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Lead Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · 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 ...

CD Project

Engineering Manager, Gameplay

Warsaw, IN · On-site

$118.73 - $163.10/hr

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for an Engineering Manager to join the team working on The Witcher 4 . In this role, you'll lead a gameplay engineering team focused on delivering cutting‑edge systems in ...

Posted today

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end ...

New

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end ...

New

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$123K - $182K/yr

As a Lead Gameplay Animator at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help ... In this role, you'll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft high-end ...

New

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 ...

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Gameplay

$69K - $128K/yr

Collaborate with fellow designers, artists, and engineers under the direction of the Lead Gameplay Designer * Tune and balance gameplay elements * Participate in regular playtests, provide and ...

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Lead Gameplay Programmer information

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How much do lead gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead gameplay programmer?

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.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,323 per year, or $55 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Skydance

OR • Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Skydance Games, a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of franchise-driven interactive entertainment. As part of a global storytelling company defined by iconic worlds and multigenerational fandom, we see gaming not as an extension of our brands, but as one of the most powerful ways their stories come to life and evolve alongside the audiences who love them.
Through creativity, collaboration, and trust, we empower our teams to push boundaries and turn bold ideas into experiences that resonate with fans around the world.
Do you want to craft games that challenge expectations and inspire players? Come build something extraordinary with us.  
 
For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at https://privacy.paramount.com/recruitment-privacy-notice.
 
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Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. 

Currently for this role, we can hire remote candidates with legal residence in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems
  • Drive technical direction for NPC gameplay systems and AI frameworks
  • Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship
  • Identify and resolve performance, scalability, and technical design challenges across gameplay systems.
  • Partner closely with Design, Animation, Audio, and Production to define and drive AI feature goals
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance across cross-functional gameplay initiative
  • Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows
Requirements/Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience
  • Proven experience owning large gameplay or AI systems in a production environment.
  • Experience architecting and implementing AI simulation systems and features from scratch using a combination of C++, Blueprints, and other tools.
  • In-depth knowledge of industry standard gameplay AI simulation systems, techniques and frameworks (e.g, Behavior Trees, FSMs, Utility AI)
  • Demonstrated collaboration with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key AI behaviors and system tunings.
  • Ability to take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive major implementation tasks.
  • Extensive experience with Unreal Engine, using and understanding the different gameplay AI authoring tools, modifying and creating custom tech to extend the base engine feature sets.
  • Experience with animation techniques driving AI characters (e.g, Animation Blueprints, Montages, Control Rig, MotionMatching)
  • Self-motivated and self-directing, willing to pitch in areas of development beyond direct responsibilities.
  • A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel.
  • Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and best practices – helping them stay on track and true to the overall vision of the game.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
The annual salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $150,000 – $180,000. The salary offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
 
We realize that skills and expertise can come from many different experiences and paths, and we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements as written in the job description. 
 
#Games #LI-hybrid #Remote

Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a diversified media company creating high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, interactive/games, and animation divisions.
 
 
Recruitment Fraud Alert
It has come to our attention that there may be fraudulent activity by individuals impersonating our Talent Acquisition team. Skydance will only contact you from an official “@skydance.com” email address. If you suspect that you are being contacted by an unauthorized person or believe that the correspondence you have received is suspicious, please do not click on any links or attachments in such emails and submit any questions or concerns to our information security team at https://skydance.com/report-suspected-fraud/.