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Game Developer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm helping government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented engineering ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Rockville, MD · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Video Game Design Tutor

Fairfax, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Video Game Design Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Senior Security Engineer / ISSE Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Security Engineer to ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$63.25 - $84.50/hr

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Location - Washington, D.C. Role Overview We're seeking an ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$63.25 - $84.50/hr

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer Location - Washington, D.C. Role Overview We're seeking an ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

Monitors Engineering Performance and coordinates with engineering managers and technical leads as it pertains to respective projects at Game Plan Tech * Communicates effectively with Program Manager ...

Monitors Engineering Performance and coordinates with engineering managers and technical leads as it pertains to respective projects at Game Plan Tech * Communicates effectively with Program Manager ...

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development, or a related technical field * Minimum of 7 years of software development experience focused on simulation or game-based ...

Showing results 21-40

Game Developer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$33.8K

$112.8K

$187.3K

How much do game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for game developer in Reston, VA is $112,848.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game developer?

As a game developer, you write the code for video game software. Your code, combined with the work of other developers, brings video games to life on computers and gaming consoles. Your responsibilities are to design core game features and to collaborate with a team of other developers, graphic designers, and artists. Your job duties include game testing, debugging, and production in all aspects of gaming—player character creation, non-player characters, backgrounds, and gameplay. Being a gamer yourself gives you a solid understanding of the importance of game mechanics and storytelling.

What does a game developer do?

A game developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, or mobile devices. Their work involves coding, testing, and debugging game software, as well as collaborating with artists, designers, and other team members to bring a game concept to life. Game developers may specialize in areas like gameplay programming, graphics, or artificial intelligence, and often use game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine to build their projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game developer?

To thrive as a Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in C++, C#, or Java), a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems, and sometimes certifications in these platforms are commonly required. Creative problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for building engaging, technically robust games and collaborating successfully within multidisciplinary development teams.

What are some common challenges game developers face when working on large team projects?

Game developers working on large team projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating across multiple disciplines (programming, art, design, audio), ensuring clear communication, and managing dependencies between different parts of the game. Balancing creative vision with technical constraints and deadlines can also be demanding. Adapting to shifting priorities and integrating feedback from playtesting are key aspects of the collaborative process, making strong teamwork and flexibility essential in this role.

What is the difference between Game Developer vs Game Designer?

AspectGame DeveloperGame Designer
Primary RoleProgram and build game mechanics, code, and softwareDesign game concepts, storylines, and gameplay experiences
Skills & CertificationsProgramming languages (C++, C#), software developmentCreative design, storytelling, game design tools
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding environments, software studiosDesign teams, creative studios, collaborative spaces
Industry UsageUsed across game studios for technical implementationUsed for conceptualization and gameplay design

While both roles are essential in game development, Game Developers focus on coding and technical implementation, whereas Game Designers craft the gameplay experience and story. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration in the gaming industry.

Is a game developer a good career?

A game developer creates video games and typically requires skills in programming, design, and software tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The field offers opportunities for creativity and growth, but it can also involve long hours and competitive job markets. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those passionate about gaming and technology.

What jobs can a game developer do?

A game developer can work in roles such as game programmer, game designer, level designer, graphics programmer, or technical artist. They often collaborate with artists, sound designers, and project managers, and may specialize in areas like mobile, console, or PC game development using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Developer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Game Developer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Developer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Developer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Game Developer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Game Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Developer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,848 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Software Engineering Manager

Game Plan Tech

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm helping government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a Software Engineering Manager to lead a talented engineering team, contribute to technical discussions, mentor developers, and foster a positive team culture.
Responsibilities:
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of software engineers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Actively participate in technical discussions, design reviews, and architectural decisions, providing insightful contributions and guidance.
• While you won't be expected to be on the critical path for coding at all times, you should be able and willing to write and review code to contribute and effectively guide your team.
• Collaborate with product managers and other stakeholders to define project roadmaps and ensure timely delivery of high-quality software.
• Champion best practices in software development, including code quality, testing, and continuous integration/delivery.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones, provide constructive feedback, and support the career development of your team members.
• As a key leader, your competence will directly contribute to the job satisfaction and performance of your team, a factor we consider more impactful than salary.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Proven experience in a senior software engineering role with a track record of technical leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team of engineers. We are looking for someone who has likely 'worked their way up' and can, if necessary, 'do the employee's job'.
• Strong technical background with expertise in current technology stack e.g., Python, React, GCP, etc.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage in deep technical discussions with your team.
• A firm belief in the importance of a manager's technical competence and a passion for creating a work environment where engineers can thrive.
• Experience with agile development methodologies.
Company:
Game Plan Tech provides cloud and AI engineering services for government digital modernization initiatives. Founded in 2023, the company is headquartered in Reston, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.