Lead Systems Designer - Logistics & Automation

About Snail Games USA Snail Games strives to create the new high bar for gameplay experience in online gaming. We have been a global developer and publisher of digital entertainment since 2009 and are committed to pushing the boundaries of the industry. About the Role We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Systems Designer to lead the design and integration of large-scale logistics, automation, and construction gameplay systems on For the Stars, our next-generation space survival MMO.

This role owns one of the game's core pillars, planetary automation and production. This includes being responsible for ensuring these systems are coherent, scalable, performant, and deeply engaging over hundreds of gameplay hours. This position requires strong system ownership, cross-disciplinary leadership, and the ability to balance player freedom, visual ambition, and technical constraints.

You will work closely with design, engineering, art, and production leadership to consolidate existing work and evolve it into a best-in-class gameplay experience. Job Type: Full-Time Location: Hybrid - Los Angeles Area (1-2 in-office meetings per month) Responsibilities Own the end-to-end design of planetary logistics, automation, construction, and production systems. Define and maintain clear system boundaries, dependencies, and integration points with mining, harvesting, research, vehicles, and progression.

Drive a cohesive vision for large-scale automated gameplay that remains readable, efficient, and visually impressive at planetary scale. Evaluate existing systems and investments, identifying where to consolidate, improve, or iterate without unnecessary rework. Partner closely with engineering to understand performance constraints and design within real technical limits.

Establish clear gameplay standards for interactivity, physicality, player freedom, and efficiency. Collaborate with art leadership to define visual language and readability for functional areas (e.g., mining, storage, smelting, manufacturing). Mentor and coordinate with other designers contributing to supporting systems.

Communicate design intent clearly through documentation, diagrams, and reviews. Minimum Requirements 8 years of professional game design experience, with at least two shipped titles featuring complex systems. Proven ownership of large, interconnected gameplay systems (e.g., automation, crafting, factory/logistics, economy, or simulation-heavy systems).

Strong experience designing systems that scale visually and mechanically over long play sessions. Demonstrated ability to balance player agency with systemic clarity and performance constraints. Experience working closely with engineers on performance-sensitive systems.

Excellent communication and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills. Unreal Engine experience: Proficiency with Unreal Engine, preferably UE4 or UE5. Nice to Have Experience on survival, sandbox, simulation, or automation-focused games.

Familiarity with factory-style gameplay (e.g., logistics chains, production pipelines, automation optimization). Experience leading or stabilizing systems on live or long-running projects. Background in large open-world or planetary-scale games.

Experience mentoring mid-level designers. Salary Range: $125,000 - $175,000 Annually Why Join the Snail Games USA Team? True focus on work/life balance Paid company holidays, vacation, and separate sick leave Medical, dental, vision, and Life/LTD 401k with company match Additional Information As part of the Company's activities in video game development, publishing, and short-form video content creation, certain projects, discussions, or creative materials may include themes, visuals, language, or subject matter that some individuals could find mature, violent, sexual, graphic, or otherwise sensitive in nature (collectively referred to as "Mature Content").

Examples may include, but are not limited to, depictions or descriptions of combat, violence, adult themes or relationships, suggestive or satirical humor, or strong language. Employees are expected to engage with such material in a professional and creative context as part of their job duties.