Lead the design and development of core gameplay systems, mentor engineers, enforce coding standards, and manage technical collaboration.
Summary
We are seeking a highly experienced and collaborative Lead Engineer, Game Systems to help drive the design, architecture, and implementation of core gameplay, progression, and economy systems. As Lead Engineer, Game Systems, you are passionate about developing scalable, performant, and engaging systems that empower designers and enhance the player experience. Direct a team of gameplay engineers and work closely with design, production, and other engineering teams to bring a rich, responsive, and immersive world to life.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of core gameplay systems, including but not limited to player control, NPC behavior, traversal, mission logic, progression, economy and inventory.
- Collaborate with designers and other stakeholders to translate design goals and specs into robust, extensible technical solutions. Design and develop a suite of tools to meet design workflow needs.
- Mentor and guide a team of systems engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and knowledge sharing.
- Own systems performance and memory footprint, working to ensure functionality and compatibility across multiple platforms, as well as long term extensibility.
- Define and enforce best practices for coding standards, documentation, and architecture within the game systems team.
- Oversee tools and workflow for game systems. Coordinate with design leads on tool and workflow design.
- Participate in technical planning, task estimation, and milestone reviews.
- Debug and resolve complex game systems issues and contribute to ongoing game stability and polish.
Core Qualifications
- 7+ years of professional game development experience with a focus on gameplay or systems engineering.
- Shipped at least one AAA title in a senior or lead systems engineering role.
- Expertise in C++ and strong knowledge of modern software engineering practices.
- Strong understanding of game engine architecture and modern gameplay systems development.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience leading technical teams and managing cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Passion for crafting exceptional player experiences through gameplay systems.
Plus If...
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or 5.
- Familiarity with multiplayer game systems, replication, and network optimization.
- Knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Blueprint, Lua, Angelscript, etc.) and their integration with game systems.
- Prior experience with open-world games or systemic gameplay projects.
Description
- Full-time job with benefits.
- Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
- Office is located near downtown Santa Monica – near metro and freeways.
The base pay range for this position is $170,000 to $195,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
Absurd Ventures Santa Monica, California, USA Office
Santa Monica, California, United States
Similar Jobs
Financial Services
Lead product strategy and vision for Commercial & Investment Bank offerings. Drive discovery, market research, and roadmap prioritization. Own product backlog, launch execution, and key success metrics (cost, features, risk, reliability). Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure scalable, resilient, high-quality client experiences.
Information Technology • Internet of Things • Mobile • On-Demand • Software
Support nationwide advertising order entry and ad schedule monitoring, ensuring accurate delivery and paperwork. Collaborate with Account Executives to resolve schedule issues, track client tapes, maintain records, and apply advertising copy correctly to optimize campaign performance and recover lost revenue.
Top Skills:
ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Word
Information Technology • Internet of Things • Mobile • On-Demand • Software
Manage and grow a portfolio of hospitality enterprise accounts, meeting sales quotas, securing renewals and new business, coordinating with internal teams, ensuring customer satisfaction, handling contracts and collections support, and performing regular face-to-face account reviews with ~30% travel.
Top Skills:
CsgIcomsLanExcelMicrosoft PowerpointMicrosoft WordPriSalesforceSipWan
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
