Lead Systems Designer

6 Days ago • 6 Years + • Systems Design • $90,000 PA - $200,000 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

The Lead Systems Designer oversees and directs a team of Gameplay Systems Designers, maintaining and developing core game mechanics and non-combat systems for an MMORPG. Responsibilities include managing existing systems (player interactions, roleplaying features, non-combat skills, etc.), developing expertise in system behavior and interdependencies, creating and maintaining documentation, coordinating work across teams, and utilizing analytics for data-driven decisions. The role requires strong leadership, collaboration, communication, and technical writing skills. Familiarity with Agile and product ownership is a plus. The ideal candidate possesses 6+ years of experience developing/maintaining systems in a shipped or live game, with at least 1 year as a design lead managing at least 3 designers. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Miro/PowerPoint is essential.
Must have:
  • 6+ years system development experience in a live game
  • 1+ year experience as design lead (managing 3+ designers)
  • MMORPG development and playing experience
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite, Miro, PowerPoint
  • Excellent communication & technical writing skills
Good to have:
  • Agile development methodology experience
  • Product Ownership experience
  • Viewable portfolio
Perks:
  • Healthcare benefits
  • 401(k) plan & company match
  • Disability coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Wellbeing benefits
  • Paid vacation, sick & mental health time
  • Paid holidays

Job Details

The Lead Systems Designer works with the project team to support the creation and maintenance of core game mechanics and non-combat systems. They are responsible for core gameplay mechanics that have broad utility across all of gameplay and/or fantasy fulfillment/immersion features which retain players’ interest in the product and facilitate cooperative play between players, while adhering to team values and best practices.

The preferred location for this role is Hunt Valley, MD, Austin, TX, Madison, WI, San Diego, CA, or Seattle, WA. Will consider remote.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and direct the work of the Gameplay Systems Designers team

  • Maintain numerous existing in-game systems as assigned (examples: Player Interactions with objects and NPCs, roleplaying features, non-combat skills, repeatable world activities, etc.)

  • Develop expertise on all in-game systems behavior and interdependencies including proprietary toolsets

  • Create and maintain documentation for new and existing systems

  • Coordinate work initiatives and priorities across multiple feature teams

  • Function effectively as a leader and/or team member in collaborative, cross-disciplinary feature development teams

  • Utilize analytics to drive data informed decisions

  • Provide, receive and integrate feedback on all aspects of game development

  • Any other duties assigned

Qualifications

  • 6+ years experience developing or maintaining systems in a shipped or live game

  • At least 1 year of experience as a design lead and manager of at least 3 designers

  • Experience developing and playing MMORPGs

  • Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, Miro, Powerpoint or equivalent

  • Technical writing familiarity with close attention to detail

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  • Familiarity with Agile development methodology and experience with Product Ownership a plus

  • Viewable portfolio of previous work a plus

Salary Range

Lead Systems Designer - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $90,000 - $200,000 per year.

ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate’s primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.

This position is in a union and represented by the Communication Workers of America.

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About The Company

ZeniMax creates and publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, the PC, and handheld/wireless devices. Its Bethesda Softworks division, founded in 1986 in the early days of the industry, has a long history of success as a publisher of award-winning video games. In addition, the ZeniMax group includes some of the most acclaimed development studios in the world. The Company's growing library of intellectual properties includes such franchises as The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Dishonored, DOOM, QUAKE, Wolfenstein, Enemy Territory, RAGE and The Evil Within.

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