1

Game System Designer Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a UI/UX Designer to join the Zynga Poker team. In this role, your primary focus ... assets, prefabs, and design systems into the game engine effectively. * Asset Production:

Temporary Instructional Designer

Austin, TX · Remote

$64K - $87K/yr

Are you a fan of game design and videogames? In this role, youll design amazing learning ... Experience using Learning Management Systems and/or Learning Experience Systems * Proficiency in ...

Temporary Instructional Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

Are you a fan of game design and videogames? In this role, you'll design amazing learning ... Experience using Learning Management Systems and/or Learning Experience Systems * Proficiency in ...

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

Collaborate with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key game systems. * Take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive implementation tasks ...

Principal Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$217K - $246K/yr

Collaborate with designers, artists, and audio developers to iterate on and refine key game systems. * Take ownership of major systems, maintain development schedules, and drive implementation tasks ...

As an economy designer, you will oversee, implement and tune the in-game economy while optimizing ... The economy systems you will build and manage are core to game progression, reward payouts, and ...

Eng Sr Prin - Sys

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Prepare and/or review documentation for system designs and architectures in accordance with ... Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and ...

... gameplay experiences to life. You will work closely with artists, designers, audio, and other ... Using Unreal Engine 5 , you will work with particle systems, shaders, Blueprints, materials, and ...

But for people with fire in their belly, it's a game-changing, career-defining, soul-lifting move ... You'll define how our design system leverages AI for implementation, adoption, and continuous ...

Showing results 21-40

Game System Designer information

See Austin, TX salary details

$46.6K

$154.6K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Austin, TX is $147,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,600.00 and $153,600.00 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 job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs in Austin, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs in Austin, TX are:

What cities near Austin, TX are hiring for Game System Designer jobs?

Cities near Austin, TX with the most Game System Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Austin, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $147,807 per year, or $71.1 per hour.

Senior Product Designer, Direct to Consumer

Zynga

Austin, TX • On-site

$99K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead design efforts for high-impact initiatives across mobile native apps and mobile web, focusing on mobile commerce and user experience.

  • Collaborate with product, engineering, and partner teams to translate complex requirements into thoughtful design solutions from concept to launch.

  • Build and maintain a scalable design system using advanced Figma features to ensure visual consistency and efficiency.


Job description

Level Up Your Career with Zynga!
At Zynga, we bring people together through the power of play. As a global leader in interactive entertainment and a proud label of Take-Two Interactive, our games have been downloaded over 6 billion times-connecting players in 175+ countries through fun, strategy, and a little friendly competition.
From thrilling casino spins to epic strategy battles, mind-bending puzzles, and social word challenges, our diverse game portfolio has something for everyone. Fan-favorites and latest hits include FarmVille™, Words With Friends™, Zynga Poker™, Game of Thrones Slots Casino™, Wizard of Oz Slots™, Hit it Rich! Slots™, Wonka Slots™, Top Eleven™, Toon Blast™, Empires & Puzzles™, Merge Dragons!™, CSR Racing™, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells™, Match Factory™, and Color Block Jam™-plus many more!
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in California, our teams span North America, Europe, and Asia, working together to craft unforgettable gaming experiences. Whether you're spinning, strategizing, matching, or competing, Zynga is where fun meets innovation-and where you can take your career to the next level.
Join us and be part of the play!
Position Overview:
We are looking for an experienced Senior Product Designer to play an essential role in developing the next generation of our Direct to Consumer tools. You'll help Zynga shape the future of mobile game commerce experiences, closely collaborating with partners across product teams to discover and define the most compelling experiences for our customers.
What You'll Do:
  • Lead design for high-impact initiatives across mobile native apps and mobile web, with a primary focus on mobile commerce and user experience, from initial discovery and brainstorming to high-fidelity prototyping and post-launch iteration
  • Proactively audit games and commerce experiences to identify friction points and opportunities
  • Collaborate with product, engineering, and partner teams to translate complex requirements into thoughtful solutions from concept to launch
  • Use customer feedback, research insights, and data analytics to discover unexpected insights and gain a deeper understanding of user experiences
  • Build interactive prototypes to quickly visualize and validate feature ideas
  • Own the creation and evolution of our Design System. You will build and maintain a scalable library of components using advanced Figma features to ensure efficiency and visual consistency.
  • Champion UX excellence across the team. You will participate in product reviews, lead critiques, and mentor junior UI/UX staff to level up the team's collective craft
What You Bring:
  • 5-8+ years of professional product design experience focused on B2C mobile e-commerce or consumer-facing commerce products
  • A compelling portfolio demonstrating mobile-first design, high-quality UI execution, and measurable outcomes
  • Extensive experience designing end-to-end consumer journeys like product discovery, product detail pages, shopping cart, checkout, account pages, loyalty/rewards, subscription experiences
  • Advanced proficiency in Figma, with deep experience in building and managing scalable design systems, components, and variables.
  • Excellent digital hygiene, committed to organized files, clear naming conventions, and proactive documentation
  • Proven ability to lead collaborative efforts with product managers, developers, and designers from initial ideation to final launch

Zynga is known for its data-driven culture, its entrepreneurial mindset, and its fast-paced, challenging work environment where each individual can make a difference. We value strong analytical skills, problem-solving and quantitative experience. We look for great communicators, leaders, and team players.
What We Offer You:
Zynga offers a world-class benefits package that helps support and balance the needs of our teams. To find out more about our benefits, visit the Zynga Benefits site
The pay range for this position in Ontario at the start of employment is expected to be between $99,800 and $142,660 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.
Please note that Zynga is unable to provide visa sponsorship or assistance for this position. All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring current or future employer sponsorship.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, which means we are committed to creating and celebrating diverse thoughts, cultures, and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment with us is based on substantive ability, objective qualifications, and work ethic - not an individual's race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decision, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing the necessary support and accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, health conditions, or impairments (subject to any local qualifying requirements) to ensure their full participation in the job application or interview process. Please contact us at accommodationrequest@zynga.com to request any accommodations or for support related to your application for an open position.
Please be aware that Zynga does not conduct job interviews or make job offers over third-party messaging apps such as Telegram, WhatsApp, or others. Zynga also does not engage in any financial exchanges during the recruitment or onboarding process, and will never ask a candidate for their personal or financial information over an app or other unofficial chat channel. Any attempt to do so may be the result of a scamp or phishing attack, and you should not engage. Zynga's in-house recruitment team will only contact individuals through their official Company email addresses (i.e., via a zynga.com, take2games.com, naturalmotion.com, smallgiantgames.com, themavens.com, gram.gs email domain).