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Video Game Testing Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Automation Architecture - Design, build, integrate, and evolve novel automated gameplay testing ...

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... Automation Architecture - Design, build, integrate, and evolve novel automated gameplay testing ...

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... testing across 2K's game studios. This is a hands-on engineering role with growing technical ...

Associate Producer

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... and testing coordination * Partnering with our Sports Business Unit internally, ensuring our ...

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of ... and testing coordination * Partnering with our Sports Business Unit internally, ensuring our ...

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in ... while testing their performance and iterating quickly * Lead end-to-end lifecycle of complex ...

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in ... while testing their performance and iterating quickly * Lead end-to-end lifecycle of complex ...

Product Marketing Manager

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$180K/yr

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in ... Lead consistent funnel testing efforts to improve user acquisition efforts: A/B test creative ...

Product Marketing Manager

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$180K/yr

Who We Are At 2K, we create some of the most iconic and culture-shaping video games in ... Lead consistent funnel testing efforts to improve user acquisition efforts: A/B test creative ...

Video Game Testing information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$6

$16

$31

How much do video game testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for video game testing in Santa Rosa, CA is $16.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Video Game Tester, you need strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and a good understanding of gaming platforms and software, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with bug tracking tools such as JIRA, test case management systems, and knowledge of various gaming consoles and PC hardware are commonly required. Excellent communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help testers report issues clearly and collaborate effectively with development teams. These skills ensure thorough game evaluation, efficient issue resolution, and improved overall game quality before release.

What is the difference between Video Game Testing vs Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectVideo Game TestingQuality Assurance Tester
CredentialsBasic gaming knowledge, sometimes certifications in testingSame as game testing, often with QA certifications
Work EnvironmentGame studios, testing labs, remote optionsGame studios, software companies, QA departments
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming industryBroader software industry, including gaming
Job FocusFinding bugs, gameplay issues, reporting defectsEnsuring overall quality, process compliance, bug tracking

Video Game Testing and Quality Assurance Tester roles share many credentials and work environments, with game testing focusing more on bug identification during gameplay, while QA testers oversee broader quality processes. Both roles are essential in the gaming industry for delivering polished products.

What is video game testing?

Video game testing is the process of playing video games in order to identify bugs, glitches, and other issues before the game is released to the public. Testers play through different levels, follow specific test cases, and report any problems they encounter to the development team. The goal is to ensure the game is as polished and bug-free as possible, providing a better experience for players. Video game testers often work closely with developers and may test on various platforms such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices.

What are some common challenges faced by video game testers, and how can they be addressed?

Video game testers frequently encounter challenges such as repetitive tasks, tight deadlines, and the need to document bugs in precise detail. It can also be demanding to play unfinished or buggy builds for extended periods, which requires patience and a keen eye for detail. Effective communication with developers and other testers is essential to ensure issues are clearly understood and prioritized. Building strong time management skills and maintaining a collaborative attitude helps testers overcome these challenges and contribute to a smoother game development process.
What are popular job titles related to Video Game Testing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Video Game Testing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Video Game Testing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Video Game Testing jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Video Game Testing jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Video Game Testing job openings:
Infographic showing various Video Game Testing job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,734 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Lead Software Engineer - Automation

2K Vegas

Novato, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K's portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today's most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.
Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K's portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBAยฎ 2K, renowned BioShockยฎ, Borderlandsยฎ, Mafia, Sid Meier's Civilizationยฎ and XCOMยฎ brands; popular WWEยฎ 2K and WWEยฎ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOURยฎ 2K
At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don't meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!
What We Need
As a "Lead Software Engineer - Automation" within Shared Development Services' Automation team, you will play a critical role in accelerating game delivery across 2K's Game studios. You will focus on the design, build, and execution of automation frameworks to enhance game quality and streamline development workflows.
By building and integrating automation software, you will be helping game developers deliver some of the most ambitious titles in the industry. You will work at crossroads of game technology and engineering excellence. You will partner with studio technologists to drive adoption of intelligent automation.
This role balances significant hands-on technical contributions with the responsibility to mentor peers in automation technology. If you are passionate about the technical challenges of AAA game production and want to build the infrastructure that empowers thousands of creators, this role offers the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the future of 2K. Extra points for developers who are eager to explore how LLMs can improve the science of software delivery.
What You'll Do
  • Automation Architecture - Design, build, integrate, and evolve novel automated gameplay testing frameworks that support multiple high-profile game projects.
  • Workflow Acceleration - Identify developer friction points and proactively integrate automation to streamline automation and testing lifecycles.
  • Cross-Studio Collaboration - Partner with leaders in Engineering. QA. and Production at world-class development studios to integrate shared Automation services into their unique game development environments.
  • Pipeline Optimization - Manage and optimize high-concurrency CI/CD pipelines to ensure rapid iteration and stable build delivery for global teams.
  • Tools R&D - Research and apply LLM-based tooling to accelerate development and automation workflows and improve testing efficiency.

What Will Make You A Great Fit
  • Software Engineering - 6+ years of experience in software engineering. Proven track record of delivering automation or tools solutions.
  • Game Development - 2+ years working with modern game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Godot, Unity) or large-scale proprietary internal engines. Experience through multiple stages of the game development lifecycle preferred
  • Language Proficiency - Expertise in at least one compiled language (e.g., C#, C++, Go, Rust, Java, etc) and one scripting language (e.g., Python, Bash, etc).
  • CI/CD Integration - Deep experience managing and scaling CI/CD systems (e.g., TeamCity, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or similar pipeline orchestration tools).
  • Test Automation - Demonstrated craft in writing and maintaining automated tests at each layer of the test pyramid, including unit, functional, integration, load, and end-to-end tests.
  • Communication Skills - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse stakeholders.
  • LLM Application - A strong curiosity and demonstrated experience in using Large Language Models to assist in code generation, review, or documentation.

Beneficial Qualifications
  • Cross-Team Enablement - A history of developing self-service tools from within a central technical team, serving as a technical integration partner for multiple internal teams.
  • In-Engine Feature Development - Core game-dev experience, (e.g, Gameplay, Systems, Graphics, Physics, etc) is useful in understanding game-team needs and technical requirements
  • Cloud Infrastructure - Familiarity with cloud-based services (e.g., AWS) and their application in distributed build or automated testing environments.
  • Unreal Engine - Experience with Unreal Engine and the Unreal ecosystem (e.g., Blueprints, Horde, Gauntlet, UBA, etc.)
  • Performance Automation - Exposure to performance profiling tools and the automation of performance regression detection in large-scale software.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $133,900 and $214,300 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.