At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and refine gameplay systems for an exciting open-world survival game.
- Company: Join Jagex, the creators of RuneScape, in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on gameplay mechanics in a beloved gaming franchise.
- Qualifications: Experience with Unreal Engine 5 and a passion for intuitive gameplay design.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team shaping the future of online worlds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Office location: Cambridge, UK – This position can accommodate flexible working options, including predominantly remote work. However, applicants should be based (or willing to relocate) within a comfortable commuting distance of our office to attend onsite as required. This role is a Fixed Term Contract anticipated to end late 2027 / early 2028.
Are you a hands-on designer who thrives at the intersection of gameplay and systems, and loves getting stuck into engine prototyping? As a Technical Designer on RuneScape: Dragonwilds, our open-world survival crafting game currently in early access and built in Unreal Engine 5, you will work closely with the Lead Designer to create gameplay systems that shape the moment-to-moment player experience. You will be prototyping, iterating, and tuning mechanics that span traversal, combat, encounters, and more.
This role is ideal for someone who loves scripting, collaborating with cross-discipline teams, and solving gameplay problems creatively. You will help bridge the gap between engineering and design, ensuring that the systems we create are not only exciting and intuitive to play, but technically viable and scalable.
What you will be doing:
- Prototype, refine, and implement new gameplay systems and features that support the vision of the Lead Designer.
- Translate vision documents and feature specs into detailed technical and design specs.
- Build and iterate in-engine (UE5), using Blueprint scripting to bring mechanics to life quickly and cleanly.
- Collaborate across disciplines—including animators, engineers, and designers, to deliver high-quality, playable content.
- Define gameplay variables and tuning systems to support easy balancing and iteration.
- Establish quality benchmarks for design implementation, setting the bar for reusability and polish.
- Create and maintain documentation on systems, tools, and best practices.
- Contribute to improving team workflows and pipelines for faster, more efficient development.
- Help develop player-facing features that feel great, from combat pacing and responsiveness to feedback systems and traversal mechanics.
What we are looking for:
- Demonstrable experience working on gameplay features, ideally within an action, adventure, or survival title.
- Proven professional games industry experience and proficiency with Unreal Engine 5 and Blueprint scripting.
- Experience working on networked or multiplayer features, with an understanding of Blueprint replication.
- A strong sense for gameplay feel, polish, and iteration, particularly around combat and player movement.
- Ability to work cross-discipline with excellent communication and collaboration habits.
- Comfortable working in a feedback-driven environment and iterating based on input from leads and peers.
- Passion for delivering satisfying, intuitive gameplay that players will love.
What we offer:
- Private Healthcare, including Dental Plan.
- Minimum 6% Pension contributions.
- Employee Assistance Programme & onsite Counselling.
- Life Insurance.
- Discretionary annual performance bonus.
- Enhanced family leave policies from day 1.
- Flexible working hours.
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays & the option to buy/sell holidays + so much more.
About Jagex: We are Jagex: The RuneScape Company. Home to one of gaming's most enduring success stories. We create deep, community-powered games with worlds that evolve, inspire, and endure. Our flagship MMORPG franchise, RuneScape, has welcomed over 300 million player accounts, inspiring generations of players across PC and mobile for 25 years. As we begin our 26th year, we are accelerating our strategy to expand RuneScape into a broader ecosystem of forever games and connected experiences, grounded in a renewed commitment to integrity and fair play. This includes the reduction of monetisation mechanics, as well as the launch of RuneScape: DragonWilds into Steam Early Access in 2025, representing a major step in building a multi-genre future for the RuneScape universe. We remain focused on building enduring worlds, empowering player-led innovation, and laying the foundations for the boldest era in RuneScape's history.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and we recruit, develop, and promote based on merit and ability. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know when you are invited to interview.
Technical Designer in Cambridge employer: Jagex: The RuneScape Company
Contact Detail:
Jagex: The RuneScape Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Designer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to folks in the industry, especially those who work at Jagex or have connections there. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio or any projects you’ve worked on, make sure to highlight them during interviews. Bring examples of your gameplay systems and mechanics to the table – it’ll show you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to collaborate! Since this role involves working with cross-discipline teams, brush up on your communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully worked with animators, engineers, and designers in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Jagex family.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Designer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for game design shine through! Talk about your love for gameplay systems and how you enjoy getting hands-on with engine prototyping. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with Unreal Engine 5 and Blueprint scripting. Mention specific projects or features you've worked on that relate to the role. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jagex: The RuneScape Company
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 and Blueprint scripting. Be ready to discuss specific gameplay features you've worked on, especially in action or survival titles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools but can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with animators, engineers, and designers, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any cross-discipline projects where you contributed to gameplay systems, as this will demonstrate your ability to work well in a team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to gameplay mechanics and system design. Think about how you would approach prototyping and iterating on gameplay features. Being able to articulate your thought process will impress the interviewers and show your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for creating engaging gameplay shine through. Talk about what excites you about game design and how you strive to deliver intuitive experiences for players. This passion can set you apart from other candidates and align you with the company’s values.