Technical Game Designer

Rocket Science Group•Albany, NY

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

Atomic Theory, part of the Rocket Science Group, is a multinational team of seasoned AAA veterans with roots extending from Blizzard, PUBG, Epic, and Unity. We have a track record of delivering player-centric, AAA-quality experiences, and we're unwavering in our commitment to performance, accessibility, and the engineering frameworks that underpin exceptional gameplay. Atomic Theory is more than just a studio — it's a collaborative space where diverse experiences intersect to solve the toughest challenges in modern game development. With offices in Albany NY, Cardiff UK, and Brighton UK, we thrive at the opportunity to Get Sh!t Done on a global scale. Engaging players through thoughtful, well-crafted game systems is at the heart of our design philosophy. As a Technical Game Designer, you'll sit at the intersection of design and engineering, owning the implementation and technical execution of gameplay systems in Unreal Engine 5. You'll be equally comfortable shaping a design vision on paper and bringing it to life through Blueprints, data-driven tooling, and close collaboration with engineering teams. This role is ideal for experienced designers who thrive on iteration and love getting deep into the engine, whether prototyping combat systems, tuning game economies, or building robust live-service features. You will work in collaborative co-development environments, partnering with our clients and internal teams to deliver high-quality gameplay across a range of AAA projects.

Requirements

Experience designing and implementing gameplay systems for AAA or high-quality independent game titles
Deep understanding of game design fundamentals, including player psychology, game loops, and progression mechanics
Proven Unreal Engine 5 proficiency — comfortable implementing and testing mechanics directly in-engine via Blueprints and UE5 systems
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to data-driven design decisions
Ability to document and present design ideas effectively, fostering collaboration across disciplines
Experience in fast-paced, iterative development environments with an understanding of agile methodologies
Passion for gaming and a strong understanding of player motivations across different genres

Nice To Haves

Experience designing multiplayer, live-service, or systemic games
Background in game economy design, balance, or monetisation strategies
Experience scripting in Blueprint, Lua, or other game development languages
Familiarity with UE5 features: Mass Entity, Gameplay Ability System (GAS), PCG, or similar
Experience with AI behaviour, mission design, or player progression systems
Prior co-development experience, collaborating with external studios or publishers

Responsibilities

Design and implement game mechanics, systems, and features in Unreal Engine 5
Build, maintain, and iterate on gameplay systems using Blueprints and UE5 tooling, partnering closely with engineers for C++ handoffs
Develop clear and detailed design documentation, including GDDs, system specs, and data sheets
Prototype and validate gameplay elements directly in-engine, iterating rapidly based on internal testing and player feedback
Balance game systems, progression mechanics, and economies to ensure engaging experiences across diverse playstyles
Collaborate cross-functionally with designers, engineers, and artists to ensure features are both engaging and technically feasible
Analyse player behaviour data to refine game balance and engagement strategies
Advocate for accessibility and usability, ensuring designs are intuitive and inclusive
Contribute to co-development workflows, working seamlessly with partner studios across time zones