Microsoft · 22 hours ago
Head of Sandbox Design - Halo Studios
Redmond, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$140K/yr - $296K/yr
6+ years expMicrosoft is building the next generation of Halo experiences and is seeking a Head of Sandbox Design to elevate the core of Halo’s gameplay. In this role, you will lead the design vision for Halo’s Sandbox, focusing on weapons, abilities, and combat systems to create engaging gameplay and support the multiplayer ecosystem.
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Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end design of Halo’s Sandbox, including weapons, equipment, movement, combat systems, damage models, and player expression tools
Define and communicate clear goals for Sandbox quality, responsiveness, feel, and systemic depth across multiplayer experiences
Partner with gameplay engineering and animation to deliver tight, reliable combat interactions that meet Halo’s bar for clarity and fidelity
Collaborate closely with multiplayer leadership to ensure Sandbox systems support multiplayer modes, map flow, power distribution, and progression structures
Ensure Sandbox mechanics reinforce meaningful player choice, mastery, and progression without compromising competitive clarity or balance
Build and maintain detailed design specs, tuning sheets, prototypes, and documentation that articulate intent and guide implementation
Drive iteration through hands-on playtesting, data review, and tuning; identify issues early and propose clear solutions
Track industry trends and emerging mechanics; identify opportunities to modernize Halo’s multiplayer Sandbox while preserving its core identity
Provide clear feedback across art, audio, animation, and FX to ensure every Sandbox element lands with impact and clarity
Contribute to a culture of high standards, craftsmanship, and accountability within the gameplay org
Embody and model our studio values
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Writing, Behavioral Science, Data Science, Game Design, or related field AND 6+ years experience in game development and design, systems design, content production, or related field
OR Associate's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Writing, Behavioral Science, Game Design, or related field AND 8+ years experience in game development and design, systems design, content production, or related field
OR equivalent experience
Have shipped at least 2 title released to consumers/shipped game
5+ years people management experience
Preferred
Bachelor's degree AND 8+ years of experience in gameplay or systems design
Shipped multiple high-quality titles with significant Sandbox or combat system ownership
Deep experience with tuning spreadsheets, telemetric analysis, and iterative live-service balancing
Experience shipping at least one high-quality game in a Sandbox, gameplay systems, or combat design role
Demonstrated ability to design, tune, and ship weapons, abilities, or combat systems at scale
Hands-on fluency with modern game engines and prototyping tools
Ability to meet Microsoft security screening requirements, including the Microsoft Cloud Background Check
Strong cross-discipline instincts across animation, audio, VFX, engineering, and UX
Experience with Unreal Engine tools
Proven ability to drive clarity, decision-making, and quality without direct authority
Company
Microsoft
Microsoft is a software corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Microsoft has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9192)
2024 (9343)
2023 (7677)
2022 (11403)
2021 (7210)
2020 (7852)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1MKey Investors
Technology Venture Investors
2022-12-09Post Ipo Equity
1986-03-13IPO
1981-09-01Series Unknown· $1M
Leadership Team
Satya Nadella
Chairman and CEO
Vukani Mngxati
Chief Executive Officer - Microsft South Africa
Recent News
2026-01-16
Morningstar.com
2026-01-16
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