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Game Programmer Intern Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Our Manassas, Virginia team has an opening for a microelectronics hardware engineering intern to ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

New

Technical Intern 3

Manassas, VA · On-site

$49K - $68K/yr

Our Manassas, Virginia team has an opening for a microelectronics hardware engineering intern to ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

Game Programmer Intern information

See Washington salary details

$12.5K

$104.9K

$196.5K

How much do game programmer intern jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for game programmer intern in Washington is $104,919.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,200.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game programmer intern?

A Game Programmer Intern is an entry-level position where you assist in developing and optimizing game code under the guidance of experienced programmers. Responsibilities may include coding gameplay mechanics, fixing bugs, and collaborating with designers and artists. Interns often work with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and use programming languages such as C++ or C#. This role provides hands-on experience in the game development process and helps build a strong foundation for a career in the industry.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as a game programmer intern?

As a Game Programmer Intern, you'll typically be assigned to small-scale features, bug fixes, or tools that support the main development team. You may work on tasks such as implementing gameplay mechanics, optimizing code, fixing bugs, or writing support scripts under the guidance of experienced programmers. Most internships involve close mentorship and regular feedback, ensuring you gain a solid understanding of game development workflows and collaborative practices. This hands-on experience allows you to build your technical skills, contribute to real projects, and prepare for a full-time role in the industry.

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

To thrive as a Game Programmer Intern, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as C++ or C#, foundational knowledge of computer science principles, and a strong interest in game development. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and basic debugging tools is highly beneficial. Effective problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and good communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for meaningful contribution to development teams, learning on the job, and successfully collaborating in fast-paced game studio environments.

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

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Washington are:

What job categories do people searching Game Programmer Intern jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Programmer Intern jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Game Programmer Intern job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,919 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Hardware Engineering Intern

BAE Systems

Manassas, VA • On-site

$49K - $68K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description

You don't see it, but it's there. Our employees work on the world's most advanced electronics - from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F-35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you'll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry's most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too.

Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first - exemplified by our missions: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®" and "We Innovate For Those Who Move The WorldTM." Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with us.

Our Manassas, Virginia team has an opening for a microelectronics hardware engineering intern to develop the most advanced radiation hardened computer processors, ASICs, and FPGAs to support our Space Systems line of business. We are seeking team players with strong interests in computer architecture, digital logic, VLSI, design verification, digital system testing, re-configurable computing, systems on a chip, or circuit board design.

You would be a member of the team whose products have been deployed in commercial, civil and national security space missions; including GPS, weather monitoring, satellite TV and radio, exploring the universe; most notably the Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. Additional work opportunities would include electronic warfare technology to deliver superior situational awareness, even in the most complex battlespace - defeating threats long before they can be seen. With this job, you will have the opportunity to be an integral part of developing hardware from concept to deployment.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

  • Working towards a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering
  • Must have a passion and desire to work in the field of Microelectronics
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Self-starter and a good team player
  • Ability to mentor and willingness to be mentored

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

  • Experience in leading a design team
  • Experience in hardware design and hands-on lab debug
  • Experience with generating scripts (Perl, Tcl, Python)
  • Working knowledge of C/C++
  • Experience in HDL Design / Development, including:
  • Ability to distill higher level requirements into micro-architecture
  • VHDL or Verilog HDL coding
  • Digital simulation using Modelsim/Questa or similar
  • Working knowledge of internal logic analyzer (ILA/chipscope/signaltap)
  • Experience and willingness for lab testing
  • Working towards an advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $49592 - $68993

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems

BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.


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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US