Senior Systems Designer

Skillsearch; Guildford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game development studio is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Designer to enhance player experiences and shape gameplay systems. This role involves collaborating closely with designers and engineers, applying analytical skills to balance systems, and iterating based on player feedback. If you have a passion for game design and experience with AAA titles, this opportunity offers you a chance to work on exciting projects in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in schema creation and in-engine implementation.
• Strong attention to balance and detail.
• Proven track record in user testing and data-informed design.

Responsibilities

• Design, refine, and implement robust gameplay systems.
• Evaluate design success using insights and data points.
• Collaborate with design and engineering on technical limitations.

Skills

Hands-on systems design experience

Strong analytical skills

Experience shipping AAA console title

Collaboration and communication skills

Ability to thrive in agile environments

Job description

Are you an experienced Senior Systems Designer with a passion for creating engaging and balanced gameplay systems?

This is an opportunity to join a leading game development studio on a contract until January 2027, where you will play a central role in shaping progression, implementing scalable systems, and enhancing player experiences.

What you’ll be doing

• Applying systems knowledge to design, refine, and implement robust gameplay systems while spotting edge cases early
• Building prototypes and clear system user flows to communicate ideas and support documentation
• Using insights and data points to evaluate design success and adjust systems for balance and progression
• Owning the balance of systems and ensuring integration into overall game progression goals, in collaboration with design and analytics teams
• Playing the game regularly and contributing actionable insights for continuous improvement
• Working closely with design and engineering to navigate technical limitations and propose solutions
• Acting as a technical reference, evaluating features, settings, and sharing best practices across the team
• Iterating on player feedback and telemetry to refine the player experience while preserving the vision
• Championing innovation and continuous improvement in design tools, processes, and pipelines

What we’re looking for

• Hands-on systems design experience, including schema creation, in-engine implementation, and tuning
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a focus on balance and detail
• Experience shipping or working on at least one AAA console title, ideally on a custom engine
• (Bonus) Knowledge of economy balancing or modelling
• Ability to thrive in an agile environment as a proactive self-starter
• Experience with user testing and applying data-informed design decision
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to share results in playable builds

If you are a Senior Systems Designer looking to take the next step in your career and want to work on exciting console game projects in a dynamic, collaborative environment, this role could be the perfect fit for you.

Apply now, or email Andy Demetriou - [e-mail]