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Game Systems Designer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

CD Project

Senior Engineer, Gameplay

Boston, MA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

... of game engine architecture, algorithms, and multithreaded systems. * Strong proficiency in 3D vector mathematics, matrices, and linear algebra. * Advanced experience designing and implementing ...

Gondola

Motion Graphics Designer

Agawam, MA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... game to final buzzer** • ** Adapt and optimize motion assets across multiple display formats ... Work within established brand systems across multiple client properties, maintaining visual ...

Suffolk Construction

Production Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

... gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is ... Own and maintain production templates, presentation masters, design systems, and asset libraries to ...

Suffolk Construction

Production Designer

Boston, MA

... gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is ... Own and maintain production templates, presentation masters, design systems, and asset libraries to ...

Suffolk Construction

Production Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

... gaming, aviation, transportation, government, mission critical, and commercial sectors. Suffolk is ... Own and maintain production templates, presentation masters, design systems, and asset libraries to ...

Titleist

Senior Footwear Designer | FootJoy

Fairhaven, MA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... systems, ornaments, and logos--while collaborating closely with the Footwear Team to deliver ... The history of Acushnet Company is tightly woven in the game of golf. From the beginning, we've ...

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All JobsGame Systems Designer JobsGame Systems Designer Jobs in Massachusetts

Game Systems Designer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$51.3K

$170.4K

How much do game systems designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for game systems designer in Massachusetts is $162,855.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $169,300.00 and $169,300.00 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 Massachusetts are hiring for Game Systems Designer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Game Systems Designer job openings in Massachusetts 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 $162,855 per year, or $78.3 per hour.

Principal Designer

United States Digital Space LLC

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Life

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Taking ownership of design for major feature areas or leading design across the entire project.

  • Managing the design team, mentoring designers, and collaborating with other disciplines to ensure alignment.

  • Designing game features, creating in-game content, balancing game systems, and driving quality through testing and feedback.

Job description

the company is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, the company captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at the company are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.This role is offered on a full in-studio basis or a hybrid basis (minimum 3 days per week in the studio). We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

WHAT'S THE ROLE?

the company is seeking a Principal Game Designer to join our Design team in a key leadership role. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the creative direction of our games while leading and developing a team of talented game designers. Working as either the lead designer on a project or a strategic partner to project leadership, you will drive the overall game vision and ensure it is realised through engaging, innovative and high-quality player experiences.

As a Principal Designer, you will combine hands-on design expertise with people leadership, overseeing major feature areas, mentoring designers at all levels, and setting the benchmark for design excellence across the studio. Your ability to inspire teams, make strong creative decisions and deliver outstanding game experiences will be central to the success of our projects.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
  • Taking ownership of design formajor featureareas,orwhererequiredleading design across the entire project.
  • Working with the Game Director to deliver on the game’s vision.
  • Providing line-management for design team members, developing their careers, and making the most of their capabilities.
  • Managing project risks, and identifying blockers and inefficiencies.
  • Driving quality using playtests, player feedback, QA reporting, and your own insights.
  • Designing game features, creating in-game content and balancing game systems.
  • Collaborating closely with other development disciplines to build understanding and gain alignment throughout development.
  • Managing game design documentation & communication across the team.
  • Working with Production to ensure effective feature prioritisation and work scheduling.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
  • Deepgameknowledge across a range ofgenres,especially management and simulation games.
  • Commercial game design experience in a senior role.
  • Experience of designing and delivering major game features.
  • Experienceof managing and motivating teams.
  • Strong understanding of player psychology.
  • Excellent presentation skills, and experience in presenting your ideas to stakeholders both within and outside the project.
  • Knowledge of a variety of game design theories and methods.
  • Ability to clearly communicate your ideas across a variety of media.
BONUS IF YOU HAVE
  • Experience working on management games.
  • Knowledge of UX/UI design principles.
  • Experienceof supporting and growing live games.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

Wellbeing is a big focus at the company, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success-based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in-house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential. If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.

For queries, please email:

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