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Game Systems Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MrBeast

Game Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$182K/yr

Game Designer (Experience & Systems) About the Role We're looking for an exceptional Game Designer to help build the most fun and engaging consumer app in the world. This is not a traditional game ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

Facilitate playtesting and feedback sessions to iterate on combat systems and fine-tune them based ... games * At least one shipped title as a combat designer or similar role. Experience with behavior ...

Absurd Ventures

Mission Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $115K/yr

Summary We are seeking a Mission Designer to create highly memorable missions that combine best-in ... Build brand new, innovative game systems for missions that can help define core features across the ...

Absurd Ventures

Mission Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Summary We are seeking a Mission Designer to create highly memorable missions that combine best-in ... Build brand new, innovative game systems for missions that can help define core features across the ...

3M HEALTHCARE

Senior Game Data Analyst

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... game systems, including progression, combat, economy, difficulty, matchmaking, feature adoption, engagement, retention, or segmentation. * Experience partnering directly with designers, producers ...

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All JobsGame Systems Designer JobsGame Systems Designer Jobs in California

Game Systems Designer information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$154K

How much do game systems designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game systems designer in California is $147,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game systems designer?

To thrive as a Game Systems Designer, you need strong analytical thinking, a solid understanding of game mechanics, and a background in game design or computer science. Familiarity with scripting languages, game engines like Unity or Unreal, and prototyping tools is typically required, along with experience using software such as Excel for balancing systems. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication help you work with multidisciplinary teams and iterate on ideas. These skills are crucial to create engaging, balanced, and innovative gameplay experiences that resonate with players.

How does a game systems designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Game Systems Designers work closely with a variety of teams, including programmers, artists, and narrative designers, to ensure game mechanics are balanced, engaging, and integrated seamlessly into the game's world. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate system requirements, provide documentation, and iterate on feedback from playtests. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as adjustments to systems may impact art assets, technical implementation, or storytelling elements, requiring ongoing coordination throughout development.

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

AspectGame Systems DesignerGame Level Designer
Primary FocusDesigning game mechanics, systems, and rulesCreating and designing individual game levels and environments
Skills & QualificationsKnowledge of game mechanics, scripting, systems designLevel design, 3D modeling, environment art
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with programmers, designers, and producersWorks closely with artists and level artists
Industry UsageCommon in game development teams across genresPrimarily in level design departments, especially in AAA and indie games

The Game Systems Designer focuses on creating the core mechanics and systems that define gameplay, while the Game Level Designer specializes in designing engaging levels and environments. Both roles require collaboration with different teams but serve distinct functions in game development.

How to become a game systems designer?

A game systems designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in programming, mathematics, and game development tools. Gaining experience through internships, personal projects, or portfolio work is important, and knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is often required. Building a solid understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and balancing systems is essential for success in this role.

Is there a high demand for game systems designers?

Game systems designers are in growing demand as the gaming industry expands, especially with the rise of mobile, console, and online games. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, knowledge of game mechanics, and experience with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, making it a competitive but promising field.

What does a game systems designer do?

A game systems designer develops and balances the rules, mechanics, and systems that define how a game functions and interacts. They collaborate with other team members to create engaging gameplay experiences and often use tools like design documents and game engines to implement their ideas. Strong understanding of game theory, programming, and player behavior is essential for this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Game Systems Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Game Systems Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Systems Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,165 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Lead Engineer, Game Systems

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$170K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced and collaborative Lead Engineer, Game Systems to help drive the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay, progression, and economy systems. As Lead Engineer, Game Systems, you are passionate about developing scalable, performant, and engaging systems that empower designers and enhance the player experience. Direct a team of gameplay engineers and work closely with design, production, and other engineering teams to bring a rich, responsive, and immersive world to life.
Core Responsibilities
  • Lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of core gameplay systems, including but not limited to player control, NPC behavior, traversal, mission logic, progression, economy and inventory.
  • Collaborate with designers and other stakeholders to translate design goals and specs into robust, extensible technical solutions. Design and develop a suite of tools to meet design workflow needs.
  • Mentor and guide a team of systems engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and knowledge sharing.
  • Own systems performance and memory footprint, working to ensure functionality and compatibility across multiple platforms, as well as long term extensibility.
  • Define and enforce best practices for coding standards, documentation, and architecture within the game systems team.
  • Oversee tools and workflow for game systems. Coordinate with design leads on tool and workflow design.
  • Participate in technical planning, task estimation, and milestone reviews.
  • Debug and resolve complex game systems issues and contribute to ongoing game stability and polish.

Core Qualifications
  • 7+ years of professional game development experience with a focus on gameplay or systems engineering.
  • Shipped at least one AAA title in a senior or lead systems engineering role.
  • Expertise in C++ and strong knowledge of modern software engineering practices.
  • Strong understanding of game engine architecture and modern gameplay systems development.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience leading technical teams and managing cross-disciplinary collaboration.
  • Passion for crafting exceptional player experiences through gameplay systems.

Plus If...
  • Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
  • Familiarity with multiplayer game systems, replication, and network optimization.
  • Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Blueprint, Lua, Angelscript, etc.) and their integration with game systems.
  • Prior experience with open-world games or systemic gameplay projects.

Description
  • Full-time job with benefits.
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways.

The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $195,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

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