Senior systems designer — Hello Sunshine
We’re Red Thread Games, the Oslo-based indie studio behind Dreamfall Chapters, Draugen, Dustborn, and Hello Sunshine. We’re looking for a senior systems designer to help define, build, and refine the core gameplay systems for Hello Sunshine, our upcoming narrative survival game.
Read more about applying for a position at Red Thread Games.
About the project
Hello Sunshine is a single-player and co-op multiplayer survival mystery set in the ruins of a corporate empire. Walk in the shadow of a giant robot during the sweltering days; stay close to keep warm during the cold nights. Scavenge, craft, upgrade — and piece together the broken puzzle of a world ruled by machines that refuse to shut down.
Read more about the game here.
Job description
As senior systems designer, you’ll own Hello Sunshine’s core systems — survival, crafting, item economy, progression — and work closely with the game director and development team to design, document, balance, and tune these systems to perfection.
The role blends analytical design with creative problem-solving and practical implementation. You’ll collaborate across design, code, art, and narrative disciplines to build cohesive systems from their current state to final polish.
This is a contract position for Hello Sunshine, with the possibility of transitioning into a permanent role at Red Thread after launch. The position can be in-house (in Oslo, Norway) or remote, but requires overlap with Norwegian working hours for at least 6 hours per day.
Responsibilities
Design, document, and iterate on core gameplay systems, including survival loops, resource management, crafting, AI behaviours, player progression, and item economy.
Collaborate with the game director, art director, and narrative team to ensure systems support tone, pacing, and story.
Prototype, balance, and tune systems in spreadsheets and directly in-engine (Unreal).
Create and maintain clear, accessible design documentation for internal and external teams.
Analyse playtest data and player feedback to identify areas for improvement and balance.
Contribute to Red Thread’s design culture and development processes.
Qualifications
3+ years of experience designing and implementing systems in shipped games — ideally survival, RPG, or systemic narrative titles.
Strong grasp of player motivation, progression design, and the interplay between mechanics and story.
Experience prototyping and balancing in Unreal or Unity.
Excellent communication and documentation skills.
Collaborative, open to feedback, and comfortable iterating on ideas.
A genuine passion for story-driven, human-centered games.
Follow this link to learn more about working at Red Thread Games and how to submit your application for this position.