Senior Combat Designer

We are creators of the hit survival-fantasy franchise State of Decay with a fan base of over 10 million players. As an independent member of Xbox Game Studios, we collaborate with a huge network of skilled specialists in all disciplines, providing incredible opportunities for joint development and learning.

Undead Labs has an opportunity for a Senior Combat Designer to bring their expertise and passion for combat systems to State of Decay 3. The State of Decay franchise has attracted a loyal fanbase of millions of players, and you will play a key role in delivering the next installment of our story for them to enjoy.

As a senior member of the team, you will help define and refine our combat systems, create engaging moment-to-moment gameplay, and drive alignment across creative and technical disciplines. Your experience in combat design, systemic gameplay, and Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) will be critical to ensuring a dynamic and immersive combat experience for our players. You’ll work closely with a diverse team of animators, engineers, and designers to craft a game that feels visceral, strategic, and rewarding.

At Undead Labs, we work in highly collaborative, cross-discipline teams because we understand that the best ideas are ones we generate together. Our studio operates independently as part of a network of first-party Microsoft studios.

Core Responsibilities

• Drive the design and implementation of combat systems and mechanics in Unreal Engine 5.
• Own and refine core gameplay systems, including encounter spawning and infestation spread, ensuring alignment with creative and technical leadership.
• Create exemplar experiences in the build to demonstrate critical combat and gameplay systems.
• Define and iterate upon the toolset required to ship and maintain State of Decay 3 from a design standpoint.
• Improve melee and ranged combat systems to ensure fluid and engaging gameplay.
• Collaborate with Animation, Gameplay Engineering, and other teams to ensure high-quality execution of combat experiences.

Basic Qualifications

• Extensive experience designing and leading the development of combat systems in action games.
• Strong ability to deliver complex systems that produce dynamic, unpredictable player experiences.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprint scripting and gameplay implementation.
• Solid communication and collaboration skills across multiple disciplines, with a focus on fostering an inclusive and supportive team environment.
• Proven ability to document and communicate design decisions effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in game design, with a focus on combat and gameplay systems.
• Experience designing and balancing melee and ranged combat in third-person action games.
• Strong understanding of systemic design and emergent gameplay mechanics.
• Familiarity with AI-driven combat behaviors and encounter design.
• Experience shipping a title in Unreal Engine.
• Lead experience and the ability to support other areas like level and systems design.

Benefits & Perks

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Undead Labs and the state in which you work.

• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
• Discretionary time off and studio holiday closure in December
• 401k plan with 50% matching
• Subsidized transportation to and from work
• Professional growth resources
• Discounts on the Microsoft Games store

The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $165,000 - $185,000 per year.

The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role (except as noted below); the applicable base range will depend on various factors, such as complexity and responsibility of the 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 Undead Labs, certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases and an annual bonus. These awards are allocated based on individual performance. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with Undead Labs.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Close vision to monitors and screens, consistently working on computer equipment such as keyboards and monitors, long periods of sitting.
• Noise levels are low to moderate in the work environment.

Undead Labs 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 (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.