ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game System Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Epic Games

Senior Game Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... What You'll Do Epic Games is seeking an experienced Senior Game Designer to join our Music team ...

New

Epic Games

Game Designer, Activities

Cary, NC · On-site

$143K/yr

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of interactive entertainment at Epic. What You'll Do Epic Games is seeking a Senior Game Designer ...

Epic Games

Senior Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$94K - $101K/yr

... game development. DESIGN What We Do Put your design skills to work at a cutting-edge company that challenges the norm. From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help ...

Epic Games

Narrative Systems Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a character-focused Narrative Systems Designer to join our ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ENGINEERING - GAMES ... Optimize and fix bugs in existing gameplay systems to ensure high-quality user experiences across ...

Epic Games

Senior Game Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

This allows games like Fortnite to utilize a combination of platform online services as well as ... Apply deep knowledge of operating system internals to detect and prevent the latest cheating ...

Epic Games

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

... designers, and artists, while building impactful experiences from concept to delivery ... existing systems • Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the project's production and ...

AGBO

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You'll work closely with designers and the broader engineering team to fine-tune character, camera, and control systems and help us find the fun in our gameplay loops. Your work will have a direct ...

AGBO Films LLC

Senior Gameplay Programmer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You'll work closely with designers and the broader engineering team to fine-tune character, camera, and control systems and help us find the fun in our gameplay loops. Your work will have a direct ...

Epic Games

Senior AI Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$94K - $101K/yr

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for an experienced Senior AI Designer to join our cross ...

Epic Games

Technical Designer in Animation

Cary, NC · On-site

What You'll Do Epic Games is looking for a Technical Designer in Animation (TDiA) to join our team working across various animation systems. As a TDiA, you will use your animation sense and technical ...

AGBO

NPC Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As a NPC Designer, you'll be hands-on in designing and implementing the moment-to-moment gameplay that NPCs exhibit in-game. You're a system-savvy, technical designer who understands how skilled ...

AGBO Films LLC

NPC Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

As a NPC Designer, you'll be hands-on in designing and implementing the moment-to-moment gameplay that NPCs exhibit in-game. You're a system-savvy, technical designer who understands how skilled ...

AGBO

NPC Designer

Raleigh, NC

As a NPC Designer, you'll be hands-on in designing and implementing the moment-to-moment gameplay that NPCs exhibit in-game. You're a system-savvy, technical designer who understands how skilled ...

Epic Games

Lead Technical UI Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

... Games is looking for talented, experienced Lead Technical UI Designer to work on Rocket League. In this position, you will lead and manage a team of Technical UI designers implementing UI systems ...

AGBO

Combat Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

They are seeking a Combat Designer to design and implement engaging gameplay mechanics, focusing on ... game design experience, with at least one shipped title where combat or action systems were a ...

Epic Games

Lead Gameplay Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

... game designers, producers, and artists. They will play a critical role in feature development for ... Lead the vision for different gameplay systems and features * Propose and review architecture ...

AGBO

Combat Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

AGBO is looking for a Combat Designer to be hands-on in designing and implementing the moment-to-moment gameplay that defines how our games feel in action. You're a system-savvy, feel-first designer ...

New

AGBO

Senior Technical Designer, Events

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

Required : • 5-8 years of professional game design experience with multiple shipped titles. • ... systems. • Adaptable and solutions-focused, with the ability to move quickly when priorities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame System Designer JobsGame System Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Game System Designer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$45.7K

$151.6K

How much do game system designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for game system designer in Raleigh, NC is $144,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,700.00 and $150,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are Game System Designers?

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 are popular job titles related to Game System Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Game System Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game System Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Game System Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Game System Designer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Game System Designer job openings:
Game System Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game System Designer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% As Needed, 50% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,954 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Senior Game Designer

Senior Game Designer

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
DESIGN
What We Do
Put your design skills to work at a cutting-edge company that challenges the norm. From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of interactive entertainment at Epic.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is seeking an experienced Senior Game Designer to join our Music team, contributing across various aspects of music-based gameplay and interactive experiences. In this role, you will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to shape and refine music systems, tune gameplay mechanics, craft engaging activities and social experiences, and ensure compelling and expressive player experiences.
In this role, you will
  • Own the design and implementation of music-based gameplay features and systems, including using Jam Tracks, music interaction mechanics, and social music experiences, while fostering innovation
  • Effectively communicate project vision to team members across all disciplines, collaborating closely with audio, engineering, art, UX, and product teams to ensure compelling player experiences and overall ecosystem health
  • Set and maintain high-quality standards for music gameplay and social interaction design, actively participating in big-picture decisions to drive superior results
  • Create clear, structured design documents and drive collaborative, iterative prototyping processes to rapidly explore and refine music systems, player interactions, and emergent gameplay opportunities
  • Design and tune systems that support music gameplay, progression, discovery, and player expression, leveraging data and playtest feedback to react quickly to changing project needs and drive effective solutions
  • Partner closely with audio and engineering teams to develop intuitive tools and mechanics that empower players to create, remix, and engage with music-driven experiences
What we're looking for
  • Minimum 5+ years of experience shipping multiple titles as a game designer, with expertise in systems design and multiplayer gameplay, ideally including music gameplay, rhythm mechanics, social experiences, and player expression features
  • Passion for games and music experiences, with a broad understanding of player motivations and how music, creativity, and social interaction combine to create compelling gameplay
  • Ability to react quickly to changing project needs and directions, along with strong problem-solving skills and a solution-oriented mindset
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working closely with audio, engineering, UX, art, and product teams to bring music-driven experiences from concept to release
  • Experience with multiplayer cooperative games, systems design, analytics tools/languages/processes, and visual scripting is a plus
  • Experience designing rhythm games, music gameplay systems, creator tools, or social sandbox experiences, along with familiarity with music production workflows or musical training
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

Apply