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Senior Game Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Booz Allen

$53K - $108K/yr

Throughout the Games, interns receive mentorship from senior leaders, solve problems using Booz ... Experience with programming languages, including Java, JavaScript, C, C++, Assembly, Python, Perl ...

Capital One

Sr. Product Director

Richmond, VA · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Business Focused - Delivers game-changing outcomes by focusing on leverage and execution excellence ... Engineering, Information Systems or a related quantitative field) * A Master's Degree in a ...

Capital One

Sr. Product Director

Mclean, VA · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

Business Focused - Delivers game-changing outcomes by focusing on leverage and execution excellence ... Engineering, Information Systems or a related quantitative field) * A Master's Degree in a ...

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Senior Game Programmer information

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$13

$51

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How much do senior game programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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.

Wargame Developer

ManTech

Quantico, VA • On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

ManTech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

Description & Requirements
Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now-protect and innovate with MANTECH!

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA. 

Join the vanguard of the Marine Corps Wargaming Division as we modernize the decision environment. In this role, you will be instrumental in assisting with the transition from traditional wargaming into a high-fidelity digital future, ensuring that our nation's senior leaders have the most sophisticated tools and insights to shape future force design.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Design and produce high-quality physical player aids and reference guides while leading their evolution into interactive digital interfaces.
  • Develop, operate, maintain, and archive simulation databases using government-provided M&S tools to enhance both tabletop and digital exercises in preparation and during wargame execution.
  • Develop an interface to modeling and simulations tools that can be used in game play and operate complex digital tools during wargame execution, translating technical outputs into real-time "so-what" narratives for senior level decision makers.
  • Bridge the gap between analog play and digital environments, evangelizing the capability and utilization methods of new tools to help the customer reach digital maturity.
  • Assist the analysts in developing tools to capture player decisions and telemetry across both formats, ensuring analysts have robust data for post-game reconstruction.
  • Partner with designers and developers to refine mechanics that accurately reflect Marine Corps capabilities while remaining intuitive and "playable" for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to gameplay.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and at least 4 years' experience in wargaming, military modeling and simulation, or military operations.   A minimum of 10 years of related experience in lieu of degree.
  • Proficiency with graphic design and layout software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Power Point, etc.) to produce professional-grade player aids and products.)
  • Capacity to quickly learn, master, and operate new software-based modeling and simulation tools.
  • Experience developing player-facing products, reference guides, or game mechanics manuals.
  • Ability to provide examples of product development work (I.e. reference guides, branded materials, etc.)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with the transition from analog tabletop exercises (TTX) to integrated digital environments.
  • Experience with government-provided simulation tools such as AFSIM, Command PE, or similar platforms.
  • Prior experience supporting the Marine Corps or other Federal wargaming entities.
  • The ability to conduct research and capture detailed data inputs needed for game fidelity and coordinating with intel branches to capture detailed data for game play.
  • Familiarity in government and commercial game engines

Clearance Requirements:

  • Must have a current and active TS/SCI clearance.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able and willing to perform occasional manual labor and warehouse duties, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

The projected compensation range for this position is $85,000.00-$141,600.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including, but not limited to, Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (For Remote Opportunities), education and certifications as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories.  In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation.  MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position, Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, short-term and long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.

MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at careers@mantech.com and provide your name and contact information.

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