1

Game System Designer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

... pre-game and non-game day event content, seasonal design systems, editable motion graphics ... Oversee freelance motion designers and external production partners, providing creative direction ...

Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Design Game-Changing Systems: Create innovative electrical systems designs and layouts for top-tier projects. * Survey and Solve: Conduct on-site assessments, documenting conditions and ensuring ...

Electrical Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Design Game-Changing Systems: Create innovative electrical systems designs and layouts for top-tier projects. * Survey and Solve: Conduct on-site assessments, documenting conditions and ensuring ...

IT Technical Services Specialist

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$91K/yr

... and coverage for the Gaming Enterprise's information systems operations. Duties and ... Participates in professional activities designed to expand knowledge of IT programs, trends, and ...

We changed the game on sports and news production. Now we're looking to change the game again. We ... Experience designing highly available, fault-tolerant systems with automated recovery, redundancy ...

LSAT Tutor

Mesa, AZ · Remote

$26 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching logic game setup and notation systems, argument core identification, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

LSAT Tutor

Tempe, AZ · Remote

$26 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching logic game setup and notation systems, argument core identification, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

LSAT Tutor

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

$26 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching logic game setup and notation systems, argument core identification, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

LSAT Tutor

Tucson, AZ · Remote

$26 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching logic game setup and notation systems, argument core identification, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

LSAT Tutor

Gilbert, AZ · Remote

$26 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching logic game setup and notation systems, argument core identification, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

LSAT Tutor

Scottsdale, AZ · Remote

$26 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching logic game setup and notation systems, argument core identification, and ... Our platform is designed to match students with the right tutors, fostering better outcomes and a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Game System Designer information

See Arizona salary details

$43.8K

$145.4K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Arizona is $138,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $144,400.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a game system designer?

To thrive as a Game System Designer, you need strong analytical thinking, creativity, and a solid understanding of game mechanics, often supported by a background in game design, computer science, or a related field. Familiarity with game engines (such as Unity or Unreal), prototyping tools, and scripting languages like C# or Lua is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and iterate on complex systems. These skills ensure engaging, balanced, and technically feasible gameplay experiences that drive a game's success.

What is the difference between Game System Designer vs Game Level Designer?

AspectGame System DesignerGame Level Designer
Primary FocusDesigns core game mechanics, systems, and rulesCreates and designs individual game levels and environments
Required SkillsSystems thinking, programming knowledge, gameplay designLevel layout, environment art, storytelling through level design
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with programmers, designers, and artists on overall game systemsWorks closely with artists and narrative teams to craft engaging levels
Industry UsageCommon in game development studios focusing on gameplay mechanicsCommon in studios emphasizing level and environment design

While both roles are essential in game development, the Game System Designer focuses on creating the underlying mechanics that define gameplay, whereas the Game Level Designer concentrates on crafting the individual levels players explore. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and collaboration points within game development teams.

How does a game system designer typically collaborate with other departments during the game development process?

Game System Designers work closely with various teams such as artists, programmers, producers, and narrative designers to ensure that gameplay mechanics align with the overall vision of the game. They often participate in cross-functional meetings, provide detailed system documentation, and gather feedback from playtest sessions to refine systems. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as system designers must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and player experience. This role is highly collaborative, requiring frequent coordination to integrate new features, resolve design challenges, and maintain a cohesive game experience.

What is a game system designer?

Game System Designers are professionals who create, balance, and refine the underlying rules and mechanics that govern how a video game operates. They focus on designing systems such as combat, progression, economy, and rewards to ensure an engaging and balanced player experience. By collaborating with other developers, they translate creative ideas into mathematical models and gameplay loops that keep players challenged and entertained. Their work is crucial to the overall feel and longevity of a game.
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Game System Designer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Game System Designer job openings:

Game Programming Professor - Full-Time, Part-Time, or Adjunct

University of Advancing Technology

Tempe, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

If you love game programming and have a passion for education, UAT is the place for you!


WhoWe Are:

University of Advancing Technology(UAT) isan elite intimate private college in Tempe, AZ focused oneducating students in advancing technologywho desire to innovate in the areas ofemerging technology disciplines including Advancing Computer Science, Information Security, Game and New Media technologies.


Living on campus, students are surrounded by a true living-learning technology environment that incubates their ideas into innovations that students can patent and take to market. Students must create an innovation project to graduate.


We are an entrepreneurial, results-oriented company recognized for delivering high standards of innovation and service. As an organization designed to change the lives of some of the brightest young minds, we rely on the excellence of every member of our family to continuously exceed our own standards and our students' expectations.


WhoYouAre:

Have you ever wanted to teach others about game programming? We aresearching for an addition to ourastounding team of faculty. You must be an expert in various programming languages and development techniques associated with game applications. An exemplary UAT instructor can relate their knowledge and experience in using both object oriented and scripting languages, while guiding our students through industry standard game engines such as Unreal and Unity.


The instructor should be a wizard of many wands and be a master in PC, iOS, console and Android platforms. The instructor needs to be able to present on the theoretical aspects of game programming that include topics such as: game AI, collisions, input device integration, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, object transformations, database integration and optimization. The individual that joins the UAT family must be able to relate to our technophile, high performing, all-things-geek students, best practices associated with application development processes, such as agile models, along with documentation. We need a game-changing (pun intended) professor that will inspire our students and arm them with the skills they'll need to stay ahead of the game design industry.


Don't have teaching experience - that's where we come in. UAT's team of faculty and staff will work with you as you:


Essential Duties:

  • Facilitation of innovative student game projects
  • Mentoring geeky technology driven students
  • Development and delivery of collegiate learning experiences related to game programming
  • Development of course materials related to college level game programming courses


Skills and Education Required:

  • Industry experience developing computer game applications
  • Skills in developing applications using both object oriented and script based tools
  • Experience with application development approaches
  • Game application documentation
  • Development experience in PC, console and mobile platforms
  • Experience working within game engines such as Unity, Unreal, etc.
  • Experience applying computer game concepts such as rendering, transformations, lighting, collisions, AI, UI and gameplay
  • Experience with database integration into game applications
  • Master's degree in Game Programming or related field with 18credit hours in game programming required
  • 3+ years viable work/industry experience and academic credentials


Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain game systems and mechanics for a variety of game genres and platforms.
  • Implement core gameplay features such as AI, character controls, physics, animations, and multiplayer systems.
  • Collaborate with designers and artists to create smooth, engaging, and immersive gameplay experiences.
  • Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code in languages like C++, C#, or Python.
  • Optimize game performance for both high-end and low-end platforms, ensuring smooth frame rates and minimal loading times.
  • Design and implement efficient algorithms to solve complex in-game problems (e.g., pathfinding, AI decision-making).
  • Use game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or proprietary engines to implement gameplay features and tools.
  • Conduct unit testing, debug code, and perform integration testing to ensure stability and quality.
  • Stay up-to-date with emerging technologies in the game industry, including VR/AR, AI, and cloud-based gaming solutions.


Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

Note: A combination of the following skills is preferred; not all are required.

  • Proficiency in C++, C#, or other programming languages commonly used in game development
  • Experience with game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot
  • Strong understanding of 3D mathematics (linear algebra, vector operations, matrix transformations)
  • Knowledge of game physics, collision detection, and optimization techniques
  • Familiarity with shader programming (GLSL/HLSL) and rendering pipelines
  • Understanding of AI programming for games (pathfinding, decision trees, finite state machines)
  • Experience with multiplayer game programming and networking (client-server architectures, data synchronization)
  • Comfortable with version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN) and agile development methodologies
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, with strong communication skills
  • Experience in VR/AR development and/or mobile game development is a plus


Pedagogy:

UAT's Synchronic Learning model is designed especially for students of advancing technology. Tailored to both undergraduate and graduate students, Synchronic Learning provides an education framework that prepares superior graduates to become tomorrow's innovators. This model embodies UAT's methodologies, curricula, and people dedicated to fostering an environment of innovation that promotes demonstrated mastery and job readiness. An integral part of this framework is SyncFlex, a flexible learning approach with an emphasis on mentored education that provides real project experience to cultivate superior graduates.


Important Notes:

Location Requirements: This is not a remote position; candidates must be willing to work in-person at our campus in Tempe, AZ.


Adjunct Pay: $3,000 for in-person courses; $2,400 for hybrid/online courses


Part-Time Pay: $42,500 - $55,000 dependent on Education and Experience


Full-Time Salary + Benefits: $85k-$110k dependent on Education and Experience.

  • Medical insurance option with UAT covering 60% of the premium cost, depending on coverage selection.
  • UAT has your BACK, by covering 100% of the monthly premium for Short-Term and Long-Term coverage.
  • Dental, Vision, 401k, Life Insurance, and AD&D Options
  • Over 15 Paid Holidays - we work hard, but give you that extra time to play hard as well!
  • Competitive Employee and Dependent Scholarship Programs; we take pride in your educational background and look forward to supporting your families' academic goals and endeavors.
  • Meal Benefit at University Cafe. HANGRY? Never heard of here. Come get your lunch at the cafe, on us, YUM!
  • University Store Discount amongst other Discount Programs.
  • Positive, open, and transparent Work Environment and culture that includes Kudos Program, Casual Fridays and Select Work Weeks, Employee Wellness Activities, Bring your Pet to Campus, along with Summer and Winter Happiness Events.
  • Employee Training and Development: Essential Skills Modules are scheduled on the job, allowing for learning, working, and implementation.


We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.


UAT does not sponsor foreign visa's. Thank you for your understanding.