Game Designer II - AAA RPG/Action Project (Unreal Engine 5)

Game Designer II - AAA RPG/Action Project (Unreal Engine 5) Department: Design Employment Type: Full Time Location: Eugene, OR Compensation: $89,000 - $105,000 / year Description Pipeworks Studios is looking for a Game Desginer II to contribute to the design and implementation of core gameplay systems for a largescale, systems-driven AAA RPG/action experience. You’ll partner closely with engineering, design, and production to build player friendly systems—from traffic simulation to population/crowd behaviors and more that are clear, engaging, and scalable. Our studio is based in Eugene, Oregon, with the flexibility of fully remote work. Key Responsibilities Day to Day • Design, prototype, implement, and iterate on player-facing systems (e.g., progression, crafting/economy, population/crowd simulation) using UE5 and internal tools. • Collaborate with the Design Lead and cross discipline partners to ensure consistency, clarity, and readability in all systems. • Author and maintain clear documentation (design specs, data schemas, tuning frameworks) and communicate intent across teams. • Partner with engineering to define technical needs, validate feasibility, and integrate features. • Support live debugging and iteration. • Provide constructive feedback in reviews and help mentor junior designers when appropriate. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Must Haves • Proficiency with Unreal Engine (UE5 preferred) and hands-on implementation/tuning of gameplay systems. • Strong systemic design sensibilities: traffic simulation/behavior, progression, crafting/economy loops, population/crowd behaviors, player readability, and UX of systems. • Excellent documentation and communication skills. • Comfort collaborating across global time zones. • Proven problem solving ability and comfort iterating in a fast moving production environment. Nice to haves • Experience in RPG or open world system design; telemetry-informed balancing. • Familiarity with data pipelines, scripting/Blueprints, and debugging tools. • Prior mentorship of junior designers and/or feature ownership across multiple disciplines. Education & Experience • 8+ years of professional experience in game design • 2+ shipped titles (AA or AAA), ideally with demonstrable experience in a senior or lead role (project, pod, or strike team). • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. • scripting. • Bachelor’s or equivalent experience. 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. Apply tot his job