Senior Level Game Designer Austin, TX, Bay Area, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Chicago, IL, Eugene, OR, Tor[...]

Careers location: Austin, TX; Bay Area, CA; Carlsbad, CA; Chicago, IL; Eugene, OR; Toronto, Canada

Connected Worker Type: Connected

Requisition Id: R_113677

Position Overview

Are you a passionate game developer with a pioneering mindset? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and love the thrill of creating something new? If so, Zynga, one of the largest and most innovative mobile game development studios, invites you to join our cutting-edge Mid-Core Game Division for an unannounced new game.

At Zynga’s Mid-Core Division, we craft a diverse array of captivating mobile games enjoyed by millions around the globe. Now, we're forging new ground with an exciting 3D action game and seeking talented, self-starting developers to help us bring this vision to life. This is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to join a team of highly skilled, diverse professionals who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming.

In this role, you'll leverage your wide range of skills to create engaging, high-quality gaming experiences. You'll collaborate with like-minded innovators in a supportive environment that values creativity, initiative, and diverse perspectives. If you're ready to take on new challenges and be a part of something groundbreaking, we want to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of mid-core mobile gaming.

Zynga is looking for a Senior Level Designer to join this exciting, action-packed unannounced game. Qualified candidates will have experience with mobile, console, and/or PC games and are fluent in game design practices and overall game development.

Main Responsibilities

• Craft, tune and implement top down action levels
• Tune and model complex systems using Excel
• Create or adapt leading game features to work with an existing game engine
• Pitch new ideas to the team/hold brainstorming sessions
• Writing specs. Rewriting specs. Ability to produce a complete design document ready for art and coding
• Work with product managers, developers, and artists to oversee and assist with the implementation of new features and systems
• Remain up-to-date with game design literature, new mobile titles, and best practices to be an evangelist for the craft of game design
• Experience with free to play games a plus
• Ability to design features with the player in mind

Desired Skills and Experience

• Passionate gamer with a real knowledge and love of mobile gaming
• Experience or knowledge of mobile games, traditional board games, social games, and console/PC games
• Proficiency working in Unity
• Understanding of systems, mechanics and feature design
• Expert or exposure to math and formulas in game environment
• Strong knowledge of game balancing and pacing
• Game programming background preferred but not mandatory
• Passion for games and desire to create fun and engaging experiences
• Desire to continue to learn and grow as a designer, take critique, be humble, and respectful of peers
• Great teammate and fun to work with

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary, bonus plan and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US)
• RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada)
• Health coverage, dental, disability, critical illness, EAP, and life insurance (Canada)
• Medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability benefits (US)
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs
• Global Fitness reimbursement program
• Financial wellness program with unlimited access to certified financial planners
• Discretionary Time Off policy for many employees
• Family planning support program
• Generous paid parental, pregnancy-related disability, caregiver, and compassionate leaves
• Zynga happy hours and frequent employee events
• Flexible working hours on many teams
• Culture of diversity and inclusion including employee resource groups
• Work with cool people and impact millions of daily players

We are an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome job-seekers, players, employees, and partners from all backgrounds to join us!

We will consider all qualified job-seekers with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities in order to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at to request an accommodation associated with your application for an open position.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $91,100 and $134,000 per year.

However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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