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Senior Gameplay Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Apple

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA

$142K - $263K/yr

Description As a Senior Gaming Platform Engineer on the Apple Games Frameworks team, you will own and evolve the critical infrastructure that connects game developers to the full capabilities of ...

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$162K - $224K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion ...

Nintendo

Sr Software Engineer - Gameplay (NST)

Redmond, WA · On-site +1

$137K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer in Gameplay, you will have a desire for leading the implementation on key gameplay features as well as managing small groups of engineers. You will also have a passion ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Developer - D&D

Renton, WA · Hybrid

We are seeking a Senior Game Developer to provide in-depth review and quality control of D&D products produced outside the Game Design team. In this role, you'll ensure that game content is ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Developer - D&D

Renton, WA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Game Developer to provide in-depth review and quality control of D&D products produced outside the Game Design team. In this role, you'll ensure that game content is ...

Nintendo

CONTRACT - Gameplay Software Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

$53 - $79/hr

... from senior engineers and above. * Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test ... Experience developing gameplay features, systems, or player-facing functionality for shipped video ...

Amazon

Senior SDE, Luna Gen AI

Seattle, WA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to join our Gen AI & Strategic Initiatives ... game developers as well as our internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who ...

Amazon

Senior SDE, Luna Gen AI

Seattle, WA · On-site

$139K - $183K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer to join our Gen AI & Strategic Initiatives ... game developers as well as our internal engineering teams. You will be a hands-on builder who ...

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All JobsGameplay Engineer JobsSenior Gameplay Engineer JobsSenior Gameplay Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Senior Gameplay Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$67.7K

$144K

$208.8K

How much do senior gameplay engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior gameplay engineer in Seattle, WA is $144,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,900.00 and $163,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior gameplay engineer?

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Gameplay Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Senior Gameplay Engineer job openings:

Senior Gameplay Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,025 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Studio Wildcard
PC Games • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Studio Wildcardexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Studio Wildcard - Redmond, WA or Remote

Open role:

Senior Gameplay Programmer


We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us with ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies.

And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior Gameplay Programmer who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.


Responsibilities:

  • Design, write, and implement gameplay systems and development tools for artists and designers
  • Work with cross-discipline team members to improve existing tools and determine new solutions


Requirements:

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in game development as a gameplay programmer with at least 1 shipped title.
  • Advanced understanding of gameplay systems, pipelines, and tools.
  • Strong self-motivation and willingness to participate in many areas of game development
  • Experience using the Unreal 5 Engine


Pluses:

  • Degree in computer science or a related field
  • Experience with implementing UI features from concept to finish
  • Shipped title using the Unreal 4 Engine


Required Application Materials:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter which should include
    • Why you are interested in working for Studio Wildcard
    • What games you are currently playing


About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA, and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.


Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.


Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.


Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (5 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options

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