Senior Level Designer

Next Level Games is seeking a Senior Level Designer to join their team. This role involves championing Nintendo's game development philosophy, collaborating with various departments to create high-quality experiences, and delivering games that delight players. Responsibilities include crafting layouts, game environments, and gameplay moments, communicating design intent, and fostering a collaborative environment. Candidates should have shipped at least one game, possess strong 3D layout and programming/scripting skills, and be proactive in coordination.

Must Have

• Have shipped 1+ games, preferably with console experience
• Experience in all phases of game development throughout multiple projects
• Strong layout skills with a deep understanding of how 3D spaces impact the gameplay pacing
• Experience building 3D levels in level-based games
• High proficiency in Programming or Scripting
• High proficiency in 3D Layout programs (Maya, Unreal, Unity, etc.)
• Willingness to be proactive to coordinate with other departments
• Strong desire to solve hard design problems

Good to Have

• Background/invested interest in games, art, and architecture
• Direct experience working with an external publisher
• Invested interest in fostering a fun, collaborative team culture

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive annual leave and benefits, including discretionary performance bonus program and health coverage
• Support for mental health, financial well-being, legal assistance and more through our Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our in-studio gym, and an extensive media library filled with games and books
• Join a committee – board games, sports, or something else – it’s all here!
• Discounted shopping for Nintendo products and merchandise at the online employee store
• A workplace that values inclusivity and encourages continuous growth
• A chance to be part of Nintendo, creating award winning games that make an impact

WHO WE ARE:

Next Level Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd.

We’ve been passionate about video game development for 20 years now, shipping award-winning games for fans across the world and still going strong. Some of our titles include Super Mario Strikers, Mario Strikers Charged, Punch-Out!!, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, Metroid Prime Federation Force, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and most recently Mario Strikers™: Battle League.

At NLG, we believe that a project finds success when we collaborate. Therefore, we place careful consideration to build an environment where everyone feels welcome and has fun in the process of achieving our shared goals.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

We are looking for a Senior Level Designer to join our team. You will learn and champion the Nintendo philosophy of game development, focused on creating high-quality experiences. You will work with directors, designers, engineers, and artists to deliver games that put smiles on the faces of people around the world.

• Create carefully crafted layouts, game environments and gameplay moments that guide our players through fun experiences
• Understand the project’s design direction and champion it through your designs
• Communicate your level vision and design intent with other designers, leads, directors, and departments
• Help foster a highly iterative and collaborative environment, across all disciplines
• Take ownership of your levels and drive them forward through all development phases
• Lead by example and share expertise to better other teammates
• Contribute to continuous improvement of our tools and development process

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Have shipped 1+ games, preferably with console experience
• Experience in all phases of game development throughout multiple projects
• Strong layout skills with a deep understanding of how 3D spaces impact the gameplay pacing
• Experience building 3D levels in level-based games
• High proficiency in Programming or Scripting
• High proficiency in 3D Layout programs (Maya, Unreal, Unity, etc.)
• Willingness to be proactive to coordinate with other departments
• Strong desire to solve hard design problems

YOU SET YOURSELF ABOVE WITH:

• Background/invested interest in games, art, and architecture
• Have direct experience working with an external publisher
• Invested interest in fostering a fun, collaborative team culture

If you have a portfolio, please include a link.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE:

• Competitive annual leave and benefits, including discretionary performance bonus program and health coverage
• Support for mental health, financial well-being, legal assistance and more through our Employee Assistance Program
• Access to our in-studio gym, and an extensive media library filled with games and books
• Join a committee – board games, sports, or something else – it’s all here!
• Discounted shopping for Nintendo products and merchandise at the online employee store
• A workplace that values inclusivity and encourages continuous growth
• A chance to be part of Nintendo, creating award winning games that make an impact

This is a hybrid position, requiring at least three days per week at our Vancouver studio.

The hiring range for this position is $90,000 - $135,000 CAD annually and is subject to change. The final base salary compensation will be based on factors such as skills, education, and experience.

At NLG, we know the best teams are made up of players with different skills, perspectives, and experience. We're committed to creating a workspace where everyone can contribute and feel included. If you need any accommodations during the hiring process, please contact careers@nextlevelgames.com, and we will do our best to support your needs.

We wish to thank all applicants in advance; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. We are currently only considering applicants who already have work eligibility in Canada.