Design Director, Systems - Diablo

Blizzard Entertainment • Irvine, CA

10d • $126,800 - $234,580 • Hybrid

About The Position

The minions of hell are growing stronger... Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together, we’ll create experiences that not only meet but exceed the expectations of those who call Sanctuary home. As a Systems Design Director, you will lead our talented team of designers on Diablo, overseeing high-level game systems, player progression, social engagement features, and overall game balance. You will guide and mentor a group of seasoned lead designers, setting a strategic vision to deliver compelling and balanced gameplay systems to millions of passionate players worldwide. This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are in Albany, NY, and Irvine, CA.

Requirements

• 12+ years of professional systems design experience in games, with 4+ years leading design teams.
• Extensive, hands-on experience developing progression systems, game economies, social features, and balancing complex gameplay ecosystems in live-service games.
• Deep understanding of the Diablo series, ARPG mechanics, player psychology, and what motivates player retention and satisfaction.
• Exceptional analytical skills; able to clearly communicate complex systems and balance concepts to both designers and non-designers.
• Proven track record managing and mentoring teams of experienced designers, demonstrating strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills with experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in a highly iterative environment.
• Demonstrated passion for games, systems design and staying current with industry trends and competitor strategies.
• Dedication to quality, passion for gameplay, and a deep respect for the player's experience.
• Commitment to a culture of iteration, transparency, mentorship, and constant improvement.

Nice To Haves

• Shipped multiple successful AAA ARPG or RPG titles.
• Experience navigating large organizations and maintaining clarity of vision across large-scale development efforts.
• Technical familiarity with data-driven design tools and scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a clear, compelling vision for progression, social, gameplay, and balance systems.
• Ensure design alignment across multiple teams, fostering consistency and cohesion within the player experience.
• Coordinate across departments (Art, Engineering, Production, UX/UI, QA, Live Operations) to facilitate smooth and effective cross-team collaboration.
• Maintain a deep understanding of Diablo’s core mechanics, player motivations, and community expectations to inform system evolution.
• Lead the creation and refinement of progression and reward structures, social engagement mechanics, competitive leaderboards, and economy systems.
• Oversee the tuning and iteration of gameplay balance, ensuring fair and engaging experiences at all levels of player skill and progression.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and career development to a team of experienced Lead Systems Designers.
• Represent Systems Design in cross-disciplinary leadership discussions, advocating effectively for team goals and player experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
• Relocation assistance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed