Senior Game Designer - Systems for Defense Technology

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Game Designer - Systems to join our innovative team at Anduril Industries. This role offers the opportunity to work remotely while contributing to the development of advanced military simulation technologies. As a Senior Game Designer, you will play a crucial role in creating engaging and realistic gameplay systems for our next-generation wargaming and briefing capabilities in XR headsets.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop core gameplay systems including unit behavior models, command structures, and decision-making frameworks for military simulations.
• Create detailed combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness, damage modeling, and battlefield outcomes.
• Develop design documentation that clearly communicates system functionality, user interactions, and expected outcomes.
• Collaborate with AI programmers to design behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI systems that drive realistic simulation behavior.
• Partner with UI/UX designers to create intuitive command interfaces for complex military operations presented effectively in XR environments.
• Present gameplay system designs to stakeholders, explaining design decisions and gathering feedback.
• Mentor junior designers on gameplay systems development and foster a culture of open communication and continuous improvement.
• Drive innovation in military simulation design by researching and applying emerging game design methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 5+ years of professional experience in systems design for games or interactive simulations.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating systems design work for complex interactive applications.
• Experience with behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI-driven gameplay systems.
• Excellent documentation skills with the ability to create clear design specifications.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, autonomously driven environment.
• Experience with Custom Game Engines, Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing RTS Games, military simulations, wargames, or defense applications.
• Knowledge of XR design principles and constraints.
• Background in AI design for games or simulations.
• Experience shipping at least one AAA game title in a similar role.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost.
• Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December.
• Access to free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching.
• Annual reimbursement for professional development.
• Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
• Relocation assistance available depending on role eligibility.
• Retirement savings plan with various options.