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Game Server Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Principal Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$108 - $195/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$108 - $195/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Server. Experience with Python. Experience designing complex systems, considering performance and ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Lead Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87 - $157/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Lead Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$87 - $157/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Senior Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... SQL Server. * Experience with Python. * Experience designing complex systems, considering ... Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.

Showing results 41-60

Game Server Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$47.1K

$100.8K

$144.7K

How much do game server engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for game server engineer in Virginia is $100,833.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game server engineer?

Game Server Engineers are specialized software developers responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the backend infrastructure that powers multiplayer and online features in video games. They work on server-side logic, networking, scalability, and security to ensure smooth gameplay experiences for players worldwide. Their role often involves collaborating with game developers, network engineers, and QA teams to implement features like matchmaking, leaderboards, and real-time multiplayer interactions. Game Server Engineers are crucial for ensuring stability, low latency, and the ability to handle large numbers of concurrent users.

How does a game server engineer typically collaborate with game designers and client developers during the development process?

Game Server Engineers work closely with both game designers and client developers to ensure seamless integration between server-side logic and client-side gameplay. They regularly participate in cross-functional meetings to discuss game mechanics, network protocols, and synchronization requirements. Effective communication with designers helps translate gameplay ideas into robust server features, while collaboration with client developers ensures data consistency and smooth player experiences. This teamwork is crucial for maintaining game stability and delivering new features efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game server engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Server Engineer, you need strong programming skills—typically in languages like C++, C#, or Java—along with a solid understanding of network protocols and real-time multiplayer systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), database management, version control systems, and experience with game engines or dedicated server frameworks are common technical requirements. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you efficiently diagnose issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These competencies are crucial for building scalable, reliable, and engaging online gaming experiences.

What is the difference between Game Server Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectGame Server EngineerNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, networking, or related field; experience with server management and game protocolsBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentGame development studios, online gaming companies, cloud serversIT departments, telecom companies, data centers
Industry UsagePrimarily in gaming and entertainmentBroad across IT, telecommunications, and enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve network infrastructure, a Game Server Engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and optimizing servers specifically for online gaming platforms. In contrast, a Network Engineer manages broader network systems across various industries. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but focus on different end-user applications and network types.

What are popular job titles related to Game Server Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Game Server Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Server Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Server Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Game Server Engineer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Game Server Engineer job openings:

Lead Software Engineer

Leidos

Arlington, VA • On-site

$87K - $157K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 494 rated business services


Job description

We are seeking an experienced Lead Software Engineer to join our team in developing the forefront of unmanned and autonomous ship development for the US Government. Based in Arlington, VA, you will be embedded within an Agile Scrum team - designing, building, and testing software that powers some of the nation's most critical maritime programs. The candidate will help to lead projects of significant national importance, guiding the transformation of existing vessels into autonomous platforms and supporting the development of new ships from concept through deployment.
What You'll Work On:
Our software portfolio spans the full spectrum of autonomous maritime operations, including:
  • Ship Automation & Control Systems
  • Autonomous Navigation
  • Sensor Fusion & Processing
  • Communication Systems
  • Modeling & Simulation for verification and software testing

Primary Responsibilities
  • Analyze, design, code and update software for new features and performance improvements.
  • Participate in the full software development lifecycle, from requirements and design through implementation, testing, and deployment.
  • Serve as technical lead for small projects, providing direction and ensuring technical quality.
  • Mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering professional growth and elevating team capabilities.
  • Perform peer reviews of software, ensuring quality, maintainability, and adherence to best practices.
  • Drive continuous process improvement, collaborating with the team to optimize workflows, tools, and engineering practices.
  • Assist with evaluating field tests, analyzing results and transitioning findings into actionable software enhancements.
  • Engage directly with client project stakeholders, communicating technical progress, risks, and solutions effectively.
  • Some travel (up to 25%) to support field testing, client engagements, and program milestones.

Basic Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or STEM field plus 4+ years of professional software development experience, or 2+ years of professional experience with a Master's degree.
  • Understanding of data structures.
  • Professional experience using C++ and Linux.
  • Knowledge of the Linux operating system.
  • Experience with software source control and configuration management tools.
  • Significant experience working in a team environment, including experience providing guidance and coaching other developers
  • Exposure to one or more of the following: high availability, sensor fusion, target tracking, path planning, communications systems, or military systems integration.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with the Atlassian tool suite (Jira, Confluence)
  • Familiarity with automated build processes (Bamboo, Jenkins, etc.)
  • Professional experience using Java and front-end development frameworks.
  • Knowledge and experience with relational databases such as Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, or Microsoft SQL Server.
  • Experience with Python.
  • Experience designing complex systems, considering performance and user requirements.
  • Experience with interface communication standards / protocols such as TCP/IP, UDP, and DDS.
  • Familiarity with game theory, artificial intelligence, petri nets, safety critical software.
  • Demonstrated experience with Docker and Kubernetes (RKE2) in containerization, Kubernetes management and automation technologies.
  • Experienced in designing, implementing, and analyzing simulations involving extensive datasets, ensuring efficient data processing and accurate modeling outcomes.
  • Proficient in applying vector geometry concepts for spatial analysis, modeling, and problem-solving in simulation environments.
  • Active Secret Security Clearance preferred

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
July 31, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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