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Associate Gameplay Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

OneArc

Customer Success Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Associate's degree or equivalent practical work experience * Simulation Knowledge: Demonstrated ... Game Development: Practical experience with game design or development in any capacity. * Issue ...

OneArc

Customer Success Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Associate's degree or equivalent practical work experience * Simulation Knowledge: Demonstrated ... Game Development: Practical experience with game design or development in any capacity. * Issue ...

Oneida Technical Solutions

LMR Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Department of Defense (DoD), healthcare, higher education, law enforcement, retail, casino gaming ... Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA-Security),* GIAC, Security Essentials ...

Censeo Consulting Group

Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$116K - $140K/yr

Master's Degree in business, engineering, education, social science or related field The Location ... game nights. The Fine Print: * The salary range is between $116,000 - $140,000 for this role

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All JobsAssociate Gameplay Engineer JobsAssociate Gameplay Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

Associate Gameplay Engineer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$84.6K

$151.8K

$214.1K

How much do associate gameplay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate gameplay engineer in Springfield, VA is $151,831.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,200.00 and $180,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and tasks can an associate gameplay engineer expect to work on within a game development team?

As an Associate Gameplay Engineer, you will typically be involved in implementing and refining gameplay features, such as player controls, game mechanics, and interactive elements under the guidance of senior engineers and designers. Your daily responsibilities may include writing code for character actions, prototyping new gameplay systems, and collaborating with artists and designers to ensure features are both functional and engaging. You'll often participate in team meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot bugs, and iterate on feedback. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with game engines and development tools, laying the foundation for advancement into more senior engineering roles.

What is an associate gameplay engineer?

Associate Gameplay Engineers are entry-level software developers who work on implementing and refining the interactive elements of a video game. They collaborate with designers, artists, and senior engineers to create gameplay features, mechanics, and systems that make games engaging and fun. Their responsibilities often include coding, debugging, and optimizing game logic under the guidance of more experienced team members. This role typically requires a solid foundation in programming (often C++ or C#), problem-solving skills, and a passion for gaming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate gameplay engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Gameplay Engineer, you need a solid grasp of programming languages such as C++ or C#, a degree in computer science or related field, and a passion for game development. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and version control systems such as Git is typically required. Strong problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication help you collaborate with designers and other engineers. These skills are crucial for creating engaging gameplay experiences and ensuring smooth integration of features within game projects.

What is the difference between Associate Gameplay Engineer vs Gameplay Programmer?

AspectAssociate Gameplay EngineerGameplay Programmer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; some experience or internshipBachelor's or higher in Computer Science; more experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, collaborative teams within game development studiosMid-level to senior teams, often with more complex project responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across gaming companies for entry rolesCommonly used for experienced roles but also for mid-level positions
Comparison Search IntentYesYes

The main difference between an Associate Gameplay Engineer and a Gameplay Programmer lies in experience and responsibility level. The Associate role is typically entry-level, focusing on learning and supporting gameplay features, while the Gameplay Programmer often has more experience and handles more complex tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used across gaming studios, but the Gameplay Programmer usually takes on more advanced responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Gameplay Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA? For Associate Gameplay Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Gameplay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Gameplay Engineer job openings in Springfield, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,831 per year, or $73 per hour.

STE - Principal Software Engineer with Security Clearance

BlueForce Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$152K - $204K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description BlueForce Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer in support of HQ USAF Sponsored or Supported Wargaming The Principal Software Engineer will conduct activities to plan, execute, manage, and analyze throughout all phases of HQ USAF wargames including concept development, objective analysis, assessment planning, game design, event planning, management and execution, and post-game analysis. Primary locations are Joint Base Andrews, MD, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and The Pentagon. ***Position is Subject to Contract Award*** Duties and Responsibilities : * Oversees and manages development of software and database applications to support wargame design, execution, and analysis. * Provides systems engineering expertise to meet wargame-related IT requirements. * Advises and supervises IT engineers, software developers, and associates and coordinates with Data Analysts. * Advises and recommends solutions to AF Wargaming leadership. * Manages design, development, and implementation of IT solutions. * Advises and manages research & development to continuously improve wargame infrastructure (software, hardware). * Manages LAN development, deployment, and maintenance for wargame execution. * Oversees and directs ISSM and ISSO functions. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: * TS/SCI active security clearance. * Bachelor's degree with a minimum of fifteen (15) years of related software development experience and developing technical tools. * Experience and working knowledge of: Object-oriented programming languages, such as C# or Java Web servers JavaScript, JavaScript-based libraries such as jQuery, and other front-end frameworks for web development Full-stack Web Application frameworks Object-relation mapping frameworks such as Entity Framework of Hibernate Database servers such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, or MySQL Integrated Development Environments such as Microsoft Visual Studio or Eclipse Code versioning systems Error logging modules and handlers Microsoft SharePoint development tools Instant messaging services Multimedia production and editing tools Microsoft IT management tools such as Active Directory, Group Policy, HyperV, backup and restore tools, DNS, and KMS Analysis and geospatial tools such as ESRI Server * Have extensive experience in Information Systems Security (ISS) as an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) or Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO). * Excellent communication skills in terms of writing and presenting briefings. Desired Qualifications: * Military wargame experience.

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