Senior Level Designer

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.

Senior Level Designer

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

This role is being offered on an in-studio or hybrid basis and will require the successful applicant to be able to attend the studio on a regular basis.

You will:

• Design, prototype and champion content that captivates players.
• Pitch content and onboard other team members to ideas.
• Work with other design disciplines to get features into game.
• Work closely with World Building to craft whitebox levels with a strong focus on quality, storytelling and player flow.
• Work closely with the Lead Designers to realise studio vision for content.
• Storyboard content ideas.
• Inspire the team with your content.
• Work closely with the Technical Design team to take prototypes through the feature development process.
• Work closely with Game Design to pace content well in levels.
• Work closely with Narrative Design to design quests that captivate players imagination.

What we can offer you

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

• Run a small sub-team of level designers working across multiple quests and player facing content.
• Set benchmark content for other designers to aspire to.
• Implement content, based on agreed cross discipline designs including:
  • Quests
  • Memorable set pieces
  • Procedural content
  • Environmental sandbox and physicalised world
• Frequently play through your content with other disciplines taking on feedback to refine your experiences.
• Proactively maintain design documentation relating to your content including
  • Quest Designs
  • Pacing charts
  • Beat sheets
  • Game on the wall
• Regularly update project management tasks relating to your work
• Working with Production, accurately estimate your work and effectively communicate out any updates or dependencies

Requirements

• At least two published AAA game
• Full game development cycle experience
• Experience in the action RPG genre
• 6+ years’ experience in a AAA Game Engine
• Strong knowledge of UE4/5
• Excellent visual scripting skills
• Exceptional quest design ability
• Strong white/grey boxing ability
• Strong passion for immersive sandbox games
• Understanding of pacing and player mechanics
• Understanding of emotive design
• Ability to pitch features
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work well in a cross-discipline environment
• A deep knowledge of the games industry
• A champion of efficient design

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.