Senior - Video Game Systems Designer

Ironbelly Studios; Montreal; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A gaming studio in Montreal seeks a Senior Systems Designer to craft and evolve core gameplay systems for a competitive multiplayer shooter. This role requires expert knowledge in Unreal Engine 5 and a strong background in game design, particularly in progression mechanics and competitive FPS environments. Join a team to create engaging player experiences through innovative gameplay systems.

Qualifications

• Expert-level experience with Unreal Engine 5, including gameplay system integration.
• Strong understanding of progression systems, meta-game design, and player retention.
• Proven experience designing gameplay systems in competitive FPS titles.

Responsibilities

• Design and balance gameplay systems for optimal player experiences.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers on system interconnectivity.
• Prototype and iterate on systems in Unreal Engine 5 based on feedback.

Skills

Expert-level experience with Unreal Engine 5

Strong understanding of progression systems

Proven experience designing deep gameplay systems

Excellent analytical skills

Creative problem-solving

Job description

Our Mission

To create unforgettable, high-stakes moments by elevating every second of gameplay. We empower players to shape the future of gaming at the intersection of creation, ownership, and competitive play.

The Role

We’re seeking a Senior Systems Designer to lead the creation and evolution of core gameplay systems in our competitive, first-person PvP multiplayer shooter. This Individual Contributor (IC) role is perfect for a systems designer who thrives on crafting deeply interconnected growth and progression mechanics to drive cohesive player experiences.

You will architect, prototype, and refine the foundational systems that define how combat, progression, abilities, and meta layers interact to deliver a compelling and rewarding gameplay loop.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and balance deep gameplay systems that support and enhance moment-to-moment and long-term player experiences.
• Define and evolve core mechanics including combat / weapons frameworks, progression systems, and meta-game structures.
• Collaborate closely with other designers, engineers, and artists to ensure systems are intuitive, interconnected, and support the game vision.
• Prototype and iterate on new systems rapidly in Unreal Engine 5, using player feedback and internal testing to guide decisions.
• Drive systemic balance, ensuring all gameplay systems promote fair, competitive play and long-term engagement.
• Support and guide tuning of character abilities, weapons, and progression rewards.
• Expert-level experience with Unreal Engine 5, including gameplay system integration and prototyping.
• Strong understanding of progression systems, meta-game design, and player retention mechanics.
• Proven experience designing and tuning deep gameplay systems in competitive FPS or action titles.
• Excellent analytical skills and a data-informed approach to balance and iteration.
• Creative problem-solver with a passion for building systems that enhance player agency and mastery.
• Portfolio showcasing gameplay systems you have designed and shipped.
• Experience designing gameplay systems for shipped FPS titles (PvPmultiplayer preferred).
• Background in gameplay design, specifically in character abilities and weapons systems.
• Scripting or technical design skills to support rapid prototyping and system tuning.
• Bonus: experience with adversarial multiplayer level or encounter design.

What You Bring

• Expert-level experience with Unreal Engine 5, including gameplay system integration and prototyping.
• Strong understanding of progression systems, meta-game design, and player retention mechanics.
• Proven experience designing and tuning deep gameplay systems in competitive FPS or action titles.
• Excellent analytical skills and a data-informed approach to balance and iteration.
• Creative problem-solver with a passion for building systems that enhance player agency and mastery.

Preferred

• Experience designing gameplay systems for shipped FPS titles (PvPmultiplayer preferred).
• Background in gameplay design, specifically in character abilities and weapons systems.
• Scripting or technical design skills to support rapid prototyping and system tuning.
• Bonus: experience with adversarial multiplayer level or encounter design.