ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Systems Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valicy

Gameplay Systems Engineer

Greenville, NC

Gameplay Systems Engineer Location : Greenville, NC Department : AI Studio Reports To : Director ... usable game systems. This role requires someone who actively uses AI and emerging tools to ...

Zwift

Senior Software Engineer 2, Game Systems

$128K - $204K/yr

As Senior Software Engineer, Game Systems, you'll work with a team of talented engineers to ensure that Zwift customers have a smooth, stable game experience across all of our supported platforms ...

Zwift

Senior Software Engineer 2, Game Systems

$128K - $204K/yr

As Senior Software Engineer, Game Systems, you'll work with a team of talented engineers to ensure that Zwift customers have a smooth, stable game experience across all of our supported platforms ...

Progressive Gaming

Systems Engineer III

Reno, NV

$94K - $105K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a Systems Engineer III with Class II gaming expertise to support the delivery, deployment, and ongoing operation of regulated gaming systems across a large and diverse ...

IGT

Systems Engineer III

Reno, NV

$94K - $105K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a Systems Engineer III with Class II gaming expertise to support the delivery, deployment, and ongoing operation of regulated gaming systems across a large and diverse ...

Valicy

Game Developer

Greenville, NC

This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems. Game Developers at Valicy are builders ...

Valicy

Game Developer

Wilmington, NC

This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems. Game Developers at Valicy are builders ...

Scientific Games

Systems Engineer

Columbus, OH

Scientific Games: Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and ... Engineer with a passion for ensuring system reliability and performance. If you thrive in a fast ...

Scientific Games

Systems Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

Scientific Games: Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games, sports betting and ... Engineer with a passion for ensuring system reliability and performance. If you thrive in a fast ...

SCIENTIFIC GAMES

Systems Engineer

Grove City, OH · On-site

Scientific Games is the global leader in lottery games and technology, seeking a highly skilled ... The role involves ensuring system stability and performance through troubleshooting, monitoring ...

Weekday AI

Game Engine Developer (O3DE)

Design, develop, and enhance scalable game systems utilizing Open 3D Engine (O3DE) with C++ and Lua ... Work closely with designers, artists, and fellow developers to create reliable and maintainable ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Systems Engineer Jobs

Game Systems Engineer information

See salary details

$53.5K

$127.2K

$167K

How much do game systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for game systems engineer in the United States is $127,215.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Game Systems Engineer, you need strong programming skills (especially in C++), a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unreal or Unity, version control systems such as Git, and sometimes certifications in game development are commonly required. Problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills enable engineers to develop robust, scalable game systems that create optimal player experiences and support collaborative development.

What is a Game Systems Engineer?

A Game Systems Engineer is a specialized software engineer who designs, implements, and maintains the underlying systems that power video games. Their work includes developing gameplay mechanics, artificial intelligence, physics, resource management, and networking components that allow the game to function smoothly. They collaborate closely with designers, artists, and other programmers to ensure the game's systems are efficient, scalable, and fun to play. Game Systems Engineers often use programming languages like C++ or C# and work with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.

How does a Game Systems Engineer typically collaborate with designers and artists during the game development process?

Game Systems Engineers work closely with designers to translate gameplay concepts into robust and scalable systems, ensuring features like progression, inventory, or combat mechanics function as intended. They also collaborate with artists to integrate assets, optimize performance, and maintain visual fidelity without compromising system stability. Regular communication and iterative feedback loops are common, as engineers often participate in cross-disciplinary meetings and troubleshooting sessions to align technical solutions with creative vision.
What cities are hiring for Game Systems Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Game Systems Engineer job openings:

Lead Engineer, Game Systems

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site, Remote

$170K - $195K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 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. 

Apply