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

Senior Gaming Platform Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$139.50 - $258.10/hr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 28, 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:

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 Staff Gameplay Engineer

Komodo Co., Ltd.

Bellevue, WA • On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

About KOMODO

KOMODO is a 100% privately-owned company that has published over 120 games globally. We are now building our first fully in-house title, a competitive PVP action game focused on modernizing the shoot ‘em up genre. Alongside this, we continue to expand Steam Deck sales across Asia, including the introduction of new Steam and other gaming hardware.


Supported by experienced mentors from across the industry, we are building a small and powerful team where every individual has the freedom and creative agency to make a meaningful impact. This is an opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly influence core gameplay, visual identity, and overall player experience.


If you’re looking for a role where your ideas matter, your contributions are visible, and you can help build something from the ground up, KOMODO offers a rare opportunity to do exactly that!


The Opportunity

KOMODO is seeking an experienced Senior Gameplay Engineer to join the core team behind Nanos, the codename for a competitive PvP action game currently in development.


In this role, you will take ownership of key gameplay systems that define combat feel, responsiveness, and moment-to-moment player experience. This includes designing and implementing controls, ability systems, match flow, and core gameplay architecture. You will work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to translate creative direction into robust, scalable, and high-performance gameplay systems.


As a senior member of the game engineering team, you will play a critical role in technical decision-making, system architecture, and setting engineering standards as the project moves toward full production. You will help mentor other engineers, contribute to best practices, and proactively identify risks and opportunities to improve both gameplay quality and development efficiency.


A successful candidate brings deep experience building gameplay systems for action-oriented or competitive games, a strong sense of player feel, and the ability to balance creative iteration with long-term technical health. You are comfortable taking initiative, solving complex problems, and collaborating across disciplines to deliver polished gameplay experiences.


Responsibilities

  • Design, implement, and own core gameplay systems with a focus on responsiveness and player feel

  • Collaborate closely with game designers to prototype, iterate, and refine gameplay mechanics
    Provide technical leadership and guidance on gameplay architecture and best practices

  • Ensure gameplay systems are scalable, maintainable, and performant

  • Review code and contribute to engineering standards and workflows

  • Identify and solve complex gameplay, performance, or technical challenges

  • Support and mentor junior or mid-level engineers as the team grows


Requirements

  • 6+ years of professional experience as a Gameplay Engineer or similar role in game development



  • Strong proficiency in C++ and blueprints with extensive experience developing in Unreal Engine

  • Deep understanding of gameplay systems, player input, state management, and game feel

  • Proven ability to architect and maintain complex gameplay systems

  • Strong skills in writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills across disciplines

  • High proficiency in English communication, including discussing technical and design topics clearly


Tech Stack (Engineering)

  • Unreal Engine (C++, Blueprints)

  • Git

  • Unreal Gameplay Framework

  • Unreal physics, animation, and UI systems


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience developing competitive or PvP-based games

  • Familiarity with networking, replication, or multiplayer systems

  • Strong debugging, profiling, and performance optimization skills

  • Experience leading or mentoring other engineers

  • Interest in expressive, skill-based, and responsive gameplay systems

  • Japanese communication ability is a plus



  • Performance-based Profit Sharing



  • KOMODO Special Holidays ( 5-business day Summer holiday, 7 business Winter holiday, 1-day Birthday holiday, and 1 day Game Launch Day )

  • 15 days PTO

  • Full Medical, Vision, Dental

  • 401(k)

  • Group Life, AD&D

  • Free language learning classes (Japanese, English)

  • Company Events

  • A Steam Deck will be provided to employees for their employment.

  • Free Games and Manga


Some benefits will be available after the completion of the probationary period.

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