Game Designer II - Traversal Lead (UE5)

Department: Design

Location: Eugene, OR

Compensation: $89,000 - $105,000 / year

Description

Pipeworks Studios is seeking a seasoned Game Designer II to take ownership of traversal gameplay design on a high-profile AAA console title built in Unreal Engine 5. As the Traversal Lead, you’ll define and refine how players move through the world — from platforming and mobility systems to how traversal integrates with combat, narrative, and level design.

This role is ideal for a tenured GDII ready to step into greater leadership responsibilities. You’ll collaborate closely with project leads, manage priorities for a focused pod, and work hands-on to prototype, implement, and iterate on traversal features and flows. Candidates should bring console development experience, strong Unreal expertise, and a keen understanding of what makes traversal feel intuitive, expressive, and satisfying.

This position allows you to work fully remotely or in-office/hybrid from our studio in Eugene, OR. Join a collaborative, innovation-driven studio working on genre-defining experiences.

Day to Day

• Lead the traversal design effort for a cross-functional pod, focusing on player mobility, navigation tools, and environmental interaction.
• Define, prototype, and implement traversal mechanics and flows using Unreal Engine 5.
• Collaborate with level designers, animators, and engineers to ensure smooth integration of traversal features across the game.
• Create and maintain detailed design specs, flowcharts, and tuning documentation.
• Guide and mentor other designers contributing to traversal and movement systems.
• Provide ongoing feedback and design support during playtests and milestone reviews.
• Maintain alignment with game direction, pacing, and platform expectations.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Must Haves

• At least one shipped AA or AAA console title in a gameplay systems or traversal-focused role.
• Deep familiarity with Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprint scripting, prototyping, and debugging.
• Familiarity with first-person, stealth, or action-adventure game design.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple disciplines and stakeholders.
• Strong documentation, organization, and feedback-handling abilities.
• Comfort working remotely or ability to relocate to work from our studio in Eugene, OR.

Nice to Haves

• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing traversal systems (e.g., jumping, climbing, mantling, wall-running).
• Experience leading pods or small cross-disciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with animation state machines, movement tuning tools, or physics-based traversal.
• Background in first-person or action-adventure game development.

Education & Experience

• Multiple titles shipped with 1+ console title at the AA or AAA level.
• Ready to step into a pod leadership role with both ownership and team impact.

Benefits

Flexible Working Environment

Almost all of our roles allow for your choice of work location. We're happy to support our team no matter how they prefer to work: remote, in office, or hybrid.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K with employer match
• Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 20 Paid Company Holidays
• Relocation Assistance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Club Discounts
• Sports Team Sponsorship
• Annual Company Events
• Project Wrap Parties

A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all of our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the the table. We value each employee's unique experiences and perspectives and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization.

By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone!

Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our latest Demographic Report.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications.