Technical Designer (Enemies) - Junior or Regular

About Dambuster Studios

Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK, and if you’re not here right now we can discuss relocation and sponsorship for some of our positions (if the role is eligible, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and many of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote working basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for further information. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Technical Designer (Enemies)

Dambuster Studios – creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Technical Designer to join our highly talented team.

As a Technical Designer focusing on enemies, you’ll be tasked with creating AI abilities, behaviours and reactions. Reporting to the Lead Technical Enemies Designer, you’ll be in a key position to use your creative and technical skills to help shape exciting enemy archetypes.

Additionally, you’ll work as part of the Enemies Feature Team, collaborating with wider disciplines such as Animation and Game Code to bring enemy features from concept to final implementation, over several iterations during the course of the project.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly

• Work style:

  • If Junior, you will have to be fully studio-based if successful

  • If Regular, we can offer studio-based or hybrid. If hybrid, you will need to live within 50 miles of the studio and be able to come in several times a week

• Relocation support to within 50 miles of the studio

• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)

• Annual pay reviews

• Company pension contribution that increases with service

• Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)

• Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios

• Studio-funded learning and development opportunities

• Modern game development environment with the latest technologies

• Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links

• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin Gym (Nottingham)

• Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ

• Quarterly company-funded cross-team events

• Free financial advice

• Employee referral bonus scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Delivering high-quality implementations of enemy AI abilities, behaviours and reactions in Unreal Engine, utilising Blueprint and other in-editor scripting tools.

• Prototyping enemy and combat features, to help turn high-level design goals into tangible designs that are technically robust.

• Collaborating with the wider cross-discipline Enemies Feature Team to help determine feature requirements.

• Debugging enemy systems and supporting with bug fixes.

• Creating and maintaining documentation for owned features.

• Reacting to and finding solutions for technical problems to keep the team moving.

• Contributing to and maintaining the Technical Design Team’s best practices.

Requirements

(Ideal)

• Knowledge of at least one scripting language, preferably visual (e.g. Blueprint).

• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Ability to adapt communication styles for both technical and non-technical team members.

• Ability and willingness to take on feedback.

• Experience or demonstrable interest in game enemies and AI.

• Experience or demonstrable interest in action-game combat.

• Good technical understanding of how underlying systems and mechanics fit together to make a game.

• An eye for detail to drive the quality of game features to the highest standard.

(Desirable)

• Game development experience in a Technical Design role.

• At least 1+ shipped AAA title.

• Experience with Unreal Engine (or similar game engine).

• Experience or demonstrable interest in game animation.

• Some knowledge of C++ and its principles.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.