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Senior Game Developer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

iStrategyLabs

Senior Software Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

... arcade game for Nickelodeon's SpongeBob, or creating live streaming interactive games for ... ISL is looking for a skilled, hard-working Senior Software Engineer to help build amazing ...

ManTech

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

ManTech

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

MANTECH

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

MANTECH

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

VMD Corp

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Annapolis, MD · On-site +1

$113K - $155K/yr

... Game Changer. The quality and talent of our people is what drives our success. We embrace an ... The Senior Cybersecurity Engineer will support the Transportation Security Administration (TSA ...

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Senior Game Developer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$87.7K

$174.4K

$258.7K

How much do senior game developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior game developer in Washington, DC is $174,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $148,900.00 and $199,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior game developer?

A Senior Game Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing game mechanics, systems, and features. They lead technical and creative aspects of game development, guide junior developers, and collaborate with designers, artists, and producers to ensure high-quality gameplay experiences. Their role often includes coding, debugging, performance optimization, and mentorship. Additionally, they contribute to architectural decisions, maintain best coding practices, and stay updated with industry trends.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior game developer?

As a Senior Game Developer, you are often responsible for designing core gameplay systems, writing and reviewing code, and ensuring technical quality across multiple components of the game. You will mentor junior developers, help establish development best practices, and work closely with artists, designers, and project managers to bring gameplay concepts to life. The role frequently involves troubleshooting complex issues, optimizing performance, and participating in strategic planning for current and future projects. Your work will have a significant impact on both the technical direction and overall success of the game, making collaboration and leadership important aspects of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior game developer?

To thrive as a Senior Game Developer, you need extensive experience in programming languages (such as C++, C#, or Java), a deep understanding of game engines (like Unity or Unreal Engine), and a strong portfolio demonstrating completed projects. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), collaborative development tools (such as JIRA or Perforce), and relevant certifications add to your technical proficiency. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering polished games, driving innovation, and ensuring cohesive teamwork in a fast-paced industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Developer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Game Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Game Developer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Senior Game Developer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Senior Game Developer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Senior Game Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Game Developer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,491 per year, or $83.9 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer

iStrategyLabs

Washington, DC • On-site

$138K - $182K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Company Description

ISL invents digital & physical experiences for the world's biggest brands. Our designers, developers, marketers and makers build everything from apps, to connected devices, to wildly creative campaigns that reach audiences globally.

Whether we're creating devices to connect fans and celebrities for Facebook, inventing an internet-controlled arcade game for Nickelodeon's SpongeBob, or creating live streaming interactive games for MillerCoors - we're constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Job Description

ISL is looking for a skilled, hard-working Senior Software Engineer to help build amazing experiences for some of the biggest brands in the world.


We're a down-to-earth, hardworking team that's not afraid of challenges. We listen to each other and we respect each other. We push one another to make great things. We have a set of values to which we hold each other accountable. We're looking for someone who shares and believes in these same ideals.


You assist in leading our engineering efforts, building scalable systems and helping other developers grow. You are experienced in web development and set the standards for the software we produce. Your deep understanding of Django and Python means that our teammates look to you for guidance. You always seek improvement that pushes the team and our technology forward, never settling for what works now.

Qualifications
AS A SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER YOU WILL
  • Design and build simple, focused, scalable projects
  • Coordinate project development with our front-end developers and hardware engineers
  • Ensure that projects meet client requirements and internal standards
  • Conduct code reviews, provide feedback, and help other members of the team grow their skills
  • Engage with DC and other tech communities through open source software, blog posts, and public speaking
THE PERFECT CANDIDATE
  • 5 or more years of server-side development experience
  • Lives and breathes Twelve-Factor principles
  • Python experience: From Django web applications to QT hardware interfaces, most of our work is written in Python. You should be able to pick up other languages as needed, such as JavaScript, Go, and PHP.
  • Solves problems: How can we build this impossible thing? How can we support more users? No matter the problem, you dive in and find solutions.
  • Familiar with Agile methodologies: We're somewhere between Scrum and Kanban (with a little taste of waterfall on occasion). Regardless of the brand of methodology, we collaborate, iterate, and release quickly.
  • Sets the standard: Your code is tested and linted. You write documentation. You are as concerned about making sure other people succeed as you are about yourself. Less experienced developers can look to you for inspiration.
BONUS POINTS
  • You know your way around AWS.
Additional Information

Don't think you're the Perfect Candidate? Apply anyway! We're always looking for great people that don't match short lists of requirements.


ISL is an equal opportunity employer. People who feel underrepresented in technology are strongly encouraged to apply.

Apply