Combat Game Designer
Job Summary
Job Description
Pipeworks Studios seeks a Combat Game Designer to contribute to an AAA action-adventure project in Unreal Engine 5. Responsibilities include blocking out and iterating on gameplay spaces focusing on combat, traversal, and narrative flow; scripting gameplay mechanics and events; owning individual gameplay beats to ensure satisfying pacing and player engagement; collaborating with Lead Level Designers; rapid prototyping and iteration; and troubleshooting and refining gameplay systems. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of combat encounter design, player traversal, and gameplay pacing; experience scripting gameplay mechanics (Blueprints or similar); familiarity with action-adventure design principles; and excellent collaboration and communication skills. Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5 and source control tools is required.
Must have:
- Strong understanding of combat design
- Experience scripting gameplay mechanics
- Familiarity with action-adventure principles
- Excellent collaboration & communication skills
- Unreal Engine 4 or 5 experience
Good to have:
- AI behavior design experience
- Familiarity with early project milestones
- Passion for action-adventure/ARPG games
Perks:
- Flexible work environment
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401K with employer match
- Paid Time Off
- Relocation assistance
- Paid Parental Leave
8 skills required
Job Details
Combat Game Designer (Remote, Hybrid, or In-Office)
Department: Design
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Eugene, OR
Compensation: $67,000 - $80,000 / year
Description
Join Pipeworks Studios as a Combat Designer, focused on shaping the combat and gameplay experience for an exciting AAA action-adventure project developed in Unreal Engine 5. In this systems-driven role, you’ll collaborate with the Level Design team to bring dynamic combat encounters, traversal flow, and narrative beats to life.
The ideal Combat Designer is a passionate and adaptable contributor with a strong focus on combat mechanics, encounter flow, and player-driven gameplay systems. While level layout and blockout skills are appreciated, this position emphasizes scripting, tuning, and systems support over pure environment design.
Based in the vibrant tech hub of Eugene, Oregon, with the flexibility of full remote work, this is your opportunity to work alongside industry veterans and contribute directly to a major new IP.
Day to Day
Responsibilities
- Block out and iterate on gameplay spaces that emphasize combat, traversal, and narrative flow within Unreal Engine 5.
- Script gameplay mechanics and events, bringing core traversal and combat interactions to life.
- Own individual gameplay beats, ensuring they deliver satisfying pacing, player engagement, and responsiveness.
- Collaborate closely with Lead Level Designers and cross-disciplinary partners to align combat systems with overall level goals.
- Rapidly prototype and iterate based on team feedback and ongoing playtesting.
- Communicate effectively across disciplines to troubleshoot, refine, and polish gameplay systems.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Must Haves
- Strong understanding of combat encounter design, player traversal, and gameplay pacing.
- Experience scripting gameplay mechanics and interactions (Blueprints or similar visual scripting tools).
- Familiarity with action-adventure or combat-focused gameplay design principles.
- Excellent collaboration, communication, and iteration skills, with an adaptive mindset.
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
- Familiarity with source control tools (e.g., Perforce) and task management systems (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
Nice to Have Skills
- Experience designing AI behavior or basic enemy attack patterns.
- Familiarity with early milestone phases such as first playable or vertical slice.
- Passion for action-adventure, ARPG, or character-driven games.
Education and Experience Required
- 1-3 years of relevant professional game design experience or strong academic/project-based equivalent
- Experience contributing to at least one internal project milestone or commercial game preferred.
Benefits
Flexible Working Environment
Almost all of our roles allow for your choice of work location. We're happy to support our team no matter how they prefer to work: remote, in office, or hybrid.
Benefits
Almost all of our roles allow for your choice of work location. We're happy to support our team no matter how they prefer to work: remote, in office, or hybrid.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- 401K with employer match
- Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 20 Paid Company Holidays
- Relocation
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Fitness Club Discounts
- Sports Team Sponsorship
- Annual Company Events
- Project Wrap Parties
A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all of our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the the table. We value each employee's unique experiences and perspectives and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization.
By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone!
Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our latest Demographic Report.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications.
Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all of our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the the table. We value each employee's unique experiences and perspectives and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization.
By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone!
Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our latest Demographic Report.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications.
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