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Junior Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Applied Scientist, AWS GameTech Cortex

Seattle, WA · On-site

$104.10K - $142.30K/yr

... junior applied scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence Stay current with the latest research in machine learning, gaming analytics, and related fields ...

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Junior Gameplay Programmer information

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How much do junior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for junior gameplay programmer in the United States is $26.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Junior Gameplay Programmer job?

A Junior Gameplay Programmer is an entry-level role in game development focused on implementing and maintaining gameplay mechanics. They work closely with designers, artists, and senior programmers to bring gameplay features to life, using programming languages like C++ or C#. Responsibilities may include writing scripts, debugging, optimizing performance, and integrating assets. They typically work within a game engine such as Unity or Unreal Engine. This role helps build technical and problem-solving skills while gaining experience in game development workflows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Junior Gameplay Programmer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Gameplay Programmer, you need proficiency in programming languages such as C++ or C#, a solid understanding of game development principles, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, version control systems (e.g., Git), and a portfolio showcasing interactive projects are typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn will help you excel in dynamic game development environments. These skills and qualities are critical for efficiently creating engaging gameplay features, troubleshooting issues, and contributing effectively to collaborative projects.

What does a typical day look like for a Junior Gameplay Programmer?

A typical day for a Junior Gameplay Programmer involves collaborating closely with designers and artists to implement and tweak gameplay features, writing and testing code, and fixing bugs or gameplay issues. You may participate in daily stand-up meetings, review code with senior developers, and iterate on prototypes based on team feedback. The work is dynamic and often requires balancing coding tasks with creative problem-solving. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll regularly communicate and coordinate to ensure that all game mechanics work seamlessly within the overall design. This hands-on experience provides a great opportunity to learn best practices and grow into more advanced programming roles.
What cities are hiring for Junior Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Junior Gameplay Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Gameplay Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Gameplay Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Junior Gameplay Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Junior Gameplay Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 51% Physical, 44% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,068 per year, or $27 per hour.
Junior Game Designer (Unreal Engine)

Junior Game Designer (Unreal Engine)

Akima, LLC

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Akima rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

206th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Pinnacle Solutions is looking for a passionate and motivated Game Designer to join our virtual development team. The ideal candidate has a foundational understanding of game design principles, and a strong desire to learn and grow in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter, have a can-do attitude, and be willing to take ownership and help grow the capabilities of our growing engineering team. This position will provide an opportunity to apply academic and professional experience to the creation of serious games. Daily work will require experience in the Unreal game engine and the ability to learn custom frameworks, toolsets, and workflows.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with artists, software engineers, and other game designers to implement gameplay features.
  • Work in a fast-paced environment with quick turnaround times.
  • Follow development standards using proprietary development tools.
  • Debug and resolve bugs, performance issues, and gameplay inconsistencies.
  • Review other game designers' work & provide constructive feedback in accordance with our development standards.
  • Participate in regular development reviews and team meetings. Stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Game Design/Development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Knowledge of 3D game mechanics.
  • Proficiency with the Unreal Game Engine.
  • Proficiency in Unreal Blueprints.
  • Experience in AR/VR development.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical skills and attention to detail are a must.
  • Ability to work in a team and take constructive feedback.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Must be a US Citizen with ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

Desired Qualification:
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git).
  • Experience with Unreal UI Widgets.
  • Experience creating plugins for Unreal.
  • Familiarity with C++.
  • Basic knowledge of multiplayer logic.
  • Familiarity with agile development workflows.
  • Experience in the Lua scripting language.
  • Unity and C# experience.
  • Familiarity with Atlassian products (e.g. Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket, etc.).
  • Experience with working on government contracts.
  • One or more shipped titles.

Job ID
2026-21617
Work Type
Hybrid
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Pinnacle Solutions, an Akima company, is not just another federal contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At Pinnacle Solutions, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, Pinnacle Solutions provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, Pinnacle Solutions delivers comprehensive services for general construction and renovation, as well as civil and marine construction.
As a Pinnacle Solutions employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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