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Freelance Game Simulation Programmer Jobs in Virginia

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate ... Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps ...

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA

$85K - $141K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate ... Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps ...

Senior M&S Systems Developer (SME)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with game engines adapted for military simulation * Cloud architecture experience (AWS, Azure) * DevOps and CI/CD pipeline experience * PMP or technical architecture certifications ...

Senior M&S Systems Developer (SME)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with game engines adapted for military simulation * Cloud architecture experience (AWS, Azure) * DevOps and CI/CD pipeline experience * PMP or technical architecture certifications ...

Senior M&S Systems Developer (SME)

Norfolk, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with game engines adapted for military simulation * Cloud architecture experience (AWS, Azure) * DevOps and CI/CD pipeline experience * PMP or technical architecture certifications ...

Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the ... Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team ...

Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the ... Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team ...

Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the ... Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team ...

Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the ... Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team ...

... gaming technology to life-saving use. Our mission? To enable the most realistic and effective ... You have 3+ years professional experience (or an advanced degree) in model and simulation ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Game Simulation Programmer information

What is the difference between Freelance Game Simulation Programmer vs Freelance Game Developer?

AspectFreelance Game Simulation ProgrammerFreelance Game Developer
Primary FocusCreating realistic simulations and physics models for gamesDesigning, coding, and implementing overall game features and mechanics
Skills & CredentialsProgramming, physics, mathematics, simulation software knowledgeProgramming, game design, UI/UX, storytelling
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often collaborating with artists and designersEnd-to-end game development, often solo or small teams
Industry UsageUsed in simulation-heavy games, VR, AR, training appsUsed across all game genres and platforms

While both roles involve programming skills, a Freelance Game Simulation Programmer specializes in creating realistic physics and simulation models, whereas a Freelance Game Developer handles the overall game design and development process. The choice depends on whether your expertise is in simulation technology or broader game creation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Simulation Programmer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Game Simulation Programmer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Game Simulation Programmer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Game Simulation Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Game Simulation Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Wargame Developer

ManTech

Quantico, VA • On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Description & Requirements
Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now-protect and innovate with MANTECH!

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA. 

Join the vanguard of the Marine Corps Wargaming Division as we modernize the decision environment. In this role, you will be instrumental in assisting with the transition from traditional wargaming into a high-fidelity digital future, ensuring that our nation's senior leaders have the most sophisticated tools and insights to shape future force design.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Design and produce high-quality physical player aids and reference guides while leading their evolution into interactive digital interfaces.
  • Develop, operate, maintain, and archive simulation databases using government-provided M&S tools to enhance both tabletop and digital exercises in preparation and during wargame execution.
  • Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate complex digital tools during wargame execution, translating technical outputs into real-time "so-what" narratives for senior level decision makers.
  • Bridge the gap between analog play and digital environments, evangelizing the capability and utilization methods of new tools to help the customer reach digital maturity.
  • Assist the analysts in developing tools to capture player decisions and telemetry across both formats, ensuring analysts have robust data for post-game reconstruction.
  • Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps capabilities while remaining intuitive and "playable" for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to gameplay.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years' experience in wargaming, military modeling and simulation, or military operations.   A minimum of 10 years of related experience in lieu of degree.
  • Proficiency with graphic design and layout software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Power Point, etc.) to produce professional-grade player aids and products.)
  • Capacity to quickly learn, master, and operate new software-based modeling and simulation tools.
  • Experience developing player-facing products, reference guides, or game mechanics manuals.
  • Ability to provide examples of product development work (I.e. reference guides, branded materials, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with the transition from analog tabletop exercises (TTX) to integrated digital environments.
  • Experience with government-provided simulation tools such as AFSIM, Command PE, or similar platforms.
  • Prior experience supporting the Marine Corps or other Federal wargaming entities.
  • The ability to conduct research and capture detailed data inputs needed for game fidelity and coordinating with intel branches to capture detailed data for game play.
  • Familiarity in government and commercial game engines

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must have a current and active TS/SCI clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able and willing to perform occasional manual labor and warehouse duties, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

The projected compensation range for this position is $85,000.00-$141,600.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.  In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation.  MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

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