Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)

About the role

The Systems Designer on the Sand Table team will design and develop core gameplay systems for military simulations, collaborating with the creative director and AI programmers to create realistic combat systems, balance simulation fidelity with usability, and design scenario creation tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop core gameplay systems including unit behavior models, command structures, and decision-making frameworks for military simulations
• Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and battlefield outcomes
• Create design documentation that clearly communicates system functionality, user interactions, and expected outcomes
• Create scenario creation tools that allow users to quickly build and modify complex military simulations
• Balance simulation fidelity with usability to ensure systems are both realistic and accessible to military users
• Work closely with AI programmers to design behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI systems that drive realistic simulation behavior
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement sensor modeling systems (radar, sonar, ELINT, etc.)
• Partner with UI/UX designers to create intuitive command interfaces for complex military operations that are presented effectively in XR environments
• Identify technical constraints early and develop creative solutions that maintain design integrity while meeting platform requirements
• Prototype gameplay systems to validate concepts before full implementation
• Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback
• Collaborate with business teams and defense subject matter experts to scope system design deliverables
• Maintain effective working relationships with military stakeholders to ensure gameplay systems support mission objectives
• Partner with project managers to ensure design deliverables align with program milestones and customer expectations
• Monitor design scope and iterate based on user feedback, technical constraints, and evolving requirements
• Champion best practices for systems design within the organization
• Mentor junior designers on gameplay systems development
• Foster a culture of open communication, and continuous improvement
• Drive innovation in military simulation design by researching and applying emerging game design methodologies
• Contribute to the overall vision of the Sand Table platform by identifying opportunities for gameplay and usability enhancements

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent professional experience)
• 5+ years of professional experience in systems design for games or interactive simulations
• Strong portfolio demonstrating systems design work for complex interactive applications
• Experience with behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI-driven gameplay systems
• Excellent documentation skills with the ability to create clear design specifications
• Strong analytical skills for gameplay balancing and iterative design
• Excellent spoken and written communication with experience presenting design concepts to stakeholders
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment
• Experience with Custom Game Engines, Unity or Unreal Engine
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance

Preferred qualifications

• Experience designing RTS Games, military simulations, wargames, or defense applications
• Knowledge of XR design principles and constraints
• Background in AI design for games or simulations
• Experience shipping at least one AAA game title in a similar role
• Active security clearance

Pay

$166,000 - $220,000 USD

Schedule

Full-time