Senior Technical Designer - Gameplay Systems Lead

31st Union; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 118,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Small Axe Studios, based in Burnaby, BC, is seeking an Expert Technical Designer to bridge design and engineering, prototype gameplay, and build scalable content workflows for a sports‑themed core fantasy experience.

You’ll prototype features, script gameplay behaviors, and help define future tooling while collaborating with engineering, design, and production leadership to deliver player‑driven experiences.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in technical design or related gameplay implementation roles.
• Deep expertise with scripting systems (e.g., Unreal Blueprint).
• Proven ability to implement complex gameplay systems from prototype through ship.
• Strong understanding of game systems, mechanics, and their interactions.
• Experience working in collaboration with engineers, especially on feature integrations.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and optimization skills.
• Strong documentation habits and ability to explain technical solutions to non-technical teammates.
• A proactive, collaborative attitude and a passion for empowering creative teams.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and implement gameplay systems with engineers and gameplay designers.
• Own technical implementation of features by translating concepts into in-game behaviours and systems.
• Optimize workflows and tool usage; improve designer pipelines and templates.
• Mentor and support other designers; review implementations and resolve blockers.
• Lead a team of technical designers and guide hands-on technical approach to implementation.
• Collaborate across disciplines with engineering, art, audio, and UI/UX teams.
• Champion the core fantasy vision and prototype systemic interactions for emergent gameplay.

Skills

Technical Design

Gameplay Implementation

Unreal Blueprint

Prototype Development

Cross-functional Collaboration

Tools

Unreal Engine

Blueprint scripting

Job description

Small Axe Studios, based in Burnaby, BC, is seeking an Expert Technical Designer to bridge design and engineering, prototype gameplay, and build scalable content workflows for a sports‑themed core fantasy experience.

You’ll prototype features, script gameplay behaviors, and help define future tooling while collaborating with engineering, design, and production leadership to deliver player‑driven experiences.