Senior Audio Designer (FTC)

DAMBUSTER STUDIOS; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Private Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Job summary

Dambuster Studios is seeking a Senior Audio Designer for a fixed-term contract through June 2028. The role supports the Audio team from our Nottingham studio, with options for on-site, hybrid, or UK-wide remote work.

You will shape high-quality audio experiences across multiple game areas and mentor colleagues. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, manage ownership of tasks, and contribute to the studio’s learning culture and best practices.

Qualifications

• Strong audio design and implementation across multiple game systems.
• Experience with interactive audio fundamentals and game engines.

Responsibilities

• Implement audio design across game systems and areas.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet audio requirements.
• Record audio in studio and field and ensure timely delivery.

Skills

Audio design

Unreal Engine

Wwise

Reaper

Sound design

Tools

Unreal Engine

Wwise

DAW (Reaper)

Job description

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 if the role requires you be on-site frequently (if the role requires this, it’s outlined in the advert below). Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment in our city centre studio.

Senior Audio Designer (FTC)

Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Audio Designer to join our highly talented Audio team on a fixed term contract until June 2028.

The role can be offered on site at our Nottingham office, hybrid, or remote within the UK. Please note, this is a senior role, and we are unable to be flexible with the level.

Role overview

As a Senior Audio Designer, you will work with the rest of the audio department and studio to create high quality audio experiences. This is a highly varied role that can involve many areas of audio design, tackling both creative and technical challenges in a wide variety of settings for many different feature teams.

You will leverage your experience to contribute to the success of projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and excellence. You will take ownership of your work, proactively solving problems and taking part in mentoring colleagues to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality outputs that align with the organisation’s goals and vision.

What we can offer you

• Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
• Relocation support to Nottingham, UK (if required)
• Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
• Inclusion into the studio’s annual pay review (effective 1st July) following 12 months service
• Company pension contribution that increases with service
• Private Medical Insurance via AXA Health, including dental and optical cover
• Life Assurance Scheme via Zurich (x3 salary cover)
• 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
• Travel Loan Scheme for Nottingham-based employees
• Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
• Quarterly company funded cross-team events such as our Annual Christmas Party, Summer Family BBQ and Teambuilding activities
• Free financial advice
• Employee referral bonus scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

• Work within audio styling and priority established by audio leadership
• Implementation of audio design across a wide variety of systems and game areas
• Attend departmental and interdepartmental meetings and report back on emerging requirements for audio
• Work with established project management software
• Work with your fellow audio colleagues across a range of emerging audio requirements including sound effect creation, dialogue editing/design and music implementation
• Work within established technical specifications in all work including game engines and audio middleware
• Record audio in studio environments as well as in the field
• Takes ownership of assigned work, ensuring quality, efficiency and reliable delivery
• Contribute to the development and refinement of process, tools and workflow to enhance productivity and quality
• Keep up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies and practices.
• Maintain high-quality documentation and up to date work processes, methodologies and solutions
• Set high standards for others to follow
• Co-ordinate and possibly attend mocap sessions off-site

Requirements

• Strong sound engineering skills and knowledge of the relevant tools and technology, with a good sense of timing and aural skills needed to make a great sounding game
• An experienced grasp of interactive audio fundamentals
• Knowledgeable about methodologies of audio implementation and interactive story telling
• High level of expertise in DAW software (Preferably Reaper)
• High proficiency in signal flow, plug-ins, sound design techniques
• Proven experience in recording (microphone techniques, recording techniques, processing & editing)
• Significant experience in using game engines such as Unreal Engine andproprietary game software
• Significant experience in using audio middleware such as Wwise
• Experience in file management (naming conventions, batch processing, memory profiling & debug analysis)
• Expert in written & verbal communication
• Self-managed, displaying both excellent organisational skills to deal with the many thousands of assets in a game, whilst also being able to find ways to be productive when unexpected problems occur
• Experience mentoring and sharing knowledge across a team
• Analytical skills to break down game development challenges to inform others
• Highly organised and can use established studio workflows to meet commitments reliably
• A track record of delivering high-quality work with attention to detail and a commitment to excellence
• Proven track record in managing multiple projects, balancing priorities and meeting deadlines
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively across teams and disciplines.

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.