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Lead Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do We are seeking an experienced Lead Gameplay Engineer to direct gameplay teams within Rocket League. They will be responsible for leading the gameplay engineering team and collaborating ...

Templar Media

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Programmer at Templar Media, you'll be responsible for driving the technical vision and execution of gameplay systems across our projects. You'll work closely with design and art ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Programmer to drive core gameplay features and support collaborative development between programmers, designers, and artists, while building impactful experiences ...

Tencent

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$168K - $347K/yr

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$168K - $347K/yr

Work with and lead a gameplay engineering team to craft development of innovative gameplay content systems and experiences * Work with design and production and engineering leadership to manage the ...

Striking Distance Studios

Lead Gameplay Engineer

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$112K - $147K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Gameplay Engineer to guide a team in implementing various gameplay features and systems, ensuring high-quality game development. Responsibilities : • Lead a team of Gameplay ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you will be in a leadership role on a small and focused team, playing a critical role in driving current and future projects. You will be responsible for driving core ...

Rushdown Studios

Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$145K - $165K/yr

Our Role Rushdown Studios is looking for a Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer to join us in support of our partner studio! In this role, you'll develop and maintain a variety of gameplay features and ...

Rushdown Studios

Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer

$145K - $165K/yr

Our Role Rushdown Studios is looking for a Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer to join us in support of our partner studio! In this role, you'll develop and maintain a variety of gameplay features and ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

Bonfire is a group of experienced and ambitious developers, proud to be creating our first original ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

Bonfire Studios

Lead Gameplay Animator

Irvine, CA · On-site

Bonfire is a group of experienced and ambitious developers, proud to be creating our first original ... As our Lead Animator , you'll be accountable for how our game moves and how our animation ...

Side

Lead Generalist Programmer

Lead Generalist Programmer North America Side is a global game development partner helping studios bring games to life across co-development, art, audio, QA, player support, and more. We work ...

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Principal Gameplay Engineer, you will work within AGBO's Interactive team, with your focus ... Proven ability to define and lead technical architecture at a project or studio level. * Strong ...

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Lead Gameplay Programmer information

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$10

$54

$83

How much do lead gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead gameplay programmer in the United States is $54.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $68.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Lead Gameplay Programmer collaborate with designers and artists during game development?

A Lead Gameplay Programmer works closely with designers and artists to translate creative concepts into functional gameplay features. This often involves regular meetings to discuss design intentions, technical feasibility, and implementation plans. The Lead ensures that the programming team builds systems that align with the artistic vision and gameplay goals, often serving as a bridge between creative and technical departments. Effective communication and problem-solving are key, as the Lead must balance design desires with performance and production constraints.

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

To thrive as a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced proficiency in programming languages (such as C++ or C#), a solid understanding of game design principles, and experience with game development frameworks, typically supported by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and debugging tools is essential, and certifications in these tools are advantageous. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively guide a team and collaborate with designers, artists, and other engineers. These competencies enable the delivery of high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences while ensuring technical excellence and team cohesion.

What does a Lead Gameplay Programmer do?

A Lead Gameplay Programmer is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of gameplay features in a video game. They work closely with designers and other programmers to ensure that game mechanics are fun, functional, and meet the project's vision. In addition to writing code, they often lead a team of gameplay programmers, providing guidance, setting technical standards, and reviewing code. Their role is crucial in bridging the gap between creative ideas and technical execution, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience.

What is the difference between Lead Gameplay Programmer vs Gameplay Programmer?

AspectLead Gameplay ProgrammerGameplay Programmer
ResponsibilitiesOversees gameplay development, mentors team, designs core systemsDevelops gameplay features, implements mechanics, collaborates with designers
Required SkillsAdvanced programming, leadership, system designStrong coding skills, gameplay scripting, collaboration
ExperienceTypically 5+ years, leadership experience2-4 years, focused on gameplay coding
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project planningHands-on coding, feature implementation

The main difference between a Lead Gameplay Programmer and a Gameplay Programmer lies in scope and responsibility. The Lead oversees the entire gameplay development process, mentors team members, and makes high-level design decisions. In contrast, the Gameplay Programmer focuses on implementing specific gameplay features and mechanics under guidance. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the Lead also needs leadership and system design expertise.

More about Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs
What states have the most Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
Lead Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Gameplay Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% As Needed, 9% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, 40% Nights, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,323 per year, or $55 per hour.
Lead Gameplay Programmer

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
What You'll Do
We are seeking an experienced Lead Gameplay Engineer to direct gameplay teams within Rocket League. They will be responsible for leading the gameplay engineering team and collaborating and iterating with gameplay programmers, game designers, producers, and artists. They will play a critical role in feature development for Rocket League.
In this role, you will
  • Mentor and coach a team of gameplay engineers and be the primary hub of communication and information for other disciplines
  • Distill high-level feature requests into meaningful, actionable work items and delegate effectively to the team
  • Deliver core gameplay features efficiently and on time, and speak up when the team is over- or under-scoped
  • Lead the vision for different gameplay systems and features
  • Propose and review architecture, systems, and technical approaches to ensure that they satisfy requirements and promote a healthy codebase
  • Work closely with art and design leads to ensure gameplay mechanics meet functional requirements and uphold our high standards
  • Work closely with other engineering disciplines to integrate systems in support of the player experience, as well as write code when necessary
What we're looking for
  • Experience developing games professionally and shipping AAA titles (on multiple platforms preferred)
  • Experience leading a team of engineers within shipped AAA titles
  • Strong C++ skills and the ability to code and architect gameplay mechanics and tools
  • Strong analytical abilities with creative problem-solving skills, excelling in thinking innovatively and finding unique solutions
  • Experience working on live services games
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Strong teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, including the ability to deliver and respond to constructive feedback
  • Keen interest in games
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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