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Senior Gameplay Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer - Linux Specialist

$125.40K - $165.30K/yr

The Role Senior Gameplay Engineer The Senior Gameplay Engineer is responsible for the management, design, and implementation of game systems. You will provide technical mentorship and guidance for ...

OR

$122.40K - $161.30K/yr

The Role Senior Gameplay Engineer The Senior Gameplay Engineer is responsible for the management, design, and implementation of game systems. You will provide technical mentorship and guidance for ...

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147.80K - $343.60K/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 ...

As a Senior Gameplay AI Programmer, you will play a critical role on a small and focused team. You will be responsible for core AI features and supporting collaborative development between ...

Lead Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$147.80K - $343.60K/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 ...

$120K - $150K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Job Summary ... Level Ex Games (Powered by Relevate Health) is a fast-growing game studio that creates video games ...

$91K - $103.80K/yr

Scopely is looking for a top-performing Senior Gameplay Designer to join an exciting unannounced ... Collaborate across disciplines (animation, art, audio, VFX, engineering, UI/UX) to deliver ...

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay ...

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay ...

As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations ... Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay ...

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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 May 29, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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:
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Programmer

AGBO Films LLC

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Company:
AGBO is an artist-led, Academy Award-winning independent studio focused on developing and producing innovative story universes across film, television, and digital platforms. Founded in 2017 by visionary directors Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO's mission is to inspire and advance the next generation of storytelling to entertain and influence audiences worldwide. AGBO's productions include Everything Everywhere All At Once, Extraction, The Electric State, and the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of Fortnite-as a partner. Mustard brings a bold creative vision to AGBO: to expand what storytelling can be through immersive, interconnected worlds that span across media. We're building the future of storytelling-and we're looking for bold, creative minds to help shape it. If you're ready to help define what comes next, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary:
As Senior Gameplay Programmer, you are a versatile engineer who thrives in a collaborative environment and deeply enjoys empowering designers. You'll work closely with designers and the broader engineering team to fine-tune character, camera, and control systems and help us find the fun in our gameplay loops. Your work will have a direct impact on how our games feel, play, and evolve through iterative development. This is a hands-on, high-impact role on an ambitious team creating something special and exciting.
This role is based in Raleigh, NC, and we're primarily seeking candidates who are currently located in the area or are open to relocating. In-person collaboration with our technical and creative teams is essential to the success of this position.
This is an expression of interest role. We will reach out to you once an opportunity becomes available.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems, especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness.
  • Take ownership of character, camera, and control systems implementation, 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 programmers.
  • Contribute to code quality, performance optimization, and best practices across the codebase.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills:
  • 5+ years of experience in gameplay programming with at least one shipped title, bonus if you helped grow and maintain a live service game.
  • Strong programming skills in C++, and Unreal Engine systems.
  • Deep understanding of player-centric gameplay systems, especially character movement, camera behavior, and input controls.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to interpret, enhance, and proactively expand design intent through code.
  • A passion for tuning, iteration, gameplay, design, and crafting joyful player experiences.
  • Significant experience in UE4 and/or UE5.
  • Bonus: Previous experience at a startup or on early-phase projects.
  • Bonus: An interest in film, cross-medium storytelling, or experimental gameplay.

AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.