ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Gameplay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Sr. Gameplay Engineer (Temporary) Who We Are 2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005, 2K Games is ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

AGBO Films LLC

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As Senior Gameplay Engineer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You will work closely with designers and the broader ...

teamLFG

OR · On-site

As a Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools on teamLFG, you'll help build the bridge between the engine and our content creators, empowering them to create the game in an online environment that ...

Tencent

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$137K - $257K/yr

Design, implement, and support quality gameplay systems and tools, focusing on melee combat, ranged (weapon-based) combat, and combat AI * Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers ...

teamLFG

Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools

$160K - $240K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools on teamLFG, you'll help build the bridge between the engine and our content creators, empowering them to create the game in an online environment that ...

Tencent

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$168K - $347K/yr

Experience performing in a senior or principal software engineering role or equivalent * Ability to collaborate with other engineers, designers, artists and other game developers * Ability to work ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGameplay Engineer JobsSenior Gameplay Engineer Jobs

Senior Gameplay Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior gameplay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior gameplay engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Senior Gameplay Engineers when collaborating with design and art teams?

Senior Gameplay Engineers often work closely with design and art teams to implement and refine game features. A common challenge is balancing creative vision with technical constraints, such as performance limitations or platform requirements. Effective communication is crucial, as engineers must translate design ideas into functional, optimized code while providing feedback on feasibility. Navigating these interdisciplinary collaborations requires flexibility, problem-solving skills, and the ability to advocate for both technical integrity and gameplay quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Gameplay Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Gameplay Engineer, you need advanced programming skills in C++ or C#, strong knowledge of game physics, AI, and a track record of shipped game titles. Familiarity with major game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, as well as version control systems and debugging tools, is typically required. Creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration set standout engineers apart in multidisciplinary team environments. These skills ensure the delivery of engaging, high-quality gameplay experiences and efficient development processes.

How much do gameplay engineers make?

Gameplay engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior gameplay engineers with specialized skills in programming languages like C++ and experience with game engines such as Unreal or Unity tend to be at the higher end of this range.

What is the difference between Senior Gameplay Engineer vs Gameplay Programmer?

AspectSenior Gameplay EngineerGameplay Programmer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related; extensive experienceBachelor's in Computer Science or related; some experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning and implementing complex gameplay features, mentoring junior staffWriting and debugging gameplay code, collaborating with designers
Industry UsageCommon in AAA and indie game studios, often with leadership responsibilitiesWidely used across game development teams, often as a mid-level role

The Senior Gameplay Engineer typically has more experience, leadership duties, and oversees complex gameplay systems, whereas the Gameplay Programmer focuses on coding and implementing gameplay features. Both roles require strong programming skills and industry knowledge, but the senior role involves mentorship and project oversight.

What is the highest paying job in the gaming industry?

In the gaming industry, senior roles such as Lead Game Designer, Technical Director, or Executive Producer tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. Senior Gameplay Engineers with extensive experience and specialized skills in graphics, physics, or AI can also earn high compensation, especially at major studios or with additional responsibilities.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior gameplay engineers in the gaming industry can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and experience at major companies. High compensation often requires advanced skills in programming, graphics, and game development tools, along with a strong track record of successful projects.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Senior Gameplay Engineers in the gaming industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills in graphics, physics, or AI, and working at large or successful companies. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and benefits, reflecting the high demand for technical expertise in game development.

What is a Senior Gameplay Engineer?

A Senior Gameplay Engineer is a highly experienced software developer who specializes in designing, implementing, and optimizing gameplay features for video games. They work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to bring game mechanics and interactive elements to life. In addition to coding, they often mentor junior developers, help define technical standards, and troubleshoot complex gameplay issues. Their expertise ensures that the game is both fun and technically sound, contributing significantly to the overall player experience.
More about Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Gameplay Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Gameplay Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs are:
Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Engineer

Senior Gameplay Engineer

AGBO

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
AGBO is an artist-led independent studio founded by the Russo Brothers, known for their blockbuster films. They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer who will collaborate with designers and the engineering team to enhance gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.
Responsibilities:
• Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems—especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness.
• Be the primary driver of relevant gameplay systems, ensuring a satisfying and immersive player experience.
• Build prototypes and iterate quickly to test and refine gameplay ideas.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows and tools for designers and fellow engineers.
• Contribute to code quality, performance optimization, and engineering best practices across the codebase.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical guidance and code reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Required:
• 5-8 years of experience in gameplay engineering with at least one shipped title.
• Strong programming skills in C++ and deep familiarity with Unreal Engine systems.
• Deep understanding of player-centric gameplay systems.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to interpret, enhance, and proactively expand design intent through code.
• A passion for tuning, iteration, and crafting joyful player experiences.
• Significant experience in UE4 and/or UE5.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred:
• Bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game.
• Bonus: Previous experience at a startup or on early-stage projects.
Company:
AGBO creates intellectual property universes spanning film, TV, audio, and interactive experiences. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
AGBO logo

About AGBO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2020

Social media

Twitter

View All AGBO Jobs

Apply