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Lead Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Epic Games

Lead Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

In this role, you'll partner closely with design leadership, art, engineering, animation, UX, audio ... You will own and iterate on gameplay systems, mechanics, and content while balancing player ...

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 ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... take the lead on building and polishing it. Qualifications : Required : • You're comfortable ... Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... take the lead on building and polishing it. Qualifications : Required : • You're comfortable ... Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of ...

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... take the lead on building and polishing it. Qualifications : Required : • You're comfortable ... Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of ...

AGBO

Principal Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... lead technical architecture at a project or studio level. • Strong instincts for gameplay feel ... to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders. • Experience leading or mentoring ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and ... Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems * Drive technical ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and ... Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems * Drive technical ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and ... Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems * Drive technical ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and ... Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems * Drive technical ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

... AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and ... Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems * Drive technical ...

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Lead Gameplay Programmer information

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How much do lead gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 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 4% Internship, 38% As Needed, 8% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 44% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 92% Physical, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,323 per year, or $55 per hour.

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Templar Media

Alpharetta, GA • On-site

$125K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

About Templar: As an independent developer and publisher, Templar develops the games that we want, on our own schedule. We are actively staffing up for both in-house game development and supporting published titles. Templar provides a professional yet non-corporate environment where every team member's input and collaboration matters. Based in Alpharetta, GA just north of Atlanta, Templar is in the perfect area for those that enjoy sunny weather and a relatively low cost of living.
About the Role: 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 leadership to prototype, build, and refine the systems that define how players interact with our worlds.
This role combines hands-on development with mentorship and team coordination; perfect for someone who thrives on solving complex problems, empowering others, and ensuring the gameplay codebase is robust, scalable, and high-performing. The ideal candidate has deep Unreal Engine experience, a love of great gameplay, and a passion for guiding teams toward technical and creative excellence.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and execute the development of core gameplay systems from concept through launch and live support.
  • Collaborate with design and art teams to define and refine player experiences.
  • Establish best practices for gameplay architecture, performance, and code quality.
  • Provide technical mentorship and guidance to gameplay programmers.
  • Oversee feature implementation, ensuring consistency, scalability, and maintainability.
  • Review and optimize existing code for efficiency, performance, and clarity.
  • Work with production to plan and prioritize gameplay development tasks.
  • Identify technical risks early and propose effective solutions.
  • Contribute to the overall technical roadmap of the project.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive work environment focused on quality and innovation.

Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of professional programming experience, with at least 3 years in gameplay-focused roles.
  • Strong expertise with Unreal Engine 4 or 5, including deep understanding of gameplay frameworks.
  • Proficiency in C++ with strong debugging and optimization skills.
  • Experience shipping at least one AA or AAA title.
  • Solid understanding of 3D math, physics, animation integration, and player systems.
  • Proven ability to architect, implement, and maintain large gameplay systems.
  • Experience mentoring or leading other engineers.
  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
  • Passion for collaboration and helping bring creative ideas to life through technology.

Preference to Applicants With:
  • Experience with open-world or co-op game systems.
  • Strong knowledge of Unreal's animation, AI, and input systems.
  • A deeper understanding of game AI and NPC behaviors.
  • Familiarity with mission, quest, or dialogue systems.
  • Experience with combat and stealth mechanics
  • Experience with console development and optimization.
  • Comfort working with complex, legacy, or third-party codebases.
  • A love for games; particularly open-world action-adventure and cooperative experiences.

Templar offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package and a professional but non-corporate environment. This position is full-time onsite/remote at our studio in Alpharetta, GA.

Apply