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# Principal Systems Designer

- **Company:** 8BIT LLC
- **Location:** United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** C Sharp (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Spreadsheets, Computer Programming, Python (Programming Language), Lua (Scripting Language), Scripting, Unreal Engine
- **Published:** November 5, 2026
- **Apply:** https://arc.dev/remote-jobs/j/redirect/pwtvpje6v5

## About the Role

* At least 8 years of professional experience in game design, with significant expertise in systems design.
 * Experience shipping at least one game in which you were responsible for major gameplay systems. Ideally, this would be a systems-driven title such as a simulation, strategy, sandbox, automation, survival, colony builder, or similar game.
 * A genuine passion for factory-building and automation games. You actively play these games in your spare time and understand what makes players invest hundreds of hours into them. Professional experience developing a factory game isn't required, but a strong understanding of the genre is essential.
 * A systems-oriented mindset, with a solid understanding of feedback loops, interconnected mechanics, dependencies, scaling, emergent gameplay, and edge cases.
 * A practical, hands-on approach to game design, including the ability and willingness to prototype, experiment with, and test your own ideas rather than relying solely on documentation.
 * Excellent written and spoken English communication skills.
 * Availability to work hours compatible with the CET time zone

NICE TO HAVE

 * Previous programming experience or strong scripting skills using Blueprints, C++, C#, Python, Lua, or similar technologies.
 * Experience working with Unreal Engine.
 * Previous experience managing, mentoring, or guiding other game designers.
 * Experience working in smaller indie studios or fully remote development teams.
 * Personal projects connected to factory or automation games, such as mods, tools, prototypes, calculators, or blueprints. We'd love to see them, so please include examples in your application

## Description

* Designing and developing the game's core systems in collaboration with the Game Director, including production chains, resource management, logistics, progression, and economy.
 * Translating high-level gameplay mechanics into clear, actionable, step-by-step designs that the development team can implement.
 * Independently prototyping, testing, and balancing systems using spreadsheets, simulations, and Unreal Engine Blueprints.
 * Creating and maintaining clear, comprehensive design documentation that accurately reflects the systems implemented in the game.
 * Collaborating closely with programmers, artists, and production on a daily basis to ensure alignment between design intentions and implementation.
 * Bringing structure and clarity to the design process by organizing priorities, tracking open questions, documenting decisions, and explaining the reasoning behind them.
 * Acting as a trusted creative and technical counterpart to the Game Director, constructively challenging ideas, suggesting alternative approaches, and identifying solutions that aren't working.
 * Eventually taking responsibility for leading a small design team, including a Level Designer and Content Designer, while helping establish and improve the studio's overall design processes