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Game Design Director Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Insomniac Games

OR · On-site

This role is accountable for the quality and on-time delivery of all design systems for a large-scale game production, as well as the direct management, mentorship, and growth of a small Systems ...

teamLFG

OR

... the Game Director Proactively represent UX/UI in discussions, feature prioritization, and goal ... design work in games

Netflix

OR

$260K - $480K/yr

At least 10 years of game design experience, including experience as a Creative Director, Game Director, or comparable design leadership role Experience working with distributed or external teams ...

Netflix

OR

We're looking for a versatile and engaged Tech Director to join our Internal Game Development team ... Own all technical aspects of the project, from architecture and system design to development ...

Rushdown Studios

Lead Gameplay Systems Engineer

OR · On-site +1

$145K - $165K/yr

Professional experience leading a team, either through direct leadership or mentorship of less ... animation, game design, and narrative design). * Understanding of various Unreal Engine ...

PlayStation Global

OR

About the Role The Senior Director, Sound leads the creative, technical, and strategic vision for ... Minimum of 6 shipped AAA games in a senior sound leadership role. * Proven record of managing ...

Netflix

Senior Game Producer - Party & Puzzle Games

OR · On-site +1

$170K - $250K/yr

Strong understanding of game development - Design, Programming, Art, Audio, Localization, QA, ... Proven leadership skills, able to influence teams without direct authority, while fostering a ...

teamLFG

OR

As a Senior Online Game Services Engineering Lead for teamLFG, you will design and build the core ... Experience leading (direct management, mentoring, or guiding) engineers * Ability to diagnose ...

Engineering for Kids

STEM teacher

Portland, OR · On-site

$15 - $22/hr

... and video game design. We work onsite at schools and community centers all over the Beaverton ... Professionalism - Be neat in appearance; friendly and courteous with school staff and director ...

Bungie

OR · On-site

... Design, UI/UX tools and workflows. REQUIRED SKILLS * Experience as a UI/UX Director developing and implementing UI/UX vision for large-scale, multiplatform, live-service competitive FPS games.

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All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Director JobsGame Design Director Jobs in Oregon

Game Design Director information

See Oregon salary details

$39.1K

$143.5K

$256.9K

How much do game design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design director in Oregon is $143,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,800.00 and $172,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Design Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Design Director, you need deep expertise in game mechanics, storytelling, project management, and a strong portfolio of shipped titles, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard engines like Unity or Unreal, as well as proficiency in prototyping tools and knowledge of development pipelines, is essential. Exceptional leadership, creative vision, and communication skills help guide teams and inspire innovative gameplay experiences. These abilities ensure that complex projects are delivered on time and meet both creative and commercial goals.

What does a Game Design Director do?

A Game Design Director is responsible for overseeing the creative vision and design strategy of a video game project. They lead the design team, ensure cohesion between gameplay, narrative, and visual elements, and make high-level decisions about game mechanics and player experience. The Game Design Director collaborates closely with producers, artists, and engineers to ensure the final product meets both creative and commercial goals. Their role is pivotal in shaping the direction of the game from concept to release.

How does a Game Design Director typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

A Game Design Director works closely with departments such as art, programming, audio, and production to ensure the game vision is clearly communicated and executed. They often facilitate alignment meetings, provide feedback on design elements, and resolve cross-functional challenges to maintain consistency in gameplay and storytelling. Effective collaboration is key, as the director must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and business goals. This role also involves mentoring designers and representing the design team in high-level discussions with studio leadership.

What is the difference between Game Design Director vs Game Producer?

AspectGame Design DirectorGame Producer
Primary FocusOversees game design vision, mechanics, and creative directionManages project timelines, budgets, and overall production process
Required SkillsGame design, creative leadership, storytellingProject management, communication, resource allocation
Work EnvironmentCreative teams, design departmentsProduction teams, cross-department coordination
Industry UsageUsed in game development studios to define design visionUsed to ensure project delivery and operational success

The Game Design Director focuses on the creative and design aspects of a game, shaping its vision and mechanics. In contrast, the Game Producer manages the project's logistics, schedules, and resources to ensure timely delivery. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within game development teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Game Design Director jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Game Design Director job openings:
Game Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design Director job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,540 per year, or $69 per hour.

Lead Systems Designer

Insomniac Games

OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Insomniac is looking for a new Lead Systems Designer. This role is accountable for the quality and on-time delivery of all design systems for a large-scale game production, as well as the direct management, mentorship, and growth of a small Systems Design team.  Duties will be split between management and hands-on design as needed.

The ideal candidates are self-driven, focused on practical, high-quality execution, and will strive to create an environment in continuous improvement - both on screen and our staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Responsible for managing, mentoring, and directing a team of Systems Designers, including regular coaching, career development, and performance management. Serves as hiring manager for Systems Designers.
  • Oversees and directly works on the design, prototyping, iteration and polish of gameplay systems such as player mechanics, non-combat systems, world simulation, economy, progression, or game balance.  May lead one or more development pods of cross-discipline contributors.
  • Directly prototypes, implements, and iterates on gameplay systems through proprietary internal tools and scripting systems.
  • Fosters a strong environment of creative collaboration across all disciplines. Works directly with Gameplay Programming counterparts to best leverage skills and creativity across both departments for systems design and implementation.
  • Writes and regularly updates clear gameplay system documentation detailing the scope and feature set for gameplay features. Creates tutorial videos and documentation to support systems.
  • Works with Project Management to plan and maintain the systems design schedule, set priorities, plan milestones, and assign work to Systems Designers. Proactively communicates across the team to create alignment among stakeholders and clarity about status, direction, and dependencies.  
  • Regularly reviews design work in progress, proactively gathers feedback, and drives iteration and quality. Accountable for creative quality of all game design systems work and for ensuring the team is hitting on-screen quality targets for each milestone.
  • Collaborates with the Design Director and project Game Director to ensure systems design meets the project's creative and technical goals.
  • Ensures consistency in design systems across the whole game experience by creating, tracking, and enforcing standards and metrics. Directly supports Mission Design work in this as needed.
  • Runs brainstorms / reviews, creates buy-in and alignment, and champions design vision and values through clear communication and inclusivity.
  • Works with other Systems Design staff across the studio to develop best practices, shared process, and design standards.
  • Creates a safe, supportive, and creative work environment that exemplifies our studio values.
  • Other managerial and creative duties as needed.

Supervisory Duties

Directly supervises a team of Systems Designers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; resolving problems together with the Team and Design Department leadership.

Computer Skills:

  • Intermediateknowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar editors).
  • Intermediate knowledge of Maya orother major 3D modeling programs.
  • Adobe Illustrator experience andUE4 Blueprintscripting skills are a plus.
  • Working knowledge of MicrosoftOffice Suite.

Other Skills:

  • Individual must have very good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other developers.
  • Strong communication skills including verbal and written skills are required.

Apply