Lead Systems Designer

Scopely is looking for a Lead Systems Designer to join our Star Trek Fleet Command team in London on a hybrid basis.

At Scopely, we care deeply about what we do and want to inspire play, every day – whether in our work environments alongside talented colleagues or through our deep connections with our communities of players. We are a global team of game lovers who are developing, publishing, and innovating in the mobile games industry, connecting millions of players around the world daily.

Star Trek Fleet Command is a standout success in the gaming industry. Launched in 2018, our in-house developed 4X MMO has continually evolved, earning its place as one of the top-grossing games on the market. Our next chapter is bold: we’re evolving the traditional 4X experience in STFC — and we need a bold design leader to shape the content and loops our players engage with on a daily basis.

What You Will Do

As a Lead Designer on STFC, you’ll own the standards, direction, and experiences that define how millions of players experience growth and mastery across our monthly content releases and beyond.

• Become the design owner and leader behind the feature pipeline, directing designers and UX specialists in crafting compelling experiences for our players
• Guide teams through the creative process, ensuring they can hit the vision of the game and deliver upon player and product needs with accuracy
• Get hands on through direct involvement in building and refining novel gameplay experiences focused on resource generation, spending, time gating, and power growth
• Create systems that foster meaningful player agency and long-term investment
• Manage and mentor designers in systems and economy design to elevate our standards and craft incredible experiences
• Shape the design process to ensure the standards of players are met and exceeded
• Use tools (Excel, Google Sheets) to model economies and progression pacing
• Collaborate with experienced, driven and passionate Designers, Product Managers, Analysts, and Engineers to implement features which aim to advance the genre
• Evaluate performance using data, player feedback, and your own playtest experience
• Design for scale: plan for long-term content extensibility and system health

What We're Looking For

• 2+ years of game design leadership experience
• Proven experience in F2P systems design and progression modelling
• 8+ years of experience designing systems or economies for live, F2P games (preferably MMO, 4X, or strategy genres)
• Confident people manager and mentor, who is able to grow & nurture talent
• Experience with all aspects of game design discipline: concept, game progression, interface, monetisation, and retention
• A proven track record of delivering features that balance player fun, engagement, and monetisation
• Ability to translate KPI targets and data into design direction for teams
• Mastery of spreadsheets and confidence in balancing power curves, pacing, and resource flow
• Experience working cross-functionally and navigating live production environments
• A positive, thoughtful, and collaborative approach to game development

Bonus Points

• Deep understanding of the 4X genre with specific experience in F2P 4X
• Familiarity with SQL, scripting, or simulation tools
• Love for Star Trek, sci-fi, or highly strategic social games
• Previous work on alliance or co-op systems in large-scale games

At Scopely, we create games for everyone - and want to ensure that the people behind our games reflect that! We are committed to creating a diverse, supportive work environment where everyone is treated with respect. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and welcome individuals from all backgrounds to join us & embrace the adventure!

Please ensure that the résumé/CV you attach is written in English.