioning, or long-horizon memory. Experience building and optimizing real-time, stateful generative inference systems, including history and KV-cache management, GPU kernels, quantization, parallel execution, streaming, scheduling, or multi-user serving. Technical stewardship of an open-source ML project used by researchers or developers, with work spanning its architecture, APIs, model ecosystem, releases, maintainer practices, documentation, benchmarks, adoption, or community. Relevant ecosystems include vLLM, SGLang, FastVideo, LightX2V, Diffusers, FlashInfer, and comparable platforms.

With competitive salaries and a generous benefits package, we are widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most forward-thinking and hardworking people in the world working for us and, due to unprecedented growth, our exclusive engineering teams are rapidly growing. If you're a creative and autonomous engineer with a real passion for technology, we want to hear from you.

NVIDIA is widely considered to be one of the technology world’s most desirable employers. We have some of the most hard-working and talented people in the world working for us. If you're creative and passionate about developing cloud services we want to hear from you!

  • Your base salary will be determined based on your location, experience, and the pay of employees in similar positions.
  • The base salary range is 184,000 USD - 287,500 USD for Level 4, and 224,000 USD - 356,500 USD for Level 5.
  • You will also be eligible for equity and benefits.
  • Applications for this job will be accepted at least until August 24, 2026.
  • This posting is for an existing vacancy.

NVIDIA is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

As we highly value diversity in our current and future employees, we do not discriminate (including in our hiring and promotion practices) on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other characteristic protected by law.

NVIDIA pioneered accelerated computing.

Today, our AI infrastructure powers global intelligence, transforming every industry.

Learn more about NVIDIA.

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About Nvidia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NVIDIA has been transforming computer graphics, PC gaming, and accelerated computing for more than 25 years. It's a unique legacy of innovation that's fueled by great technology--and amazing people. Today, we're tapping into the unlimited potential of AI to define the next era of computing. An era in which our GPU acts as the brains of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can understand the world. Doing what's never been done before takes vision, innovation, and the world's best talent.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1993