The Senior Game Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for next-generation wargaming and ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
The Senior Game Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for next-generation wargaming and ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
Senior Combat Designer / Concepteurrice seniore combat
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows.
Senior Combat Designer / Concepteurrice seniore combat
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows.
The Systems Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for wargaming and briefing capabilities ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
The Systems Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for wargaming and briefing capabilities ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
As a Systems Designer on the Sand Table team, you will create engaging and realistic gameplay ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
As a Systems Designer on the Sand Table team, you will create engaging and realistic gameplay ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
The Systems Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for wargaming and briefing capabilities ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
The Systems Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for wargaming and briefing capabilities ... detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ...
Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Deep understanding of game mechanics, combat systems, and AI NPC design. * Fluent with game ...
Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Deep understanding of game mechanics, combat systems, and AI NPC design. * Fluent with game ...
Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Deep understanding of game mechanics, combat systems, and AI NPC design. * Fluent with game ...
Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Deep understanding of game mechanics, combat systems, and AI NPC design. * Fluent with game ...
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Associate Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$37 - $50/hr
Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... Melee * Combat Systems * Character animation * Enemy & boss design As part of the Naughty Dog ...
Associate Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$37 - $50/hr
Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention ... Melee * Combat Systems * Character animation * Enemy & boss design As part of the Naughty Dog ...
Senior Combat Designer / Concepteur · rice sénior · e combat
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows.
Senior Combat Designer / Concepteur · rice sénior · e combat
Novato, CA · On-site
$119K - $128K/yr
As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of ... Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows.
Lead Designer, Innovation - Unannounced Game Requisition ID: R027053 Your Mission At Blizzard, we ... Extensive experience working on shipped AAA combat focused titles. * Proven experience leading ...
Lead Designer, Innovation - Unannounced Game Requisition ID: R027053 Your Mission At Blizzard, we ... Extensive experience working on shipped AAA combat focused titles. * Proven experience leading ...
Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$109K - $116K/yr
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)
Costa Mesa, CA · On-site
$109K - $116K/yr
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)
$116K - $124K/yr
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)
$116K - $124K/yr
Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and ... Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
Principal / Lead Gameplay Designer
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$145K - $180K/yr
... combat elements. Core Qualifications * 5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 ... Plus If... * Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.
Principal / Lead Gameplay Designer
Santa Monica, CA · On-site
$145K - $180K/yr
... combat elements. Core Qualifications * 5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 ... Plus If... * Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.
Principal / Lead Gameplay Designer
Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1
$145K - $180K/yr
... combat elements. Core Qualifications * 5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 ... Plus If... * Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.
Principal / Lead Gameplay Designer
Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1
$145K - $180K/yr
... combat elements. Core Qualifications * 5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 ... Plus If... * Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.
From match to match, game mode to game mode, and moment to moment, can you see around corners to ... This role is tailor made for a technically capable gameplay combat designer who can comfortably ...
From match to match, game mode to game mode, and moment to moment, can you see around corners to ... This role is tailor made for a technically capable gameplay combat designer who can comfortably ...
Senior Gameplay Designer (Combat Specialist)
$105K - $198K/yr
Represent the combat team, be the point of contact for your features, pitch and present designs to ... open world gameplay systems. * Shipped at least one AAA title from inception to finish.
Senior Gameplay Designer (Combat Specialist)
$105K - $198K/yr
Represent the combat team, be the point of contact for your features, pitch and present designs to ... open world gameplay systems. * Shipped at least one AAA title from inception to finish.
Senior Gameplay Designer (Combat Specialist)
$105K - $198K/yr
Represent the combat team, be the point of contact for your features, pitch and present designs to ... open world gameplay systems. * Shipped at least one AAA title from inception to finish.
Senior Gameplay Designer (Combat Specialist)
$105K - $198K/yr
Represent the combat team, be the point of contact for your features, pitch and present designs to ... open world gameplay systems. * Shipped at least one AAA title from inception to finish.
Combat Designer (Associate/Mid-Level/Senior / Principal)
Austin, TX · On-site
$60K - $130K/yr
Gunfire Games is seeking a Combat Designer (Associate, Mid-Level, Senior, or Principal) to focus on creature design for our upcoming titles. In this role, you will conceptualize and implement ...
Quick apply
Combat Designer (Associate/Mid-Level/Senior / Principal)
Austin, TX · On-site
$60K - $130K/yr
Gunfire Games is seeking a Combat Designer (Associate, Mid-Level, Senior, or Principal) to focus on creature design for our upcoming titles. In this role, you will conceptualize and implement ...
Combat Game Designer information
See salary details
$47K - $56.9K
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$126.3K - $136.2K
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$136.2K - $146.1K
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$148.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$146.1K - $156K
94% of jobs
$47K
$156K
How much do combat game designer jobs pay per year?
As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for combat game designer in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is the difference between Combat Game Designer vs Level Designer?
| Aspect | Combat Game Designer | Level Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Skills | Game mechanics, combat systems, player engagement | Level layout, environment design, pacing |
| Work Environment | Collaborates with gameplay, art, and programming teams | Works closely with art and level teams to craft environments |
| Industry Usage | Used in action, shooter, and fighting games | Common in adventure, platformer, and open-world games |
While both roles involve designing aspects of a game, Combat Game Designers focus on creating engaging combat mechanics and systems, whereas Level Designers craft the environments and levels players explore. Both roles require collaboration across teams and are vital to game development, but they specialize in different facets of gameplay experience.
What is a Combat Game Designer?
A Combat Game Designer is a professional in the video game industry who specializes in designing, balancing, and refining the combat systems within a game. They are responsible for creating engaging and fair mechanics for player battles, including character abilities, weapons, enemy behavior, and progression systems. Combat Game Designers work closely with programmers, artists, and other designers to ensure that combat feels satisfying and aligns with the game's overall vision. Their work often involves prototyping, playtesting, and iterating on combat features based on feedback from both the development team and players.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Combat Game Designer, and why are they important?
A Combat Game Designer needs a solid understanding of game design principles, experience with balancing gameplay mechanics, and often a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, scripting languages like C#, and version control systems is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help designers collaborate effectively and craft engaging combat experiences. These abilities are crucial for developing immersive, balanced, and enjoyable combat systems that keep players engaged.
How does a Combat Game Designer typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?
As a Combat Game Designer, you will work closely with various teams such as artists, animators, programmers, and sound designers to create engaging and balanced combat systems. Collaboration often involves frequent meetings to discuss mechanics, prototyping features, and iterating based on feedback. You'll also coordinate with narrative and level design teams to ensure that combat fits seamlessly within the game's world and story. Effective communication and a willingness to adapt your ideas are essential, as your work will impact many aspects of the game's overall experience.
Full-time
Posted 3 days ago
Anduril rating
9.4
Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
Job description
Job Summary:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company dedicated to transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Senior Game Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for next-generation wargaming and briefing capabilities in XR headsets, collaborating closely with creative and technical teams.
Responsibilities:
• Design and develop core gameplay systems including unit behavior models, command structures, and decision-making frameworks for military simulations
• Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and battlefield outcomes
• Create design documentation that clearly communicates system functionality, user interactions, and expected outcomes
• Design scenario creation tools that allow users to quickly build and modify complex military simulations
• Balance simulation fidelity with usability to ensure systems are both realistic and accessible to military users
• Work closely with AI programmers to design behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI systems that drive realistic simulation behavior
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement sensor modeling systems (radar, sonar, ELINT, etc.)
• Partner with UI/UX designers to create intuitive command interfaces for complex military operations that are presented effectively in XR environments
• Identify technical constraints early and develop creative solutions that maintain design integrity while meeting platform requirements
• Prototype gameplay systems to validate concepts before full implementation
• Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
• Collaborate with business teams and defense subject matter experts to scope system design deliverables
• Maintain effective working relationships with military stakeholders to ensure gameplay systems support mission objectives
• Partner with project managers to ensure design deliverables align with program milestones and customer expectations
• Monitor design scope and iterate based on user feedback, technical constraints, and evolving requirements
• Champion best practices for systems design within the organization
• Mentor junior designers on gameplay systems development
• Foster a culture of open communication, and continuous improvement
• Drive innovation in military simulation design by researching and applying emerging game design methodologies
• Contribute to the overall vision of the Sand Table platform by identifying opportunities for gameplay and usability enhancements
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 5+ years of professional experience in systems design for games or interactive simulations
• Strong portfolio demonstrating systems design work for complex interactive applications
• Experience with behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI-driven gameplay systems
• Excellent documentation skills with the ability to create clear design specifications
• Strong analytical skills for gameplay balancing and iterative design
• Excellent spoken and written communication with experience presenting design concepts to stakeholders
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment
• Experience with Custom Game Engines, Unity or Unreal Engine
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred:
• Experience designing RTS Games, military simulations, wargames, or defense applications
• Knowledge of XR design principles and constraints
• Background in AI design for games or simulations
• Experience shipping at least one AAA game title in a similar role
• Active security clearance
Company:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that specializes in developing advanced autonomous systems to enhance national security. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company dedicated to transforming military capabilities with advanced technology. The Senior Game Designer will create engaging gameplay systems for next-generation wargaming and briefing capabilities in XR headsets, collaborating closely with creative and technical teams.
Responsibilities:
• Design and develop core gameplay systems including unit behavior models, command structures, and decision-making frameworks for military simulations
• Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and battlefield outcomes
• Create design documentation that clearly communicates system functionality, user interactions, and expected outcomes
• Design scenario creation tools that allow users to quickly build and modify complex military simulations
• Balance simulation fidelity with usability to ensure systems are both realistic and accessible to military users
• Work closely with AI programmers to design behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI systems that drive realistic simulation behavior
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement sensor modeling systems (radar, sonar, ELINT, etc.)
• Partner with UI/UX designers to create intuitive command interfaces for complex military operations that are presented effectively in XR environments
• Identify technical constraints early and develop creative solutions that maintain design integrity while meeting platform requirements
• Prototype gameplay systems to validate concepts before full implementation
• Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
• Collaborate with business teams and defense subject matter experts to scope system design deliverables
• Maintain effective working relationships with military stakeholders to ensure gameplay systems support mission objectives
• Partner with project managers to ensure design deliverables align with program milestones and customer expectations
• Monitor design scope and iterate based on user feedback, technical constraints, and evolving requirements
• Champion best practices for systems design within the organization
• Mentor junior designers on gameplay systems development
• Foster a culture of open communication, and continuous improvement
• Drive innovation in military simulation design by researching and applying emerging game design methodologies
• Contribute to the overall vision of the Sand Table platform by identifying opportunities for gameplay and usability enhancements
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 5+ years of professional experience in systems design for games or interactive simulations
• Strong portfolio demonstrating systems design work for complex interactive applications
• Experience with behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI-driven gameplay systems
• Excellent documentation skills with the ability to create clear design specifications
• Strong analytical skills for gameplay balancing and iterative design
• Excellent spoken and written communication with experience presenting design concepts to stakeholders
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment
• Experience with Custom Game Engines, Unity or Unreal Engine
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance
Preferred:
• Experience designing RTS Games, military simulations, wargames, or defense applications
• Knowledge of XR design principles and constraints
• Background in AI design for games or simulations
• Experience shipping at least one AAA game title in a similar role
• Active security clearance
Company:
Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that specializes in developing advanced autonomous systems to enhance national security. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.
About Anduril Industries
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.
Industry
Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing
Company size
501 - 1,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Costa Mesa, CA, US
Year founded
2017