Senior Systems Designer

Job Title:

Requisition ID:

Job Description:

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since our inception in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like including Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty: WWII (2017), and, most recently, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

As industry leaders in first-person shooter development, our commitment to excellence is reflected in every detail of our games, from highly polished multiplayer experiences to emotionally engaging single-player campaigns. At Sledgehammer Games, we believe in pushing boundaries, redefining the possibilities of interactive storytelling, and setting new standards for visual and gameplay fidelity. Together, we aim to deliver world-class gaming content that continues to set the bar for quality, innovation, and player engagement.

We are excited to invite a talented and passionate developer to join our growing team as a Senior Systems Designer based in our Guildford, UK studio. In this role, you will work collaboratively with our talented teams across the globe, including our locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.  If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.sledgehammergames.com

As a Senior Single Player System Designer, you will be an owner and leader of features on the team. You will own gameplay systems and determine changes or improvements to the game. As part of our team, you will help maintain high quality standards and expectations across the project.

This is a hybrid position based in our Guildford Studio, offering flexibility with a combination of in-studio and remote workdays. Permanent remote work is not available for this position.

Responsibilities:

• Design and own AI behaviors, weapon tuning, vehicle setup/tuning, and global player mechanics for the campaign experience.

• Collaborate with animators and engineers of the systems team to implement game mechanics.

• Create and maintain documentation of core campaign features.

• Research the game's subject matter.

• Interface often with the Level Design team to ensure features shine within levels and systems are well understood.

• Help define metrics and champion best practices for the Level Design team.

• Review level content regularly to ensure systems reach their highest potential.

• Prioritize effectively and meet deadlines; communicate progress with the Lead System Designer well and frequently.

• Constantly iterate on game mechanics and game systems to find the fun based on user feedback, analytics, and design goals.

Qualifications:

• Significant experience in the games industry working in a system design capacity, with shipped titles in the AAA console / PC space.

• Solid experience with programming/scripting languages.

• Egoless attitude that welcomes feedback and criticism, and enjoys working in a collaborative, iterative, and agile process.

• Ability to lead by example.

• Impressive communication skills.

• Solid understanding of systems design with ability to clearly discuss modern trends.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Expertise writing high and low-level documentation (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Visio, etc.).

• Passion for Call of Duty, with understanding of the franchise’s progression and reward systems.

• Hunger for gaming (especially online) with a broad range of game experience.

Bonus Points:

• Profound understanding of the Call of Duty franchise and Warzone.

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the F2P games space.

• Prior experience working on a games-as-a-service product.

• Experience with visual software (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

Our World 

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization. 

We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up. 

Ready to Activate Your Future? 

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners. 

Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.