Senior Combat Designer (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Senior Combat Designer (Unreal Engine): Develop interactive AI characters and combat gameplay for BioShock with an accent on player expression and emergent design experiences. Focus on prototyping AI behaviors, tuning combat parameters, and collaborating across design, art, and engineering teams to achieve ambitious creative goals.

Location: Novato, California, United States (collaborate across sites in Novato and Montreal)

Salary: $100,200–$148,320 per year (California)

Company

Studio developing immersive BioShock games with a focus on evocative experiences through great collaborations.

What you will do

• Pitch and develop interactive AI characters and combat scenarios with design leads and teams.
• Own AI and combat implementation in cross-disciplinary pods, including prototypes and tuning behaviors.
• Communicate progress, standards, and workflows to content developers.
• Create detailed design documentation and participate in brainstorm sessions.
• Collaborate daily across Novato and Montreal sites to execute design goals and solve challenges.
• Expand player expression through emergent mechanics and creativity.

Requirements

• Shipped at least one AAA title as designer responsible for AI combatants.
• 5+ years professional experience in video game design.
• Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine, game mechanics, combat systems, and AI NPC design.
• Experience with game toolsets, pipelines, and multi-site collaboration.
• Excellent communication, presentation skills, and ability to mentor juniors.
• For Quebec candidates: Proficiency in French and English required.

Culture & Benefits

• High standards, progress-focused culture embracing change and cross-team collaboration.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance; 14 paid holidays; 15-25 vacation days or PTO; 10 sick days.
• Paid parental/compassionate leave; wellbeing programs; family planning support; commuter/fitness reimbursements.
• 401(k), Employee Stock Purchase Program, bonus/equity potential.