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

Epic Games

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ENGINEERING - GAMES ... Optimize and fix bugs in existing systems * Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the project ...

AGBO

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer, you will play a key role in bringing game worlds to life through both ... Collaborate closely with combat, systems, and engineering teams to help implement gameplay ...

AGBO Films LLC

Senior Technical Designer, Events

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of ... Clear understanding of player motivations, behavioral patterns, and engagement systems. * Adaptable ...

AGBO

Senior Technical Designer, Events

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustardformer Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of ... Clear understanding of player motivations, behavioral patterns, and engagement systems. * Adaptable ...

AGBO

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $106K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer, you will play a key role in bringing game worlds to life through both ... Collaborate closely with combat, systems, and engineering teams to help implement gameplay ...

AGBO Films LLC

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

As a Senior Level Designer, you will play a key role in bringing game worlds to life through both ... Collaborate closely with combat, systems, and engineering teams to help implement gameplay ...

AGBO

Senior Technical Designer, Events

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $106K/yr

In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of ... Clear understanding of player motivations, behavioral patterns, and engagement systems. * Adaptable ...

AGBO

Generalist Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Responsibilities : • Contribute to a wide range of engineering tasks across gameplay, systems, UI, tools, and/or performance as project needs dictate. • Work closely with designers, artists, and ...

AGBO Films LLC

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 ...

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 ...

AGBO

Generalist Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Contribute to a wide range of engineering tasks across gameplay, systems, UI, tools, and/or performance as project needs dictate. * Work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to ...

AGBO

Generalist Engineer

Raleigh, NC

Contribute to a wide range of engineering tasks across gameplay, systems, UI, tools, and/or performance as project needs dictate. * Work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to ...

AGBO Films LLC

Generalist Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Contribute to a wide range of engineering tasks across gameplay, systems, UI, tools, and/or performance as project needs dictate. * Work closely with designers, artists, and other engineers to ...

KCI Technologies Inc.

Energy - Sr. Designer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

... in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ... This career track is tasked with providing designs for utility systems including but not limited to:

New

KCI Technologies Inc.

Energy - Sr. Designer I

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $106K/yr

... in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ... This career track is tasked with providing designs for utility systems including but not limited to:

New

KCI Technologies Inc.

Energy - Sr. Designer I

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $106K/yr

... in the game. Achievements are shared and celebrated. As a team, we are motivated to better ... This career track is tasked with providing designs for utility systems including but not limited to:

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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 Jul 18, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,954 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Gameplay Engineering Lead

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Epic Games

Cary, NC • On-site

$95K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 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.
ENGINEERING - GAMES
What We Do
Unreal projects have been leading the pack of real-time entertainment with our constantly growing team of engineering experts. We're always improving on the tools and technology that empower content developers worldwide.
What You'll Do
We are a new and growing team at Epic, aiming to build innovative new experiences and technology as part of our collaboration with Disney. As a Lead Gameplay Programmer, you will be in a leadership role on a small and focused team, playing a critical role in driving current and future projects. You will be responsible for driving core gameplay features and supporting collaborative development between programmers, designers, and artists. You will have opportunities to work on a variety of initiatives, get hands-on with cutting-edge technologies, and work with talented internal and external teams, all while building impactful experiences from concept to delivery
In this role, you will
  • Lead development for a project or initiative, championing both technical excellence and player experience
  • Guide, mentor, and help build a highly effective engineering team
  • Work closely with art and design to create and iterate on gameplay features, while maintaining strong architectural and algorithmic direction
  • Collaborate with Unreal Engine teams to contribute to ongoing feature development
  • Optimize and fix bugs in existing systems
  • Contribute ideas toward all aspects of the project's production and development
  • Write robust, maintainable code
What we're looking for
  • Experience as a leader in an engineering role, with demonstrated ability to lead a team effectively
  • Significant experience developing games or other interactive real-time technology applications
  • A keen analytical mind with creative problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box
  • Proficiency in C++ with a deep understanding of gameplay systems, mechanics, and tools
  • The ability to empathize with users and to balance the inherent tradeoffs in developing with the user in mind
  • Strong teamwork and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, including the ability to deliver and respond to constructive feedback
  • Knowledge of Verse and Unreal Editor for Fortnite is a plus
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.

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