ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Gameplay Programmer 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.

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 ...

teamLFG

OR

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

Skydance

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Santa Monica, CA · 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 ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGameplay Programmer JobsSenior Gameplay Programmer Jobs

Senior Gameplay Programmer information

See salary details

$13

$52

$71

How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in the United States is $52.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.99 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Senior Gameplay Programmer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

As a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you'll frequently work with designers, artists, and QA testers to bring gameplay features to life. Your role involves translating design concepts into functional game mechanics, debugging issues, and ensuring smooth integration with art and audio assets. Regular meetings and agile workflows are common, allowing you to provide technical input early in the feature design process and iterate quickly based on feedback. Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll often act as a bridge between creative and technical teams to ensure the game's vision is realized efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Senior Gameplay Programmer, you need advanced programming skills (typically in C++ or C#), a deep understanding of game mechanics, and several years of experience in game development. Familiarity with industry-standard game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, version control systems, and sometimes a degree in computer science or related fields are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with designers and artists. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality, engaging gameplay experiences and leading technical innovation within a game development team.

What are Senior Gameplay Programmers?

Senior Gameplay Programmers are experienced software developers who focus on creating and implementing the interactive elements of video games, such as controls, mechanics, and player interactions. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to bring the game's vision to life, ensuring a smooth and engaging player experience. In addition to programming, they often mentor junior staff, participate in code reviews, and help shape the technical direction of the game. Their expertise is crucial in solving complex technical challenges and optimizing gameplay systems for performance and fun.
More about Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs are:
Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,736 per year, or $52.3 per hour.
Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Senior Gameplay Programmer - Remote or On Site

Studio Wildcard

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 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

Apply