Technical Designer

Blackbird Interactive; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A game development studio in Vancouver is seeking a Technical Designer to help develop gameplay updates for a real-time strategy game. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of game development experience, including 2 years in Technical Design. This role allows for a hybrid work model, with part-time in-studio presence. Join a passionate team committed to creating ambitious gaming experiences with a four-day work week policy.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years in game development, with at least 2 years of Technical Design experience.
• Ability to work a hybrid model with ~2 days being spent on-site every week.
• Confidence and familiarity with modern text based scripting languages.

Responsibilities

• Prototype and implement gameplay content such as NPC behaviors and player abilities.
• Collaborate with artists and designers on game content implementation.
• Work with producers to assess requirements and provide updates.

Skills

Game development

Technical Design

Scripting languages

Collaboration skills

Job description

Blackbird Interactive is a creative-fueled, future-driven, independent game studio where the best talent in the industry can find long-term careers to help grow their abilities while working on a wide range of projects, which encompass world-class IPs as well as our own creations across multiple genres.

In 2022, we announced that our studio is implementing a four-day work week as well as supporting in-studio, remote within Canada, and hybrid work arrangements as permanent options to our employees.

Blackbird Interactive is looking for a Technical Designer to join our growing studio. We have an exciting new project, and are looking for a key hire to lend a hand in the development and execution of gameplay updates on a real time strategy game from an established and beloved franchise.

Do you want to build compelling game experiences having designed, prototyped and delivered high profile gameplay systems, features or tools? Do you love working with a team of talented designers, artists and programmers to create ambitious in-game content? If so, this role could be for you!.

Responsibilities

• Prototype, implement, and iterate on gameplay content such as NPC behaviors, interactable objects and player abilities, event hooks for narrative and audio content, scripted sequences, tutorial/help systems, and bug fixing.
• Collaborate with both artists and designers on ways to improve the game content implementation to take advantage of existing technology and drive to the best end result possible.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve design workflows and bring gameplay intentions to life while respecting performance and technical constraints.
• Work with producers and team leadership to assess requirements and provide effort estimates and updates to help ensure the team reaches its goals successfully

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years in game development, with at least 2 years of Technical Design experience.
• Ability to work a hybrid model with ~2 days being spent on-site every week.
• Confidence and familiarity with modern text based scripting languages.
• Self direction and a proven ability to thrive in a highly dynamic and technical environment.
• Strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills, including verbal and written skills

Pluses

• Shipped at least one product, ideally an RTS game.
• Experience playing RTS and other strategy games.
• An innovator's heart, keen to create brand new things that haven't been done before.
• A love of contributing to high quality, rich gameplay experiences.
• Demonstrated passion for entertainment products / media (i.e. comics, movies, novels, etc.)