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Gameplay Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Game Plan Tech

DevOps Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$55 - $75.25/hr

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm that helps government teams access innovative technologies. They are seeking a DevOps Engineer with expertise in Google Cloud Platform ...

Game Plan Tech

Security Engineer / ISSE

Washington, DC · On-site

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 ...

Game Plan Tech

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 ...

Varsity Tutors

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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Alexandria, 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Bowie, 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Washington, DC · 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.

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Laurel, 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.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGameplay Engineer JobsGameplay Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Gameplay Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$91.7K

$164.6K

$232.1K

How much do gameplay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay engineer in Washington, DC is $164,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,300.00 and $195,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a gameplay engineer do?

A Gameplay Engineer designs, implements, and optimizes game mechanics, player interactions, and core gameplay systems. They collaborate with designers, artists, and other engineers to bring engaging experiences to life. Their role involves coding in game engines like Unity or Unreal, debugging issues, and ensuring smooth gameplay. They may also work on AI behavior, physics, and animations to enhance immersion. Strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in languages like C++ or C# are essential.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a gameplay engineer?

To thrive as a Gameplay Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages such as C++ or C#, a solid understanding of game development principles, and a degree in computer science or related fields. Experience with popular game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine and familiarity with source control tools are typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are crucial for building engaging gameplay features, ensuring technical quality, and working efficiently with designers and artists.

How much does a gameplay engineer make?

A gameplay engineer's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills in game development tools can earn higher salaries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Gameplay Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Gameplay Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Gameplay Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Gameplay Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Gameplay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $164,572 per year, or $79.1 per hour.

Game Systems Programmer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, and improve real-time software systems that support simulation, interactive 3D visualization, scenario execution, and training.

  • Build performance-sensitive software for engine systems involving runtime state, physics models, data flow, networking, input, visualization, or simulation control.

  • Integrate game engines, simulation frameworks, physics models, data sources, and external tools into reliable interactive capabilities.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 75 rated research

Job description

Description
Are you skilled in C++, game-engine systems, real-time simulation, or performance-sensitive software?
Do you enjoy debugging hard runtime problems and building interactive 3D capabilities that run reliably under real constraints?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.
We are seeking a game systems programmer to help us build advanced training and simulation capabilities for critical national security challenges. You'll join a multidisciplinary team creating game-engine-based tools for scenario execution, physics modeling, visualization, experimentation, and mission planning. This is an opportunity to apply the craft of systems programming to technical problems that matter beyond a product cycle.
As a Game Systems Programmer...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to design, develop, test, and improve real-time software systems that support simulation, interactive 3D visualization, scenario execution, and training.
  • You will build performance-sensitive software for engine systems involving runtime state, physics models, data flow, networking, input, visualization, or simulation control.
  • You will integrate game engines, simulation frameworks, physics models, data sources, and external tools into reliable interactive capabilities.
  • You will profile, debug, and improve software across CPU, GPU, memory, networking, latency, load time, and real-time frame-budget constraints.
  • You will contribute to runtime systems, tools, automated tests, data pipelines, debugging utilities, and workflows used by engineers and analysts.
  • You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teammates to understand user needs, communicate technical tradeoffs, and deliver software that supports training, experimentation, analysis, and mission planning.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, computer engineering, game development, physics, mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • Have 1+ years of professional software development experience in game-engine systems, real-time simulation, visualization, interactive tools, robotics, extended reality, or related performance-sensitive software.
  • Have experience developing clear, maintainable C++ software for real-time, interactive, simulation, engine, or other performance-sensitive applications.
  • Have experience debugging and improving software using profilers, logs, traces, debuggers, memory tools, frame captures, or similar diagnostic techniques.
  • Have experience with systems programming areas such as memory management, multithreading, job systems, networking, streaming, serialization, asset loading, resource management, platform abstraction, physics integration, rendering integration, tools, build systems, or data pipelines.
  • Are willing and able to travel occasionally for meetings, demonstrations, integration events, or partner engagements.
  • Are able to obtai Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have experience as a systems programmer, engine programmer, platform programmer, rendering programmer, tools programmer, physics programmer, networking programmer, or core technology programmer in the game industry.
  • Have experience with Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary, in-house, open-source, or custom real-time 3D engine technology.
  • Have experience with physics modeling, distributed simulation, multiplayer networking, state synchronization, deterministic simulation, scenario systems, terrain systems, geospatial visualization, or simulation-based training systems.
  • Have experience building tools, asset pipelines, debugging utilities, automated tests, build systems, or workflows used by engineers, analysts, designers, artists, or other technical users.
  • Hold an active Secret clearance.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$195,000 Annually

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