Senior Systems Technical Designer (Progression)

Founded by Bad Robot (Lost, Cloverfield, Westworld, Star Wars, Star Trek), we at Bad Robot Games are on a mission to continually reinvent how stories are played.

We are a remote-first games company represented by a diverse team, which empowers us to make the kinds of games in which all players can see themselves. Working closely with our colleagues at Bad Robot Productions, our projects unite our extensive network of games, TV, and film industry talent to create original IPs, expansive worlds and tell new stories across all media platforms which are as fun to watch as they are to play.
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Bad Robot Games is looking for a Senior Systems Technical Designer with a focus on Progression who is a high capacity individual contributor with a deep love for systems design, meta game loops, and the craft of making players feel rewarded. You'll own progression from concept through ship designing, prototyping, and implementing the systems that keep players engaged, motivated, and coming back. This role sits at the intersection of design and implementation, requiring someone equally comfortable whiteboarding a progression economy as they are building it out in Unreal.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the design and implementation of player progression systems, including XP, unlocks, rewards, and meta progression loops from concept to shippable state

• Prototype new progression systems rapidly, iterating based on playtesting feedback and data

• Implement and integrate systems for design driven scenarios in Unreal Engine

• Work closely with UI/UX, Art, and Engineering to implement and iterate on game systems, ensuring design intent is preserved through the technical pipeline

• Collaborate across Design, Engineering, and Art to deliver cohesive, high-quality features

• Drive gameplay systems through the full production lifecycle, maintaining quality and momentum

• Proactively identify, track down, and fix issues in existing systems

• Contribute to establishing progression design best practices and documentation standards for the team

• Be the voice of progression in the wider game direction discussion

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of game industry experience, with a strong focus on systems or progression design

• Expertise in Unreal Engine

• Proven ability to design and ship meta-game loops and progression systems on a multiplayer or live service title

• Strong understanding of shooter gameplay mechanics and how progression systems support and enhance them

• Experience with scripting languages and a comfort level working at the boundary of design and engineering

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design intent clearly across disciplines

• Passion for meta-game loops, player motivation, and the psychology of progression

• All of our roles require up to 10% air travel. Examples include Studio/Team Offsites, Team/Studio Events, etc.

BONUSES

• Proficiency in C++

Our ranges are based on California market rate regardless of work location in the US.

Find out more about our benefits and team on our careers page!

Bad Robot Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

Bad Robot Games recruiters will never ask you for money or to provide financial information during our recruiting process. Scammers often request money transfers for Visa processing fees or travel expenses, as well as personal information including passport info, social security numbers, credit card or bank account information.Bad Robot Games recruiters will never use personal email (including @gmail) accounts when contacting candidates. We also do NOT interview or screen candidates over messenger or text-based chat. All communication will be tied to no-reply@ashbyhq.com or an email address tied to badrobotgames.com.