Associate Systems Designer (Temporary)

As an Associate Systems Designer you will support the development of a new IP at Elsewhere Entertainment by contributing to the design, implementation, and tuning of core gameplay systems.

You will collaborate closely with experienced designers, engineers, and artists to help bring engaging, accessible, and high-quality gameplay experiences to life.

In this role, you will focus on learning and contributing within a highly collaborative design environment, helping to translate design direction into clear documentation, in-game implementation, and iterative improvements based on feedback and play testing.

You will also contribute to building a culture rooted in inclusivity, mutual respect, empathy, professionalism, and strong cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Success in this role means reliably supporting system design work, producing clear and useful design documentation, implementing assigned features with guidance, and growing your ability to independently own smaller gameplay components.

This role is based in our Santa Monica office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company’s discretion to meet business needs. What you bring to the table Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Support the design and documentation of gameplay systems under the direction of Senior Designers
• Assist in implementing gameplay features and systems in collaboration with design and engineering teams
• Contribute to tuning, balancing, and iteration of gameplay systems to improve player experience
• Build and maintain clear design documentation including feature specs and implementation notes
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure design intent is understood and executed
• Use scripting tools or supported development languages to implement or adjust gameplay features as needed

• 1-3 years of experience in game design, systems design, or a related discipline (including internships, academic projects, or professional experience)
• Exposure to at least one game development project (academic, indie, studio, or game jam)
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in a development environment

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic understanding of gameplay systems design principles
• Foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming or scripting languages
• Familiarity with core math concepts used in gameplay systems (e.g., ratios, probabilities, scaling)
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience

Key Attributes

• Eager to learn and grow within a systems design discipline
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across disciplines
• Able to receive feedback and iterate quickly in a team environment
• Detail oriented with a focus on execution and follow-through

Extra Points Experience

• Experience using game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity
• Participation in shipped titles, game jams, or meaningful independent projects
• Exposure to gameplay balancing or tuning in a production environment

Knowledge & Skills

• Familiarity with development pipelines in AAA or AA game production
• Understanding of player experience principles and gameplay feel
• Exposure to version control systems or collaborative development tools

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/ .

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $24.43 - $45.19 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot , Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater , and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.

We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.

We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater - this could be your opportunity to level up.