Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)

Anduril Industries

Quick summary

Work type: On-site
Location: Costa Mesa, CA
Salary: $166,000–$220,000 / yr
Posted: today

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Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $174k

This role $193k

$114k most similar roles pay here $231k

This role pays more than 70% of similar roles. Most pay $142,400–$204,887 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $193k versus about $174k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About Anduril Industries

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company that builds advanced hardware and software systems for national security, including autonomous drones, surveillance systems, and the Lattice AI command platform.

Anduril Industries currently has 1882 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $146,000–$194,000 across 1696 roles with salary data.

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At a glance

TL;DR · Senior Game Designer, Systems (Sand Table)

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As a Senior Game Designer on the Sand Table team, you will design and develop core gameplay systems for immersive military simulations in XR headsets, working closely with AI programmers to create realistic unit behavior models, command structures, and decision-making frameworks. Your daily tasks include creating combat systems that accurately model weapons effectiveness and damage, designing scenario creation tools, and balancing simulation fidelity with usability. You will also collaborate with engineering teams on sensor modeling systems and UI/UX designers for intuitive interfaces in XR environments. Required skills include experience with behavior trees, finite state machines, strong documentation abilities, and proficiency in Unity or Unreal Engine. Ideal candidates have a background in military simulations, knowledge of XR design principles, and an active security clearance to work on classified projects.

Skills

Unity Unreal Engine Behavior Trees Finite State Machines AI Programming Documentation Skills Gameplay Balancing Communication Skills Custom Game Engines XR Design Principles CI/CD Version Control Systems Python C# PostgreSQL Military Simulations Wargames RTS Games

What you'll do

Design and develop core gameplay systems including unit behavior models, command structures, and decision-making frameworks.
Create detailed combat systems that model weapons effectiveness, damage, and battlefield outcomes accurately.
Work with AI programmers to design realistic simulation behaviors using advanced AI techniques.
Develop intuitive command interfaces for complex military operations in XR environments.
Balance simulation fidelity with usability to ensure systems are both realistic and accessible.

What we're looking for

5+ years of professional experience in systems design for games or interactive simulations
Strong portfolio demonstrating complex systems design work
Experience with behavior trees, finite state machines, and AI-driven gameplay systems
Excellent documentation skills for clear design specifications
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Experience working autonomously in a fast-paced environment
Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)

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