Game Designer III - Combat/AI Gameplay Systems (UE5)

Department: Design

Location: Eugene, OR

Compensation: $115,000 - $120,000 / year

Description

Pipeworks Studios is seeking a senior-level Game Designer III to lead and own the design of key AI gameplay systems on a high-profile AAA espionage-action project built in Unreal Engine 5. This role focuses on driving elements including potentially the AI detection/perception loop or AI ranged combat systems, ensuring these gameplay pillars are intuitive, responsive, and deeply integrated across design, animation, engineering, and VFX.

You’ll work as a self-directed systems owner within a fast-moving, multi-disciplinary team — responsible for prototyping, tuning, and aligning complex gameplay systems across departments. This position requires a designer who thrives on collaboration, has strong communication instincts, and brings a deep understanding of modern AI-driven gameplay.

Our studio is based in Eugene, Oregon, with the flexibility of full remote work. Join a world-class team shaping the next evolution of immersive, systems-rich gameplay.

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day:

• Own the end-to-end design of a major AI gameplay loop (e.g. perception systems or ranged combat AI behavior and tuning).
• Collaborate with engineers, animators, audio, UI, and VFX to ensure gameplay feedback and readability are clear and engaging.
• Define system behaviors, player affordances, and AI responses that reinforce espionage-action gameplay.
• Prototype and iterate mechanics using Unreal Engine 5 tools (Blueprints, behavior trees, perception systems).
• Author clear and production-ready design documentation and communicate vision across departments.
• Provide feature-level leadership within your pod, helping to guide priorities, spot blockers, and elevate the work of others.
• Balance and tune AI responsiveness, challenge, and pacing for a variety of player skill levels.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Must-Have:

• Deep understanding of AI-driven gameplay systems — including perception, investigation, ranged combat behaviors, and feedback tuning.
• Expert proficiency with Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprint scripting, AI behavior trees, and debugging tools.
• Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration skills, with experience working closely with engineering, animation, and VFX.
• Ability to work independently and drive a feature from concept through implementation and iteration.

Nice-to-Have:

• Background in espionage, first-person, or tactical action games.
• Experience mentoring junior designers or leading pod/strike-team design efforts.
• Familiarity with live tuning, telemetry review, or user feedback analysis for AI behaviors.

Education & Experience

• 8+ years of experience in game design.
• 2+ shipped console titles, ideally with lead/senior gameplay systems or AI responsibilities.
• Comfortable leading and collaborating remotely or onsite with a distributed team.

Benefits

Flexible Working Environment
Almost all of our roles allow for your choice of work location. We're happy to support our team no matter how they prefer to work: remote, in office, or hybrid.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K with employer match
• Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 20 Paid Company Holidays
• Relocation Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Club Discounts
• Sports Team Sponsorship
• Annual Company Events
• Project Wrap Parties

A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all of our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the the table. We value each employee's unique experiences and perspectives and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization.

By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone!

Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our latest Demographic Report.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications.