Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)

As a Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table) at Anduril Industries, you will be instrumental in creating engaging and realistic gameplay systems for our next-generation wargaming and briefing capabilities in XR headsets.

You will work closely with our creative director and AI programmers to design, implement, and refine core gameplay features and systems that enable military users to interact meaningfully with complex simulations in immersive environments.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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
• Create design documentation that clearly communicates system functionality, user interactions, and expected outcomes
• Design scenario creation tools that allow users to quickly build and modify complex military simulations
• Balance simulation fidelity with usability to ensure systems are both realistic and accessible to military users

In addition to these responsibilities, you will also:

• Work closely with AI programmers to design behavior trees, finite state machines, and other AI systems that drive realistic simulation behavior
• Collaborate with engineering teams to implement sensor modeling systems (radar, sonar, ELINT, etc.)
• Partner with UI/UX designers to create intuitive command interfaces for complex military operations that are presented effectively in XR environments
• Identify technical constraints early and develop creative solutions that maintain design integrity while meeting platform requirements
• Prototype gameplay systems to validate concepts before full implementation

To succeed in this role, you will need to possess strong analytical skills, excellent documentation skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Required qualifications include:

• 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
• Strong analytical skills for gameplay balancing and iterative design
• Excellent spoken and written communication with experience presenting design concepts to stakeholders
• 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

Preferred qualifications include:

• 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

Anduril Industries offers a highly competitive salary range of $166,000-$220,000 USD, as well as top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, income protection, generous time off, caregiver & wellness leave, family planning & parenting support, mental health resources, professional development, commuter benefits, relocation assistance, and a retirement savings plan.