Associate Game Designer

1 Day ago • 1 Years + • Level Design • $76,560 PA - $118,560 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

Naughty Dog seeks a skilled Associate Game Designer to collaborate in designing and modeling environmental layouts, scripting level progression, and working with a multidisciplinary team to create immersive game spaces. Responsibilities include planning and modeling simplified geometry, designing gameplay systems, collaborating with artists and programmers, coordinating playtesting, and ensuring levels meet technical specifications. The ideal candidate will have 1+ years of experience in the game industry, demonstrated understanding of 3D software (Maya, Unreal Editor), experience with game editors, strong communication skills, and a passion for game design. Bonus skills include scripting/programming knowledge, understanding of narrative concepts, and knowledge of art composition.
Must have:
  • 1+ years game industry experience
  • 3D software proficiency (Maya, Unreal)
  • Game editor experience (Unreal)
  • Strong communication skills
  • Team collaboration
  • Environmental layout design
  • Level progression scripting
Good to have:
  • Scripting/programming (C#, Lua, Python)
  • Narrative design experience
  • Art composition knowledge
Perks:
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Job Details

Associate Game Designer (Level)

This is a HYBRID role, with onsite requirements in Santa Monica, CA, determined by project needs and the discretion of the leads.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5 . We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

Naughty Dog is seeking a skilled Associate Level Designer to help shape our game worlds. You'll collaborate in the design and modeling of environmental layouts, scripting level progression, and work with a multidisciplinary team to bring immersive spaces to life. With experience in level design, 3D software, and game editors, you'll help craft the player experience.  If you're eager to learn, grow, and contribute to our next big title, we'd love to hear from you!

What you will do:

  • With guidance from a mentor or lead, plan and model simplified geometry, design environmental layouts, place game objects, and script level progression.
  • Help design and champion gameplay systems, conventions, and scenarios.
  • Collaborate with artists, programmers, animators, and other game designers to craft engaging gameplay spaces.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully with other designers and cross-disciplinary team members.
  • Coordinate playtesting, reviews, and iterations to ensure levels meet technical specifications.
  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

What skills you will use:

  • 1+ years of experience in the game industry in any role.
  • Demonstrated foundational understanding of blocking out environments for games using 3D software such as Maya, Unreal Editor, or similar tools.
  • Experience using a game editor such as Unreal Editor.
  • Enthusiasm for learning and growing as a designer, with a strong desire to develop new skills.
  • Strong and effective communication skills.
  • Openness to feedback and experience collaborating as part of a team.
  • Understanding of the single-player gaming landscape.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.

Bonus skills:

  • Understanding of scripting or programming languages such as C#, Lua, Python, or visual scripting tools.
  • Understanding of narrative concepts and/or experience in writing, film, or theater.
  • Knowledge of art composition, architectural principles, and the ability to create evocative shapes. 

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates may be asked to complete a Level Design Test. 

 Please refer to our  for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.

 

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. 

Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click  to learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.
$37$57 USD

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Explore gaming industy jobs in one of the leading Game Studios.

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

Los Angeles, California, United States (On-Site)

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

Los Angeles, California, United States (On-Site)

Los Angeles, California, United States (Hybrid)

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