Lead Systems Designer – Logistics & Automation

Snail Games USA•Beverly Hills, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Designer to lead the design and integration of large-scale logistics, automation, and construction gameplay systems on For the Stars, our next-generation space survival MMO. This role owns one of the game’s core pillars, planetary automation and production. This includes being responsible for ensuring these systems are coherent, scalable, performant, and deeply engaging over hundreds of gameplay hours. This position requires strong system ownership, cross-disciplinary leadership, and the ability to balance player freedom, visual ambition, and technical constraints. You will work closely with design, engineering, art, and production leadership to consolidate existing work and evolve it into a best-in-class gameplay experience.

Requirements

8+ years of professional game design experience, with at least two shipped titles featuring complex systems.
Proven ownership of large, interconnected gameplay systems (e.g., automation, crafting, factory/logistics, economy, or simulation-heavy systems).
Strong experience designing systems that scale visually and mechanically over long play sessions.
Demonstrated ability to balance player agency with systemic clarity and performance constraints.
Experience working closely with engineers on performance-sensitive systems.
Excellent communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.
Unreal Engine experience: Proficiency with Unreal Engine, preferably UE4 or UE5.

Nice To Haves

Experience on survival, sandbox, simulation, or automation-focused games.
Familiarity with factory-style gameplay (e.g., logistics chains, production pipelines, automation optimization).
Experience leading or stabilizing systems on live or long-running projects.
Background in large open-world or planetary-scale games.
Experience mentoring mid-level designers.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end design of planetary logistics, automation, construction, and production systems.
Define and maintain clear system boundaries, dependencies, and integration points with mining, harvesting, research, vehicles, and progression.
Drive a cohesive vision for large-scale automated gameplay that remains readable, efficient, and visually impressive at planetary scale.
Evaluate existing systems and investments, identifying where to consolidate, improve, or iterate without unnecessary rework.
Partner closely with engineering to understand performance constraints and design within real technical limits.
Establish clear gameplay standards for interactivity, physicality, player freedom, and efficiency.
Collaborate with art leadership to define visual language and readability for functional areas (e.g., mining, storage, smelting, manufacturing).
Mentor and coordinate with other designers contributing to supporting systems.
Communicate design intent clearly through documentation, diagrams, and reviews.