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Senior Game Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to develop your concept to a finished product including math, programming, audio, production, and ...

Gunfire Games

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Gunfire Games is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay Programmer to contribute to our upcoming ... Use your expertise to identify and resolve technical issues in the game, from minor bugs to ...

Booming Games

Senior HTML5 Game Developer

Oregon, WI · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Game Development & Implementation * Translate game design documents (GDD) into HTML5 game ... Use browser developer tools to track FPS, memory, CPU/GPU usage, and draw calls. * Prioritize and ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Senior Game Data Analyst

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$124.90 - $187.30/hr

What you will be doing As a Senior Game Data Analyst, you'll partner with game teams and publishing ... Communicate insights clearly across design, product, publishing, research, engineering, data ...

Thatgamecompany

Senior Game Producer (Sky)

Senior Game Producer (Sky) Remote US & Canada Reports to: Lead Producer thatgamecompany is looking ... Drive execution from concept through release validation in partnership with design, engineering ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... Work with AI programmers to develop foundational NPC technology and implementing and tuning enemy ...

NAUGHTY DOG, LLC

Senior Game Designer Combat

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145.10 - $181.40/hr

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... Work with AI programmers to develop foundational NPC technology and implementing and tuning enemy ...

teamLFG

Senior Game Services Engineering Lead

OR · On-site +1

As a Senior Online Game Services Engineering Lead for teamLFG, you will design and build the core services that take our game from prototype to production, from gathering requirements to ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering ... Preferred : • Bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game. • Bonus: Previous ...

teamLFG

Senior Game Services Engineering Lead

$217K - $325K/yr

As a Senior Online Game Services Engineering Lead for teamLFG, you will design and build the core services that take our game from prototype to production, from gathering requirements to ...

31ST UNION

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots -- AI ...

31ST UNION

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

WE ARE GAME MAKERS Who we are: We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art ... What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots -- AI ...

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Senior Game Programmer information

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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 the United States is $52.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.99 and $62.50 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.

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Senior Game Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Game Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,736 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

Senior Game Designer

Arrow International, Inc

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Join the Fun at Arrow International!
Arrow International is the world's #1 maker of charitable gaming products, from pull tabs and bingo paper to cutting-edge electronic gaming systems. Our products power entertainment in social and gaming venues around the globe, and we're growing fast!
We're building a winning culture that's all about teamwork, passion, and innovation. At Arrow, you're not just another employee, you're part of a high-performing team that's redefining fun and giving back to communities. We believe in rewarding your hard work with profit-sharing, 401(k) matching, great benefits, and paid time off, including a bonus week every July!
If you're looking for a career that's exciting, meaningful, and full of opportunity, Arrow is the place to be.
Position Summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to develop your concept to a finished product including math, programming, audio, production, and visual arts. Utilizing exceptional communication skills and your wealth of experience, you will craft exceptional gaming experiences to deliver premier gaming content for Arrow markets.
Salary range commensurate with experience. This role provides competitive benefits including an annual performance bonus, profit sharing program, and a 401K with company match.
The Targeted Pay Range for this role is $90 - $150,000.
Primary Roles and Responsibilities
  • Design compelling 'slot-style' games from concept to completion.
  • Provide game-design expertise working with the team to clearly define all aspects of the game that impact the end-user, including math, game play, interface, animation, sound, art style.
  • Work within project schedules and milestones.
  • Set goals and shepherd team to success.
  • Promote teamwork in an environment where individuals are spread out across the United States.
  • Work with the Producer to identify roadblocks, project risks and proactively find solutions.
  • Conduct strategic market and data analysis for competitive game design.

Skills, Interests and Qualities
  • Able to work with team to align priorities and drive towards solutions, a true team player
  • Passion to create fun games with an engaging player experience.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Motivate and provide support to the game team, always contributing to a positive work environment.
  • Understanding of game math and probability principles.
  • Understanding of player psychology, slot game mechanics, gambling principles

Requirements
Experience and Education
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of slot game design experience including casino, online, and/or social
  • Strong familiarity with successful game-development processes and pipelines
  • Experience of development tools. (Jira and Confluence/Excel, etc.)
  • Experience with best-in-class game development in any capacity (art, design, math, development, production, etc.)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • The noise level in the work environment is low.
  • May be required to sit for long and/or extended periods of time.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At Arrow International, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger, more innovative, and better positioned to serve our communities. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Arrow International is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, train, and promote individuals in all job titles without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, results of genetic testing,
veteran status, or physical or mental disability-except where such disability prevents performance of essential job functions and cannot be reasonably accommodated in accordance with applicable laws.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Arrow International is committed to complying with the spirit and requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in the interview process, undergo any pre-employment testing, or otherwise take part in the employee selection process, please contact us at hr@arrowinternational.com.
Arrow International does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies. Resumes submitted without an approved vendor agreement will become the property of Arrow International, and no fees will be paid if the candidate is hired.
To ensure a safe and productive work environment, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must successfully pass a confidential pre-employment drug screening, which generally consists of a hair drug test, and receive an acceptable result as a condition of employment.

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