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Senior Gameplay Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Game Plan Tech is a mission-driven consulting and services firm helping government teams access ... Required : • Proven experience in a senior software engineering role with a track record of ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

Wargame Developer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$85K - $141K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DEVELOPER to join our team in ... for senior stakeholders and lead the test and an evaluation process of a game design prior to ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Gameplay Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$51

$71

How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior gameplay programmer in Virginia is $51.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.61 and $61.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Gameplay Programmer jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Virginia?

For Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Gameplay Programmer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Gameplay Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,803 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Senior Mission Operations Engineer - TeraWave

Blue Origin LLC

Reston, VA • On-site

$156.80 - $219.52/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

## Senior Mission Operations Engineer – TeraWaveApplylocations: Reston, VA: Greater Seattle Areatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R68829Application close date:Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight! Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.As a Senior Mission Operations Engineer, you will ensure readiness to execute on-orbit TeraWave operations by contributing to ConOps development, preparing operations products, forming and leading on-console crews, and executing early on-orbit mission operations. You will lead small teams of mission operations engineers in accomplishing these tasks throughout the program lifecycle, while also collaborating extensively with engineers from across the space and ground segments. As a result of your technical leadership, Blue Origin will field and efficiently operate game-changing new capabilities in space to serve a variety of customers. The ideal candidate is a systems-thinker possessing a strong end-operator and customer focus, along with the persistence and passion to build space operations capabilities from the ground up.We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact TeraWave. Passion for our mission and vision is required! **Responsibilities include but are not limited to:*** Develop mission plans, operations concepts, tools, and processes that enable highly effective and labor-efficient real-time spacecraft and ground system operation through automation* Lead small teams in the development and implementation of detailed operations procedures, executables, telemetry displays, technical documentation, and other products.* Ensure deliverables meet applicable quality standards, while promoting maximum reuse and backward compatibility.* Conduct testing and validation of ops products using a variety of hardware and software simulation environments that span the space and ground domains.* Support systems engineering and other disciplines in developing a spacecraft concept of operations, ensuring efficiency and operability for the end-user.* Implement meaningful progress tracking to provide realistic completion forecasts and inform basis-of-estimates provided for new business pursuits.* Create detailed test procedures to validate end-to-end system capabilities.* Analyze and assess ground station selection for optimal communications availability.* Support communications spectrum licensing efforts through coordination with internal and external regulatory authorities.* Coordinate staffing for mission operations events and work with our training team to ensure certification of on-console personnel.* Support mission readiness activities including mission rehearsals, mission timeline development, and post-launch test development.* Provide real-time leadership during spacecraft launch and early orbit phase, including shift work, from Blue Origin’s mission control facilities in Texas and elsewhere.* Monitor spacecraft state-of-health across all subsystems, perform trending and analyses, and track spacecraft and ground system configurations.* Support the troubleshooting and resolution of on-orbit anomalies as part of an anomaly response team.* Foster continuous improvement by contributing, tracking, and implementing lessons-learned for the benefit of future missions.* Provide instruction and mentorship to early career engineers, building depth of expertise and capability within the mission operations engineering team.**Minimum Qualifications*** B.S. in Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Science, Systems, or related fields* 3+ years of experience managing technical teams.* 12+ years of proven experience in spacecraft operations development and execution, including real-time support for on-orbit operations in a flight director or comparable leadership role.* Extensive development of spacecraft operations products, including procedures, telemetry displays, scripts, and other technical documents.* Experienced in configuration and product data management.**Preferred Qualifications*** M.S. in Space Systems, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Aerospace Engineering* Direct support for a commercial or government spacecraft operations organization, as well as a deep understanding of their use cases and approach to operations.* Proficiency with command-and-control scripting languages, such as Python, SPELL, STOL, or JAS* Experience working with virtualized Ground Software (e.g., Command & Control, Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Electronic Procedures, Software Simulators)* Experience with mission planning and contact planning tools.* Experience with scrum methodology and agile product development.* Experience in full development lifecycle of space systems’ ground segments.* Mission analysis, flight planning and timeline development (tool and analysis)* Experience designing and evaluating operational readiness tests integrated with hardware-in-the-loop, and software-in-the-loop simulators.* Experience with operational fault and anomaly management.* Experience with performing system safety analyses including Functional Hazard Assessments (FHA), Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analyses (FMECA), and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA)* Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including ability to make persuasive presentations to external customers at gated milestone reviews.* Ability to earn trust, build positive professional relationships### Base Pay Range for:WA applicants is $156,802.00 - $219,522.45**Other site ranges may differ****Culture Statement**Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.**Export Control Regulations**Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.**Background Check*** Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check* Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation* Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.* Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical**Benefits*** Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.* Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)* Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.* Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.**Equal Employment Opportunity**Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.**Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation**Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.### WelcomeWe’re committed to building the road to space so our children can build the future. We are a mission-driven company focused on ideas and innovation, and encourage fresh perspectives from bold voices. At Blue, our team is building the future as their unique selves. Thank you for your interest in working at Blue Origin! #J-18808-Ljbffr

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000