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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

ZeniMax Media

Senior Backend Programmer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$122K - $159K/yr

Bethesda Game Studios strives to offer its employees a well-balanced home and work life by ... In your role as Senior Backend Programmer , you will... * Help architect, build, and maintain cloud ...

The Nuclear Company

AI Engineer 1

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Responsibilities * Assist senior engineers in the design, development, and testing of software and ... Open-source contributions, hackathon or game jam participation. * Interest in nuclear energy ...

The Nuclear Company

AI Engineer 1

Washington, DC

$80K - $150K/yr

Responsibilities * Assist senior engineers in the design, development, and testing of software and ... Open-source contributions, hackathon or game jam participation. * Interest in nuclear energy ...

The Nuclear Company

AI Engineer 1

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Responsibilities * Assist senior engineers in the design, development, and testing of software and ... Open-source contributions, hackathon or game jam participation. * Interest in nuclear energy ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Annapolis Junction, MD

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Vienna, VA

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Annapolis, MD

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Tysons, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired)Bachelor's DegreeDEGREE (Focus)Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

Cymertek

Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

... Game Developer, Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Engineer, Robotics Software Engineer, etc. DEGREE (Level Desired) Bachelor's Degree DEGREE (Focus) Computer Science, Software Engineering ...

ZeniMax Media

Creature Animator (Outsourcing)

Rockville, MD · On-site

$70K - $155K/yr

You have experience working closely with AI programmers and Gameplay programmers, understanding the technicalities of game AI and game functionality Salary Range Creature Animator (Outsourcing) - The ...

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Gameplay Programmer information

See Washington salary details

$109.3K

$153.2K

$162.5K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Washington is $153,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,100.00 and $162,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Gameplay Programmer vs Game Developer?

AspectGameplay ProgrammerGame Developer
Primary FocusImplementing gameplay features, mechanics, and systemsDesigning, developing, and managing entire game projects
Skills & CredentialsProgramming skills, understanding of game engines, scriptingProgramming, design, project management, often with broader skill set
Work EnvironmentTypically within a development team, focused on coding and implementationVaries from coding to design, often in larger teams or studios

While both roles involve programming, Gameplay Programmers specialize in creating and implementing gameplay mechanics, whereas Game Developers oversee broader aspects of game creation, including design and project management. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the gaming industry.

What Is a Gameplay Programmer?

A gameplay programmer helps develop, document, test, and debug online or mobile game systems. Responsibilities include writing code with scripting languages such as C++, JavaScript, HTML, and Python; looking for ways to modify code; implementing functionalities such as controls, AI, and NPC behaviors within an established framework; and fixing design issues. They must communicate and work closely with other programmers to provide technical and creative feedback and meet project goals. Qualifications to become a gameplay programmer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a similar field and fluency in programming languages.

What does a Gameplay Programmer do?

A Gameplay Programmer is responsible for implementing the interactive elements of a video game, such as character controls, game rules, and mechanics. They work closely with designers and artists to turn creative concepts into playable features, ensuring that gameplay is both fun and functional. Their tasks often include writing code for player actions, AI behavior, and in-game systems, as well as debugging and optimizing game performance. Gameplay Programmers play a crucial role in shaping the overall experience and feel of a game.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Gameplay Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Gameplay Programmer, you need a strong background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like C++ or C#, and experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine. Familiarity with version control systems, debugging tools, and, in some cases, relevant certifications in game development is also valuable. Creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists to bring game mechanics to life. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, efficient, and high-quality gameplay experiences that meet both technical and creative goals.

How does a gameplay programmer typically collaborate with designers and artists during game development?

Gameplay programmers work closely with designers to translate creative concepts into interactive mechanics, implementing features such as controls, rules, and character abilities. They also collaborate with artists to ensure animations, visual effects, and assets integrate smoothly with the codebase. Regular communication, prototyping, and iterative testing are crucial, as gameplay programmers often participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide technical feedback to refine the player experience. This dynamic teamwork helps ensure that gameplay elements are both fun and technically feasible.
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Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,163 per year, or $73.6 per hour.

Innovation Engineer Mid-Level 112-007

IC-CAP LLC

Springfield, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Innovation Engineer (Mid):
Overall Assignment Description:
The contractor shall provide business process engineering; backlog management; assist with
innovation prioritization; editorial support to the Office of Venture Innovation (OVI); and guidance
on innovation strategic alignment across NGA. The contractor shall identify and assist NGA Pilots &
Prototype customers in providing expertise to navigate through the OVI Innovation Pipeline. The
contractor shall contribute toward management of all NGA Pilot & Prototypes to help formulate a
cloud-based centralized repository for leadership visibility, fact-based decision making on future
support or retirement, and influence process improvements. Assist in determining what is an
enterprise level function based upon entrepreneurial project maturity and strategic alignment. The
contractor shall act as a liaison with the NGA Integrated Program Offices (IPOs) and other capability
sustainment homes for transition into operations. The contractor shall build and maintain appropriate database(s) for process improvements to support pilots and prototypes.
Duties include:
  • Identify, build and maintain appropriate tracker database(s) in support of new innovation ideas, Pilots and Prototypes
  • Research, investigate and document Pilot & Prototype innovation roadblocks
  • Collaborate and leverage partnerships with IPO, KC, and Enterprise stakeholders to identify, define and capture specific mission focused problem areas and success criteria.
  • Maintain oversight and management of Pilots & Prototypes across the Agency
  • Assist with establishing an enterprise-wide application retirement and disposition process for non prioritized Pilots & Prototypes
  • Identify and document a PMs Guide to P&P System Retirement Process. The guide is expected to serve as a foundational document for NGA-wide standardization.
  • Ability to identify and communicate technical issues, possess excellent oral and written communication while interfacing with DoD clients and respective NGA Executive, Seniors, and Program Managers
  • Participate in the transition of applications to operations and decommissioning of applications across the infrastructure as they have reached the end of their life-cycle
  • Prepare and maintain project plans, project milestone reports, project status reports.
  • Assist in managing project meetings, project artifacts, and deployment deliverables andfacilitating problem triage calls.

Skills and Experience:
Required:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of NGAs organizational hierarchy and business functions (i.e. NERF, IPOs, KCs, Mission Alignment, and governance)
  • Demonstrated experience providing technical assessments of future NGA geospatial intelligence capabilities in a team environment to include being a Team Lead, Project Manager or Program Manager
  • Demonstrates Knowledge of Hybrid Cloud environments

Desired:
  • Demonstrated knowledge of NGAs Strategic Correspondence, Guiding Principles, and experience with the geospatial intelligence mission.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Lean Start Up methodologies and working knowledge of the NGA SIP, GEA 4.0, SOCs, etc.
  • Knowledge of the NGA Hybrid Cloud Strategy and environment.

Education and Experience:
  • 6 to 12+ years' experience
  • Bachelors Degree or 10+ years demonstrated experience and knowledge in geospatial intelligence functions, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Business Engineering or a field related to the duties defined above or equivalent work experience.

Security Clearance:
  • DoD Approved Clearance and Poly

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