Lead Systems Designer

Insomniac Games

About The Position

Insomniac is looking for a new Lead Systems Designer. This role is accountable for the quality and on-time delivery of all design systems for a large-scale game production, as well as the direct management, mentorship, and growth of a small Systems Design team. Duties will be split between management and hands-on design as needed. The ideal candidates are self-driven, focused on practical, high-quality execution, and will strive to create an environment in continuous improvement – both on screen and our staff.

Requirements

Intermediate knowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar editors).
Intermediate knowledge of Maya or other major 3D modeling programs.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Very good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other developers.
Strong communication skills including verbal and written skills are required.

Nice To Haves

Adobe Illustrator experience
UE4 Blueprint scripting skills

Responsibilities

Managing, mentoring, and directing a team of Systems Designers, including regular coaching, career development, and performance management.
Serving as hiring manager for Systems Designers.
Overseeing and directly working on the design, prototyping, iteration and polish of gameplay systems such as player mechanics, non-combat systems, world simulation, economy, progression, or game balance.
Leading one or more development pods of cross-discipline contributors.
Directly prototyping, implementing, and iterating on gameplay systems through proprietary internal tools and scripting systems.
Fostering a strong environment of creative collaboration across all disciplines.
Working directly with Gameplay Programming counterparts to best leverage skills and creativity across both departments for systems design and implementation.
Writing and regularly updating clear gameplay system documentation detailing the scope and feature set for gameplay features.
Creating tutorial videos and documentation to support systems.
Working with Project Management to plan and maintain the systems design schedule, set priorities, plan milestones, and assign work to Systems Designers.
Proactively communicating across the team to create alignment among stakeholders and clarity about status, direction, and dependencies.
Regularly reviewing design work in progress, proactively gathering feedback, and driving iteration and quality.
Accountable for creative quality of all game design systems work and for ensuring the team is hitting on-screen quality targets for each milestone.
Collaborating with the Design Director and project Game Director to ensure systems design meets the project’s creative and technical goals.
Ensuring consistency in design systems across the whole game experience by creating, tracking, and enforcing standards and metrics.
Directly supporting Mission Design work as needed.
Running brainstorms / reviews, creating buy-in and alignment, and championing design vision and values through clear communication and inclusivity.
Working with other Systems Design staff across the studio to develop best practices, shared process, and design standards.
Creating a safe, supportive, and creative work environment that exemplifies studio values.
Performing other managerial and creative duties as needed.
Directly supervising a team of Systems Designers.
Carrying out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
Interviewing and training employees.
Planning, assigning, and directing work.
Appraising performance.
Resolving problems together with the Team and Design Department leadership.