Lead Systems Designer - Diablo

Activision Blizzard • Albany, NY

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

We Need You
The minions of hell are growing stronger… Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless skills to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together we’ll create something amazing.
Our team of passionate developers is growing. We are seeking a Lead Systems Designer to assist in the creation of new ARPG experiences within one of Blizzard’s most iconic worlds, Diablo. In this role, you will lead a team of designers responsible for the design, implementation, and ongoing evolution of core game systems, player progression, itemization, and rewards. The ideal candidate brings deep systems design expertise, strong leadership and communication skills, a sharp analytical mindset, and a passion for crafting compelling progression-driven player experiences in live-service games.
This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio location is in Irvine, CA.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional game design experience, with 5+ years in systems design.
• 2+ years of experience leading and managing a team of designers.
• Extensive hands-on experience building and maintaining progression systems, itemization, game economies, endgame loops, and balancing complex gameplay ecosystems in live-service games.
• Strong understanding of the Diablo franchise and isometric ARPGs, including what drives long-term engagement and player satisfaction.
• Exceptional analytical and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex systems and balance concepts to both designers and non-designers.
• Proven ability to translate game direction and vision into scalable, shippable systems.
• Demonstrated passion for games, systems design, and staying current with industry trends and competitor offerings.
• Dedication to quality, passion for gameplay, and a deep respect for the player experience.
• Commitment to a culture of collaboration, iteration, transparency, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evolve the vision for Diablo systems, player progression, and itemization in collaboration with design leadership.
• Lead the creation and refinement of character progression, itemization, reward structures, and game economy.
• Collaborate closely with cross-discipline teams to solve design problems, navigate production constraints, and efficiently deliver high-quality systems and features.
• Maintain a deep understanding of Diablo’s core mechanics, player motivations, and community expectations to inform system evolution.
• Partner with Production and other leads to scope, plan, and organize the systems team’s schedule.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and career development to a team of Systems Designers.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees