Crystal Dynamics, a part of the Square Enix family, is constantly on the hunt for top-tier gaming talent worldwide. Having created beloved properties such as Gex and the Legacy of Kain series, as well as driving the massively successful Tomb Raider franchise, Crystal Dynamics is now laying the groundwork for the next generation of innovative and technologically stunning projects, including Marvel’s Avengers. Benefits for this permanent, full-time position include a competitive salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options and plenty of days of paid time-off.

Position Summary

Crystal Dynamics is seeking an experienced Senior Systems Designer to join our team of passionate developers! This Senior Systems Designer will be responsible for working with gameplay and discipline leads to plan, prototype and build game systems that impact all pillars of the game’s design. Design responsibilities include but are not limited to RPG-lite elements, technical writing, games-as-a-service systems, game flow, user retention, and continual improvements and refinements on existing systems. The ideal candidate will have a combination of both systems and level design experience.

Essential Duties

Design and collaborate with a team to integrate gameplay systems.
Coordinate closely with programmers and artists to communicate the goals and specific needs of various gameplay systems and provide regular updates to the team.
Document game mechanics and features quickly and clearly to serve as a resource for other developers to understand the various design concepts for implementation and the decisions made that support them.
Develop flexible systems and approaches to allow for iteration and response to player behaviors and feedback.

Competencies, Skills & Knowledge

Deep knowledge and understanding of games-as-a-service products.
Experience writing design specifications and developing systems for online service-based games.
In-depth understanding of system constraints and game engine architectures and how to best to work within them to deliver assets.
Demonstrable organized approach to problem solving and time management to meet strict production deadlines
Clear analytical thinker with a proven ability to break gameplay design down into regular, reusable systems
Current on industry trends as it relates to modern systems design.

Essential Requirements

7+ years of game design experience in senior-level in Systems Design.
Experience designing multiplayer systems for highly rated AAA games-as-a-service product or action-adventure titles or 3rd person shooter titles.
At least 1 AAA project shipped for current gen consoles in a system design capacity, including primary responsibility for one or more core gameplay systems.

Pluses

Experience working on a title with significant post launch support.
Understanding and experience in different ongoing business models.

Crystal Dynamics is an EOE and M/F/D/V Employer.