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Senior Gameplay Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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

teamLFG

Senior Gameplay Engineer - Gameplay Tools

$160K - $240K/yr

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 ...

Tencent

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$137K - $257K/yr

Design, implement, and support quality gameplay systems and tools, focusing on melee combat, ranged (weapon-based) combat, and combat AI * Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of animation data to fulfill various gameplay and AI systems.

Ember Lab

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 ...

Ember Lab

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 ...

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How much do senior gameplay programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 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.
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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 Engineer

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Skydance

OR • Remote

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Skydance Games, a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is building the future of franchise-driven interactive entertainment. As part of a global storytelling company defined by iconic worlds and multigenerational fandom, we see gaming not as an extension of our brands, but as one of the most powerful ways their stories come to life and evolve alongside the audiences who love them.
Through creativity, collaboration, and trust, we empower our teams to push boundaries and turn bold ideas into experiences that resonate with fans around the world.
Do you want to craft games that challenge expectations and inspire players? Come build something extraordinary with us.  
 
For more information on how we process your personal information, please review the Privacy policy located at https://privacy.paramount.com/recruitment-privacy-notice.
 
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Skydance is looking for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer skilled in working with creative teams to build key NPC gameplay features and frameworks. 

Currently for this role, we can hire remote candidates with legal residence in Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay AI systems
  • Drive technical direction for NPC gameplay systems and AI frameworks
  • Own large-scale AI features from concept through ship
  • Identify and resolve performance, scalability, and technical design challenges across gameplay systems.
  • Partner closely with Design, Animation, Audio, and Production to define and drive AI feature goals
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance across cross-functional gameplay initiative
  • Help establish engineering standards and improve team-wide AI development workflows
Requirements/Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional gameplay/AI engineering experience
  • Proven experience owning large gameplay or AI systems in a production environment.
  • Experience architecting and implementing AI simulation systems and features from scratch using a combination of C++, Blueprints, and other tools.
  • In-depth knowledge of industry standard gameplay AI simulation systems, techniques and frameworks (e.g, Behavior Trees, FSMs, Utility AI)
  • Demonstrated collaboration with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key AI behaviors and system tunings.
  • Ability to take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive major implementation tasks.
  • Extensive experience with Unreal Engine, using and understanding the different gameplay AI authoring tools, modifying and creating custom tech to extend the base engine feature sets.
  • Experience with animation techniques driving AI characters (e.g, Animation Blueprints, Montages, Control Rig, MotionMatching)
  • Self-motivated and self-directing, willing to pitch in areas of development beyond direct responsibilities.
  • A passionate eye towards delivering quality and highly-tuned game feel.
  • Experience mentoring and supporting other engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and best practices – helping them stay on track and true to the overall vision of the game.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
The annual salary range for this position in Los Angeles is $150,000 – $180,000. The salary offered may vary based on the candidate’s location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors.  The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc. 
We realize that skills and expertise can come from many different experiences and paths, and we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements as written in the job description. 
 
#Games #LI-hybrid #Remote

Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a diversified media company creating high quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television, interactive/games, and animation divisions.
 
 
Recruitment Fraud Alert
It has come to our attention that there may be fraudulent activity by individuals impersonating our Talent Acquisition team. Skydance will only contact you from an official “@skydance.com” email address. If you suspect that you are being contacted by an unauthorized person or believe that the correspondence you have received is suspicious, please do not click on any links or attachments in such emails and submit any questions or concerns to our information security team at https://skydance.com/report-suspected-fraud/.