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Mobile Game Developer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

LMR Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Department of Defense (DoD), healthcare, higher education, law enforcement, retail, casino gaming ... Performs tasks in support of the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Engineer • Monitors/tracks and reports ...

LMR Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

Department of Defense (DoD), healthcare, higher education, law enforcement, retail, casino gaming ... Performs tasks in support of the Land Mobile Radio (LMR) Engineer • Monitors/tracks and reports ...

... and Caps Gaming, an esports sub-brand of the Capitals. Additionally, it holds a significant ... mobile, and streaming platforms. Those linear and digital platforms are now combined and join Caps ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mobile Game Developer information

See Virginia salary details

$32.2K

$107.5K

$178.5K

How much do mobile game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for mobile game developer in Virginia is $107,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,800.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do mobile game devs make?

Mobile game developers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and skill level, but typically range from $50,000 to $120,000 annually. Entry-level developers may earn around $50,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn over $100,000 or more, especially in competitive markets or with additional expertise in programming languages and game engines.

Will AI replace game devs?

As a mobile game developer, AI is a tool that can assist with tasks like procedural content generation and testing, but it is unlikely to fully replace human developers. Creativity, design, and problem-solving remain essential skills that AI cannot replicate entirely. Developers who adapt by learning AI tools and programming will continue to be valuable in the industry.

What is the 80 20 rule in game development?

The 80/20 rule in game development suggests that approximately 80% of the game's value comes from 20% of its features or content. Mobile game developers often focus on optimizing this core 20% to improve user engagement and retention efficiently.

Is 30 too old to start game development?

Mobile game development is accessible to individuals of all ages, and many successful developers start later in life. Skills such as programming, design, and familiarity with tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can be learned at any age, and experience from other fields can be an asset in game development careers.

What does a Mobile Game Developer do?

A Mobile Game Developer is responsible for designing, building, testing, and maintaining games for mobile platforms such as iOS and Android. They use programming languages like C#, Java, or Swift along with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. In addition to coding, they often collaborate with artists, designers, and other team members to create engaging and interactive gaming experiences. Their work also includes optimizing games for performance on various devices and implementing features like in-app purchases or social integration.

What are some common challenges Mobile Game Developers face when optimizing games for different devices?

Mobile Game Developers often encounter challenges in ensuring their games run smoothly across a wide variety of devices with different screen sizes, operating systems, and hardware capabilities. Balancing high-quality graphics with performance, especially on lower-end devices, requires careful optimization and thorough testing. Developers also need to stay updated with frequent OS updates and new device releases, which can affect game compatibility and user experience. Collaboration with designers and QA testers is crucial to address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Mobile Game Developer vs Game Programmer?

AspectMobile Game DeveloperGame Programmer
Required SkillsMobile app development, Unity/Unreal, C# or C++Game engine programming, C++, scripting, graphics programming
Work EnvironmentMobile game studios, independent developers, tech companiesGame studios, software development firms, entertainment industry
CertificationsProgramming certifications, game development coursesComputer science degrees, programming certifications
Industry UsageDesigning and developing mobile games for iOS/AndroidDeveloping core game systems and engine features

Mobile Game Developers focus on creating games specifically for mobile platforms, emphasizing mobile UI/UX and platform-specific features. Game Programmers work on the underlying game engine and core systems, often across multiple platforms. While both roles require programming skills and industry experience, Mobile Game Developers specialize in mobile app development, whereas Game Programmers have a broader scope in game engine development and performance optimization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mobile Game Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mobile Game Developer, you need strong programming skills (often in languages like C#, C++, or Java), a solid grasp of game design principles, and experience with mobile platforms, typically supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and knowledge of version control systems like Git, are standard technical requirements. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that help deliver engaging user experiences and overcome development challenges. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality, innovative games that perform well in a competitive and rapidly evolving market.

What Does a Mobile Game Developer Do?

As a mobile game developer, your job is to help program a game app for people to use on a phone, tablet, or another mobile game player. In this role, you may help set up the intended user experience, coordinate with content providers, and test the software to ensure that all aspects function as intended. Many of the duties and responsibilities of this job depend on the employer. For example, some mobile game developers perform almost all tasks, while others focus on specific parts of the software in order to help maximize content delivery speeds. Many people in this industry work out of offices, but it is possible to work as a remote mobile game developer, especially if you have a high-speed internet connection that can support large game file transfers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Mobile Game Developer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mobile Game Developer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mobile Game Developer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mobile Game Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mobile Game Developer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,540 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer(.NET) - Secret Clearance

Senior Software Engineer(.NET) - Secret Clearance

VMD Corp

Arlington, VA • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description

As a Vision, Mission, and Driven company, VMD has been delivering information technology solutions to the Federal government in Agile Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Critical Infrastructure Protection since 2002. Our mission has now expanded, and we have merged with Xcelerate Solutions to revolutionize end-to-end enterprise security. Together we are committed to protecting our nation’s citizens, critical infrastructure, and resources.
Why Join VMD Corp?
At VMD, now a part of Xcelerate Solutions, you have the opportunity to thrive in your career and become a Game Changer. The quality and talent of our people is what drives our success. We embrace an employee-first culture and make it a priority to provide professional development opportunities that foster career growth.
We help protect American Citizens and the nation’s most critical infrastructure by working alongside our customers and delivering game changing solutions to strengthen their missions. We believe our passion and commitment to achieve our customers' goals and solve their most critical challenges defines who we are. We don’t just dream big, we act on it – through teamwork, dedication, and resilience. 
About the Mission You Will Join:
The Department of State has entrusted VMD to perform internal and external-facing informational websites and web applications activities specifically for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. VMD’s mission is to perform operations and maintenance/decommissioning & modernization activities over legacy websites to support ongoing operations and the modernization of its website governance, architecture, and design.
Your Impact to the Mission:
VMD has an exciting opportunity for you to join as a Sr. Software Engineer (.Net) working in our Arlington, VA office. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Leverage your passion to develop strong, functional, and efficient code across legacy and modern platforms.
Work on highly talented Agile team(s) within SAFe-like methodology, to define architecture, design, build and implement solutions, and support development of internal and public-facing, web or mobile applications.
Provide technical knowledge, analysis, and troubleshooting of database applications and their production environments.
Consult with customer and external contract teams to meet program and release goals.

Experience Needed to Be Successful: 

  • 5 years hands-on experience with most of the desired technologies, tools, and platforms below:
  • Framework(s): ASP.NET, .Net 4
  • Language(s): C#, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, XML
  • Front-end Development: Bootstrap, AngularJS, MVC, AJAX, Web Services, Kendo
  • Database(s): Oracle 11g and 19c, PL/SQL, Toad
  • Platform/Tools: Visual Studio, IIS, Windows Server, HTTPS, Ansible
  • Strong Agile, SDLC, and DevSecOps process experience
  • Experience working in a consulting/services organization
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
  • Department of State or Bureau of Consular Affairs experience is a plus 
Basic Qualifiers:
  • Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
  • Can Additional Years of Experience Substitute for Degree? Yes
  • Minimum Years of Overall Experience: 5
  • Minimum Years of Specific Experience in Field: 5
  • Minimum Clearance to Start: Interim Secret
  • Work Status Allowable: US Citizen

The Type of Person That Will Excel:

  • You are curious, inquisitive, are always learning, and are team oriented
  • You have strong attention to detail.
  • You demonstrate personal accountability and integrity in all actions. 
Travel and Telecommuting:
  • Travel: Little (less than 10%)
  • Telecommute Options:  Currently hybrid remote, although customer could order us to return to Ballston location. Initial month will likely require daily work at Ballston office.
Xcelerate Solutions and its subsidiaries are Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, age, equal pay, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or expression of another protected characteristic. As part of this commitment to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, Xcelerate provides reasonable accommodations if needed because of an applicant's or an employee's disability. Xcelerate Solutions maintains a drug-free workplace.