Technical Designer

Breath HR; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Benefits platform with company-funded;

Income Protection and Life cover

Critical Illness

Online GP

Job summary

Secret Mode in Sheffield city centre is seeking a Technical Designer to craft and implement levels, features and content for our games. The role bridges design and programming, using Unreal Engine and Unity to bring gameplay ideas to life.

You will collaborate with the Creative Director to scope and deliver work within deadlines, and you will be hands-on, building content for our catalogue, including Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Technical Designer in the gaming industry.
• Strong grasp of game design principles and mechanics.
• Excellent knowledge of game engines and design tools, such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proficiency in scripting and programming languages such as C++.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Passion for games and game development.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement levels, gameplay systems and mechanics with the creative director and programming team.
• Use scripting and programming to create and maintain game mechanics and systems.
• Develop and maintain design tools and pipelines to improve efficiency and workflow for the design team.
• Balance and adjust gameplay elements to create a compelling experience for players.
• Collaborate with artists and programmers to integrate and iterate on gameplay features.
• Document and communicate design ideas and principles to the development team.

Skills

Technical Designer

Game design principles

Unreal Engine

Unity

C++ scripting

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the role

Secret Mode is building a talented new group of developers who want to be part of a close-knit, studio-based team in Sheffield city centre. They will support the development of Secret Mode's back catalogue, which includes acclaimed titles like Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together. Initially, the role will focus on Unreal Engine, but the team will need to adapt to the engines used by each product.

We are looking to recruit a Technical Designer to design and implement new engaging levels, features and content for our games. As a Technical Designer, you will bridge the gap between game design and programming, leveraging your technical knowledge to bring engaging and innovative gameplay experiences to life. You will be heavily involved in designing, planning features and building new content for our existing catalogue of games to drive revenue and increase player engagement.

This is a hands‑on role, using tools such as Unreal and Unity to bring ideas to life rather than just planning them on paper. You will have the opportunity to shape our established worlds and player experiences, designing and implementing new ideas that build on what's already there. You will work closely with the Creative Director to scope and deliver work within agreed timescales, testing and refining your solutions through periodic content updates.

Role overview – key responsibilities

• Design and implement levels, gameplay systems and mechanics in conjunction with the creative director and programming team
• Use scripting and programming to create and maintain game mechanics and systems
• Develop and maintain design tools and pipelines to improve efficiency and workflow for the design team
• Balance and adjust gameplay elements to create a compelling and enjoyable experience for players
• Collaborate with artists and programmers to integrate and iterate on gameplay features
• Document and communicate design ideas and principles to the development team

Skills and experience you need

• Proven experience as a Technical Designer in the gaming industry
• A strong grasp of game design principles and mechanics
• Excellent knowledge of game engines and design tools, such as Unreal Engine or Unity
• Proficiency in scripting and programming languages such as C++
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across cross‑functional teams
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Genuine passion for games and game development

Skills and experience it would be great to have

• A working understanding of player engagement and what drives it

This role requires you to be in our Sheffield studio for four days a week, with an optional work‑from‑home day on Fridays. It may also involve occasional travel to events.

Please note that this role is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship or consider applications from outside the UK.

• Pension Scheme
• Benefits platform with company‑funded allowance, which includes:
• Income Protection and Life cover
• Critical Illness
• Online GP