Lead Systems Designer

Overview

The Lead Systems Designer works with the project team to support the creation and maintenance of core game mechanics and non-combat systems. They are responsible for core gameplay mechanics that have broad utility across all of gameplay and/or fantasy fulfillment/immersion features which retain players’ interest in the product and facilitate cooperative play between players, while adhering to team values and best practices.

The preferred location for this role is Hunt Valley, MD, Austin, TX, Madison, WI, San Diego, CA, or Seattle, WA. Will consider remote.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the work of the Gameplay Systems Designers team
• Maintain numerous existing in-game systems as assigned (examples: Player Interactions with objects and NPCs, roleplaying features, non-combat skills, repeatable world activities, etc.)
• Develop expertise on all in-game systems behavior and interdependencies including proprietary toolsets
• Create and maintain documentation for new and existing systems
• Coordinate work initiatives and priorities across multiple feature teams
• Function effectively as a leader and/or team member in collaborative, cross-disciplinary feature development teams
• Utilize analytics to drive data informed decisions
• Provide, receive and integrate feedback on all aspects of game development
• Any other duties assigned

Qualifications

• 6 years experience developing or maintaining systems in a shipped or live game
• At least 1 year of experience as a design lead and manager of at least 3 designers
• Experience developing and playing MMORPGs
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word, Miro, Powerpoint or equivalent
• Technical writing familiarity with close attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Familiarity with Agile development methodology and experience with Product Ownership a plus
• Viewable portfolio of previous work a plus

Salary Range

Lead Systems Designer - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $90,000 - $200,000 per year.

ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate’s primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.

This position is in a union and represented by the Communication Workers of America.

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do – from recruiting for our studios, publishing and operations to fostering safe and respectful workplaces that encourage collaboration. Our culture is based on principles of respect, inclusion, and fair treatment and we welcome anyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Our diversity fuels our innovation and inspires us to create game worlds that bring us closer to the global community of players we serve.