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Senior Combat Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cloud Chamber

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119.80K - $128K/yr

Cloud Chamber is a game development studio known for creating immersive experiences, and they are seeking a Senior Combat Designer to enhance AI characters and combat gameplay. The role involves ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100.20K - $148.32K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for scripting and shaping unforgettable encounters throughout the world of BioShock 4. You will set the standard for what ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA

$100.20K - $148.32K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for scripting and shaping unforgettable encounters throughout the world of BioShock 4. You will set the standard for what ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119.80K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

Tencent

Lead Combat Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$105.30K - $198K/yr

Who We Look For * 10+ years of experience in combat design, including senior, principle or lead ... Experience in designing combat gameplay based on mo-cap performances; experience in directing mo ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Combat Designer

Los Angeles, CA

$105.30K - $198K/yr

Who We Look For * 10+ years of experience in combat design, including senior, principle or lead ... Experience in designing combat gameplay based on mo-cap performances; experience in directing mo ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145.10K - $181.40K/yr

At least one shipped title as a combat designer or similar role. Experience with behavior trees or similar NPC AI concepts preferred * Strong coding ability: Computer Science degree preferred though ...

ManTech

Senior Combat Systems Engineer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$98K - $163.10K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Senior Combat Systems Engineer to join our ... Will support in designing, implementing, and executing all phases of international programs, from ...

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How much do senior combat designer jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior combat designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Combat Designer, you need deep expertise in game design principles, combat mechanics, and balancing, usually demonstrated through a portfolio and several years of industry experience. Proficiency with game engines like Unreal or Unity, scripting languages, and familiarity with design documentation tools are typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and iterate on feedback. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, balanced, and fun combat experiences that enhance player satisfaction and game success.

How does a Senior Combat Designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

A Senior Combat Designer works closely with programmers, animators, artists, and narrative designers to ensure that combat systems are engaging, balanced, and visually coherent. This collaboration often involves frequent meetings, playtesting sessions, and iterative feedback cycles. Clear communication and documentation are essential, as the combat designer must translate creative visions into actionable tasks for various teams while also integrating technical and artistic constraints.

What is a Senior Combat Designer?

A Senior Combat Designer is a game development professional responsible for designing, implementing, and balancing combat systems in video games. They work closely with other designers, artists, and programmers to create engaging and challenging combat experiences for players. Senior Combat Designers often lead teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure that combat mechanics align with the game's vision and objectives. Their work involves designing enemy behaviors, player abilities, weapons, and progression systems, as well as iterating on feedback and playtesting results.

What is the difference between Senior Combat Designer vs Combat Designer?

AspectSenior Combat DesignerCombat Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or related field; several years of experienceBachelor's degree in game design, related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDevelops complex combat systems, mentors junior staff, and leads design initiativesDesigns combat mechanics, collaborates with teams, and implements gameplay features
Industry UsageCommon in AAA and large-scale game studiosUsed across indie and mid-sized studios as well

The main difference between a Senior Combat Designer and a Combat Designer lies in experience, leadership responsibilities, and scope of work. Senior Combat Designers typically oversee complex systems, mentor team members, and contribute to strategic planning, while Combat Designers focus on designing and implementing combat mechanics. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to game development teams.

What cities are hiring for Senior Combat Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Combat Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Combat Designer jobs? The most popular types of Combat Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Combat Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Combat Designer jobs include:
Senior Combat Designer jobs near you

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Cloud Chamber

Novato, CA • On-site

$119.80K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Cloud Chamber is a game development studio known for creating immersive experiences, and they are seeking a Senior Combat Designer to enhance AI characters and combat gameplay. The role involves collaborating with a team to develop interactive AI, maintain combat AI behavior, and ensure the creative vision is realized.
Responsibilities:
• Work with the Leads, Design Director, and the design team to pitch and develop interactive AI characters and execute the vision for the game.
• Act as the primary owner of AI and combat implementation in cross-disciplinary pods.
• Develop working prototypes of AI and combat scenarios.
• Communicate progress, workflows, and availability of AI and combat standards to content developers.
• Maintain and tune assigned combat AI behavior and parameters through to project completion.
• Create detailed and easy-to-follow design documentation.
• Collaborate across development sites in Novato and Montreal on a day-to-day basis.
• Expand and build on the ideas of player expression and emergent design experiences.
• Use your creativity to execute on design goals and solve design challenges that push our games forward.
• Participate in brainstorm sessions, refine, and execute on ideas within a schedule.
• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to execute on design implementation and problem solving.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Shipped at least one AAA title as a designer responsible for AI combatants.
• 5+ years professional experience in video game design.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with a variety of established game toolsets.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-disciplinary groups and across multi-site team settings.
• Deep understanding of game mechanics, combat systems, and AI NPC design.
• Fluent with game development tools, and experience with pipelines, standards and workflows.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Current knowledge of gaming industry development landscape, technology and tools.
• Understanding of how AI, tactical space, and player verbs combine to create magic in both scripted and unscripted settings.
• In-depth knowledge of industry standard AI, progression systems, and player mechanics features.
• Proficiency in French is required.
• Proficiency in English is required to effectively collaborate with teams based in the United States.
Company:
Cloud Chamber is a gaming studio that develops video games and entertainment creation services. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Montréal, CAN, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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