Lead Designer - Innovation for AAA Open-World Shooter

About the Role

We are hiring a Lead Designer for an exciting AAA Open-World Shooter project at Blizzard Entertainment. This Lead Designer role offers the opportunity to innovate and shape groundbreaking gameplay experiences while working remotely and onsite in Irvine, CA.

What You'll Do

• Support and execute the strategic direction for key feature innovations, collaborating with engineering, art, narrative, and production teams.
• Bring your ideas to life using your technical implementation skills and the strengths of your team.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize innovation opportunities based on industry trends, player needs, and project goals.
• Lead cross-disciplinary teams to guide innovative features from early concept through production delivery.
• Mentor and develop designers while fostering a culture of creative excellence and accountability.
• Advocate for the player, ensuring innovative features deliver surprise, delight, and lasting engagement.
• Balance creative ambition with production realities, helping teams scope, iterate, and deliver high-impact experiences.
• Communicate vision clearly through strong documentation, presentations, and cross-team alignment.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in game design or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience leading, mentoring, and growing design teams.
• Extensive experience working on shipped AAA combat-focused titles.
• Proven experience leading cross-disciplinary feature development from concept through implementation.
• Experience with Unreal Engine and using Blueprint to create prototypes and game content.

Nice to Have

• Multi-disciplinary background with hands-on experience in art, engineering, or audio.
• Strong interest in how emerging technology can unlock new player experiences.
• Well-developed documentation practices used to align, inspire, and guide teams.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement, and charitable donation matching.
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, and parental leave.
• Mental health and wellbeing programs, fitness programs, and free games.
• Relocation assistance for those moving to the Irvine area.