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Senior Gameplay Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

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 ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing ... Work closely with other game developers to define and implement the vision of our game. * Maintain ...

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Senior Gameplay Programmer information

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How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in California is $51.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $61.68 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?

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 is a senior gameplay programmer?

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California? The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in California are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs? Cities in California with the most Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings:
Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,312 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Salary: $88K-$120K

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. Were looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.


We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!


Description

  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into game project and relevant animation systems
  • Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
  • Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.


Requirements

  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • Proficient with animation systems in UE5
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
  • Shipped 1+ title
  • Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience


Location

  • In Office


To Apply

  • Please include a portfolio


Compensation Range

The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.


At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.


If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, its probably not legitfeel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.


Weve got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!