ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Game Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Game Plan Tech

Software Engineering Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm helping government teams access ... Required : • Proven experience in a senior software engineering role with a track record of ...

BLN24

Senior Application Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Senior Application Developer (NOAA/AWIPS) Company: BLN24 About Us:We find strength in teamwork-a ... BLN24 benefits are game changing.We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be taken ...

BLN24

Senior Application Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$97K - $133K/yr

Job Title:  Senior Application Developer (NOAA/AWIPS) Company: BLN24 About Us: We find strength ... BLN24 benefits are game changing. We like our team to play hard and that means they need to be ...

Raft Company Website

Senior Engineer

Mclean, VA · Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

We're looking for an experienced Senior DevSecOps Engineer to support our development efforts and ... a game-changing organization where we put our customers and people first. About the role: As a ...

Raft

Senior Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We're looking for an experienced Senior DevSecOps Engineer to support our development efforts and ... a game-changing organization where we put our customers and people first. About the role: As a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Programmer JobsSenior Game Programmer JobsSenior Game Programmer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Game Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$51

$71

How much do senior game programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior game programmer in Virginia is $51.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.61 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior game programmer?

Senior Game Programmers are experienced software developers who design, implement, and optimize code for video games. They typically lead programming teams, mentor junior developers, and collaborate closely with artists, designers, and other departments to bring game concepts to life. Their responsibilities often include solving complex technical challenges, ensuring high performance and stability, and making key decisions about game architecture and technology. Senior Game Programmers usually have several years of industry experience and deep knowledge of programming languages such as C++ or C#. They play a crucial role in shipping polished, high-quality games.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a senior game programmer?

To thrive as a Senior Game Programmer, you need deep expertise in programming languages like C++ or C#, solid knowledge of game development frameworks, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, as well as proficiency in debugging, optimization, and version control systems like Git, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor junior developers. These skills are crucial to delivering high-quality, performant games while ensuring efficient teamwork and project success.

How does a senior game programmer typically collaborate with other teams during the development cycle?

Senior Game Programmers play a central role in cross-functional collaboration throughout the game development process. They frequently work alongside designers to translate gameplay ideas into functional mechanics, coordinate with artists to ensure asset integration, and partner with QA testers to identify and resolve bugs. Clear communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as the Senior Game Programmer often bridges technical and creative visions, helping to guide less-experienced programmers and align multiple teams towards a shared project goal.

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

AspectSenior Game ProgrammerGame Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, experience in programming languages like C++/C#Bachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related field, programming skills often required
Work EnvironmentFocus on coding, debugging, optimizing game systems, often in a team of programmersBroader role including design, scripting, and sometimes project management, working across departments
Industry UsageCommonly used in game studios for technical rolesUsed broadly for roles involving game creation, including design and development

The main difference is that a Senior Game Programmer specializes in coding and technical development of game systems, while a Game Developer has a broader role that may include design, scripting, and project coordination. Senior Game Programmers focus on technical implementation, whereas Game Developers often handle multiple aspects of game creation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Programmer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Game Programmer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Game Programmer jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Game Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Game Programmer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Game Programmer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Game Programmer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Game Programmer job openings:

Senior Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Game Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,803 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

3D Game Developer - XR/VR

Code Plus Inc

Fort Gregg Adams, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Collaborate with SMEs and stakeholders to define requirements, learning objectives, and technical solutions for immersive training applications.

  • Design and develop interactive 3D and VR/XR training experiences using modern game engines.

  • Create and optimize 3D assets (modeling, texturing, rigging) for real-time performance across platforms, including VR/AR devices.

Job description

CODE Plus, Inc., an experienced IT government contractor in Fairfax, VA with offices in Huntsville, AL and have been in business for 31 years and have been servicing different agencies within the Federal sector. Our mission is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that empower our clients to achieve their goals. At CODEplus, we value teamwork, integrity, and technical excellence, and we pride ourselves on maintaining long-standing partnerships built on trust and results. 

We are seeking a 3D Developer / Game Developer with Virtual Reality (VR) and Extended Reality (XR) experience to support U.S. Army training and education initiatives at CASCOM in Fort Lee,VA.

Program: U.S. Army – CASCOM 
Location: Fort Lee, VA (Onsite) 
Clearance: As required by Army contract 
Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship

In this role, you will design and develop immersive, interactive 3D training applications that enhance learning through real-time simulation and experiential environments. You will collaborate closely with on-site Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and cross-functional teams to build high-quality, performance-optimized solutions across desktop, web, and immersive platforms (VR/AR/MR).

This is a hands-on development role requiring both technical expertise and creative problem-solving to transform instructional concepts into engaging, mission-focused training tools.

Key Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with SMEs and stakeholders to define requirements, learning objectives, and technical solutions for immersive training applications.
  • Design and develop interactive 3D and VR/XR training experiences using modern game engines.
  • Create and optimize 3D assets (modeling, texturing, rigging) for real-time performance across platforms, including VR/AR devices.
  • Develop low-polygon assets and texture atlases suitable for WebGL and real-time simulation environments.
  • Build and implement immersive interactions, user experiences, and spatial interfaces for VR/XR applications.
  • Use Autodesk 3ds Max and/or Maya to create production-ready 3D assets.
  • Integrate assets into Unity as FBX files and ensure proper scaling, lighting, and performance optimization.
  • Develop scripts and application logic in Unity (C#) to support gameplay systems, simulation logic, and user interactions.
  • Design and implement intuitive UI/UX systems, including VR/XR interaction patterns and Unity Canvas-based interfaces.
  • Support testing, debugging, and performance optimization across multiple platforms, including VR headsets.
  • Work closely with instructional designers, developers, and program stakeholders to ensure solutions align with training objectives.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience developing 3D applications or games using real-time engines (Unity preferred).
  • Demonstrated experience building or contributing to VR, AR, or XR applications.
  • Proficiency in Autodesk 3ds Max and/or Maya for 3D asset creation.
  • Strong experience with Unity 3D, including scripting (C#), asset integration, and scene development.
  • Understanding of real-time rendering, performance optimization, and low-poly modeling techniques.
  • Familiarity with VR/XR interaction design principles (hand tracking, controllers, spatial UI, etc.).
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to translate requirements into functional, user-friendly 3D experiences.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with SMEs and multidisciplinary teams in an on-site environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing VR/XR training simulations for government, military, or enterprise environments.
  • Familiarity with VR platforms (e.g., Meta Quest, HTC Vive, HoloLens, or similar).
  • Experience deploying applications to WebGL or cross-platform environments.
  • Background in simulation, serious games, or instructional technology.
  • Experience designing immersive UX/UI systems for VR/AR environments.
  • Knowledge of Agile or iterative development processes.