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Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Kent, OH (NOW HIRING)

Scientific Games

Systems Engineer

Glenwillow, OH · On-site

Scientific Games: Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and ... The Operations Engineer will play a key role in ensuring the stability, performance, and ...

Scientific Games

Systems Engineer

Glenwillow, OH · On-site

Scientific Games: Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and ... The Operations Engineer will play a key role in ensuring the stability, performance, and ...

Scientific Games

Senior Network Engineer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$113K/yr

Scientific Games: Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and ... Position Summary Network Engineer: Operates company's internal data communications systems. Plans ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Cleveland, OH · 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

Akron, OH · 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.

AXS

Manager, Software Engineering - B2B

Cleveland, OH · On-site

We're passionate about improving the fan experience and providing game-changing solutions for our ... Lead and manage a team of 6-8 engineers, with a focus on coaching, mentorship, performance ...

Varsity Tutors

Computer Programming Tutor

Cleveland, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes logical thinking and systematic debugging skills and connects programming to web development, data science, game design, and automation applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Varsity Tutors

Computer Programming Tutor

Akron, OH · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes logical thinking and systematic debugging skills and connects programming to web development, data science, game design, and automation applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

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All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsGameplay Programmer Jobs in Kent, OH

Gameplay Programmer information

See Kent, OH salary details

$88K

$123.3K

$130.8K

How much do gameplay programmer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for gameplay programmer in Kent, OH is $123,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,600.00 and $130,400.00 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.
More about Gameplay Programmer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Gameplay Programmer jobs in Kent, OH?

For Gameplay Programmer jobs in Kent, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Gameplay Programmer job openings in Kent, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,305 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Systems Engineer

Scientific Games

Glenwillow, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Scientific Games rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 15 rated gambling companies

Job description

Scientific Games:
Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and technology, and the partner of choice for government lotteries. From cutting-edge backend systems to exciting entertainment experiences and trailblazing retail and digital solutions, we elevate play every day. We push game designs to the next level and are pioneers in data analytics and iLottery. Built on a foundation of trusted partnerships, Scientific Games combines relentless innovation, legendary performance, and unwavering security to responsibly propel the global lottery industry ever forward.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Operations Engineer to join our team. This individual will be responsible for providing ongoing support and maintenance of 24x7 real-time transaction processing platforms. The Operations Engineer will play a key role in ensuring the stability, performance, and reliability of the platform, performing troubleshooting, system monitoring, and process optimization. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and strong communication skills to handle production support and work with cross-functional teams. We are looking for a dedicated, problem-solving-oriented Operations Engineer with a passion for ensuring system reliability and performance. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited about supporting critical transaction systems, we encourage you to apply!
Primary Job Functions:
  • Production Support: Provide Tier 1 and 2 production support for real-time transaction processing platforms, troubleshooting issues, managing system health, and coordinating with Tier 3 Support, development and QA teams for resolution. Support onsite during a 24x7 on call rotation to Scientific Games Lottery and Interactive based production systems. New system implementation including builds, system performance analysis, and integration testing. Provide onsite support during system implementations and system overhauls.
  • System Monitoring & Maintenance: Continuously monitor system performance, including database health, server utilization, and transaction flow to ensure optimal uptime and reliability of the platform. Install and configure operating systems, and manage their lifecycles (Windows, Linux - Ubuntu, RedHat and Python). Schedule and Install Windows and Linux operating system patches. Manage SSL certificates.
  • Automation & Scripting: Automate common tasks using Bash scripting, Ansible, and Python to improve operational efficiency and reduce manual intervention.
  • Incident Management & Troubleshooting: Quickly diagnose and resolve issues related to system performance, database optimization, transaction failures, or server anomalies. Investigate root causes of problems and implement preventative measures. Monitor server performance to identify problems and adjust to improve performance.
  • Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with other engineering and operations teams (e.g.Tier 3, UAT testers, QA, and developers) to resolve platform issues and implement enhancements. Provide technical documentation and detailed status updates to stakeholders. Liaison between Lottery customer operations and SG Development groups.
  • Database Management: Perform routine database maintenance tasks (such as query optimization and backups) and troubleshoot PostgreSQL database-related issues.
  • Performance Tuning: Identify areas of performance bottlenecks and implement tuning strategies to ensure the platform can scale to meet growing transaction volumes.
  • Documentation & Reporting: Maintain clear and concise documentation for troubleshooting steps, platform configurations, and process automation. Prepare regular reports on system performance, incidents, and resolutions. Prepare Technical Documentation. Communicate technical incident details to business customers. Create, maintain, and update troubleshooting procedures, knowledge base articles, and technical bulletins.
  • Handles user access and identity management tasks related to SAML-based SSO. This includes onboarding new users, granting or revoking access to specific applications or services, troubleshooting access-related issues, and ensuring that user identities are accurately synchronized and mapped between the identity provider and service providers to facilitate seamless and secure authentication.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications/Skills
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Proficiency in Bash scripting and Ansible for automation and troubleshooting.
    • Strong understanding of Ubuntu Linux, including system administration and configuration.
    • Hands-on experience with PostgreSQL for database queries, optimization, and issue resolution.
    • Competence in Python for scripting, debugging, and automation tasks.
    • Knowledge and experience in working with infrastructure virtualization (VMWare) and Storage Area Networks (SAN)
  • Support Experience:
    • Minimum 2 years of experience in a Tier 2 or similar technical support role.
    • Proven ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
  • Problem-Solving:
    • Analytical mindset with the ability to approach problems methodically and propose innovative solutions.
    • Experience working with system logs, monitoring tools, and debugging processes.
    • Demonstrated ability to work and prioritize with minimal direct supervision
  • Communication:
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and user interactions.
    • Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical users.

Desired Qualifications/Skills
  • Education: Associate degree in a related field of study required; bachelor's degree preferred
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (Private Cloud, AWS, GCP, or Azure).
  • Knowledge of containerization tools (e.g., Podman or Docker) and orchestration platforms (e.g., Kubernetes).
  • Experience with monitoring tools (e.g., Zabbix, Prometheus, New Relic or similar).
  • Familiarity with Git and version control systems.
  • Windows Server (2022) administrative experience
  • Experience with Postgres, SQL Server, MySQL and/or Oracle
  • Ability to create scripts in Python, Bash, Linux, PowerShell or other language
  • Relevant certifications, such as Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC) or PostgreSQL certifications.
  • Excellent system and network troubleshooting skills
  • Hands-on experience implementing Windows and Linux Server based server architectures
  • Experience in the lottery and gaming industry would be considered a strong asset

Compensation
$110,000 + 5% annual bonus
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, use hands, operate a computer, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer and business equipment.
Work Conditions
Scientific Games, LLC and its affiliates (collectively, "SG") are engaged in highly regulated gaming and lottery businesses. As a result, certain SG employees may, among other things, be required to obtain a gaming or other license(s), undergo background investigations or security checks, or meet certain standards dictated by law, regulation or contracts. In order to ensure SG complies with its regulatory and contractual commitments, as a condition to hiring and continuing to employ its employees, SG requires all of its employees to meet those requirements that are necessary to fulfill their individual roles. As a prerequisite to employment with SG (to the extent permitted by law), you shall be asked to consent to SG conducting a due diligence/background investigation on you.
This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive; it is intended to identify major responsibilities and requirements of the job. The employee in this position may be requested to perform other job-related tasks and responsibilities than those stated above.
SG is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. If you'd like more information about your equal employment opportunity rights as an applicant under the law, please click here for EEOC Poster.

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