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Game System Designer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Experience developing brand systems and templates for consistent, multi-platform program identity ... TRAVEL Government-directed travel to Soldier Recovery Units, Army Trials, Warrior Games, and other ...

... developing brand systems and templates for consistent, multi-platform program identity. • ... TRAVEL Government-directed travel to Soldier Recovery Units, Army Trials, Warrior Games, and other ...

WHO WE ARE Level99 is a sprawling playground designed for adults with over 50 life-sized mini-games ... Own first-response troubleshooting and repair when a Challenge or gameplay system fails during live ...

Venue Technician

Tysons, VA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

WHO WE ARE Level99 is a sprawling playground designed for adults with over 50 life-sized mini-games ... Own first-response troubleshooting and repair when a Challenge or gameplay system fails during live ...

Incorporates new plans, designs and systems into ongoing operations. * Develops technical ... Amazon Prime, gym reimbursement, monthly lunches, games and prizes * Pet adoption program, generous ...

Incorporates new plans, designs and systems into ongoing operations. * Develops technical ... Amazon Prime, gym reimbursement, monthly lunches, games and prizes * Pet adoption program, generous ...

Cloud Infrastructure Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$63.25 - $84.50/hr

Proven Experience: 3+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and managing cloud ... Why Game Plan Tech? Join a dynamic and growing team at Game Plan Tech, dedicated to empowering ...

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Game System Designer information

See Washington salary details

$53.2K

$176.7K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Washington is $168,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $175,600.00 and $175,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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 do you become a game system designer?

To become a game system designer, typically a candidate needs a background in game design, computer science, or related fields, along with strong skills in programming, mathematics, and understanding of game mechanics. Gaining experience through internships, personal projects, or portfolio work is important, and proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can be beneficial.

Is game system designer a good career?

A game system designer develops the rules, mechanics, and systems for video games, often requiring skills in programming, mathematics, and game theory. The field offers opportunities in the gaming industry, but job availability can be competitive and typically requires a strong portfolio and relevant experience.

What are popular job titles related to Game System Designer jobs in Washington?

For Game System Designer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Game System Designer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Game System Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $168,890 per year, or $81.2 per hour.

Senior Instructional System Designer

Washington, DC • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

CTEC is a leading technology firm that provides modernization, digital transformation, and application development services to the U.S. Federal Government. Headquartered in McLean, VA, CTEC has over 300 team members working on mission-critical systems and projects for agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, and the Office of Personnel Management. The work we do effects millions of U.S. citizens daily as they interact with the systems we build. Our best-in-class commercial solutions, modified for our customers' bespoke mission requirements, are enabling this future every day.

The Company has experienced rapid growth over the past 3 years and recently received a strategic investment from Main Street Capital Corporation (NYSE: MAIN). In addition to our recent growth in Federal Civilian agencies, we are seeking to expand our capabilities in cloud development and footprint in national-security focused agencies within the Department of Defense and U.S. Intelligence Community.

CTEC is seeking a Senior Instructional Systems Designer to join our team. In this role, you will support the analysis, design, development, delivery and deployment of relevant, high-quality learning assets and experiences. These assets and experiences will be delivered via classroom, virtual, and hybrid modalities.

Responsibilities

Analysis and Design: Lead the analysis, design, and development of learning assets

  • Complete analysis on existing/provided content to recognize gaps, create learning objectives, and make recommendations to create a framework for development
  • Create analysis and design documents incorporating varying levels of interactivity, and learner engagement, leveraging adult learning theory using the ADDIE model.
  • Create storyboards for on-line and virtual instructor-led learning assets
  • Create instructional materials, including courses, curriculum, student guides, and training manuals
  • Leverage AI tools such as CoPilot and ChatGPT to improve design and development proficiency
  • Design content to enhance learning outcomes, ensuring alignment with learner needs.
  • Create and deliver training that adheres to client quality standards, technical criteria, and complies with Section 508 accessibility standards

Experiential Learning Focus: Incorporate experiential learning principles to create immersive and impactful training assets

  • Design, develop and deliver learning experiences including interactive stories, games, simulations, and other assets using client approved tools.
  • Apply creative approaches and innovative thinking to enhance the effectiveness and engagement of learning experiences

Collaborate and Communicate: Engage with instructional designers and subject matter experts as required to assess training needs, develop concepts, and recommend training strategies.

  • Collaborate with a Project Manager to maintain project schedules, monitor progress against milestones, identify risks to timelines, and ensure instructional design deliverables meet established deadlines
  • Set and manage team expectations across the instructional design lifecycle, proactively addressing risks, resolving conflicts, and professionally challenging client and team decisions when necessary to ensure high‑quality, on‑time delivery

Authoring Tools

  • Leverage authoring tools (such as Lectora, Adobe Captivate, or Articulate Storyline) to develop interactive and engaging learning experiences

Design Visual and Audio Elements

  • Create visual, audio, and interactive learning storyboards to enhance engagement
  • Familiarity with tools such as Vyond, Camtasia, or Adobe After Effects
  • Leverage text to speech tools in the development of learning assets

Qualifications:

Logistics:

  • East coast core hours of 9am to 3pm
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection

Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or Master's degree in Instructional Design or other related field from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum 8 years of experience working as a senior instructional systems designer
  • Experience designing and developing courses with Lectora or similar authoring tools

Design and Quality: Ensure instructional content is accurate, consistent, and aligned with quality standards, while adhering to Section 508 accessibility requirements.

Work Environment:

  • Ability to work closely with subject matter experts and cross-functional teams including strong facilitation and analysis skills
  • Exhibit strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Exhibit ability to lead a team through a learning asset development lifecycle
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Experience working on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Demonstrate strong information technology skills specifically working in the Microsoft Teams and SharePoint environments

Clearance Requirement: Preferred Active WAU public trust clearance. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain the required clearance.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Cybermedia Technologies management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, where applicable and available, reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.
Please note: Candidate(s) will be required to go through pre-employment screening.
Cybermedia Technologies, Inc. is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer! (EOE; M/F/D/V)

If you are looking for a fun and challenging environment with talented, motivated people to work with, CTEC is the right place for you. In addition to employee salary, we offer an array of employee benefits including:

  • Paid vacation & Sick leave

  • Health insurance coverage

  • Career training

  • Performance bonus programs

  • 401K contribution & Employer Match

  • 11 Federal Holidays