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Senior Gameplay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Echtra Games

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

They are seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and collaborate with a team of veteran developers to create engaging gameplay experiences. Responsibilities : • Understand ...

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.

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

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 ...

31st Union

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Engineer

San Mateo, CA · On-site +1

$108K - $161K/yr

What we need: 31st Union is looking for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to develop our Player Bots - AI agents that stand in for human players in our AAA free-to-play, cross-platform action game. Using C ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

OR · Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at -privacy-notice. --- Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in ...

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Senior Gameplay Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior gameplay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 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:
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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 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Echtra Games

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Echtra Games is a small game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers. They are searching for a Senior Gameplay Engineer to help maintain Torchlight 3 and craft the future of the studio. The role involves collaborating with engineers, designers, and artists to create engaging gameplay systems and enhance the user experience.
Responsibilities:
• Understand the game design and make it a reality.
• Collaborate with other engineers, designers, and artists to craft a great user experience.
• Decide what’s needed and take the lead on building and polishing it.
Qualifications:
Required:
• You're comfortable working in C++
• You've built multiple gameplay systems before and have shipped them to users
• You're at home working on a large game engine
Preferred:
• Experience building RPG gameplay systems
• Experience working with Unreal Engine 4
• Experience shipping on a major console like XBox or PlayStation
• A love and passion for gaming
Company:
Echtra Games is a game studio comprised of seasoned developers who helped and shaped the world of action role-playing games. It is a sub-organization of Zynga. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.

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