Audio Designer (Unannounced Internal IP)

Prismatic Studios; Auckland; Remote; NZD 51,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Prismatic Studios is seeking an experienced Audio Designer to own and shape the game's audio across sound effects, music, ambience, and voice-over integration. You will collaborate with Art and Design leads to ensure a cohesive audio direction and immersive player experience.

The role involves designing and implementing combat and environment sounds, creating ambient music, and managing dialogue integration within Unreal Engine.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as an Audio Designer or Sound Designer in game development.
• Strong portfolio or showreel demonstrating high-quality sound design and audio production.
• Strong understanding of sound design principles, audio processing, mixing, and mastering.
• Experience creating and editing sound effects for interactive media or games.
• Experience creating or working with music and ambient soundscapes to support different gameplay experiences.
• Understanding of interactive audio design and how sound contributes to gameplay feedback and player experience.
• Experience editing, processing, and integrating dialogue or voice-over recordings.
• Understanding of the technical requirements of creating and implementing game-ready audio assets.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of audio production across multiple areas of a project.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the game’s overall audio experience, including sound effects, music, ambience, and voice-over integration.
• Design and create high-quality sound effects for combat, abilities, characters, environments, UI, and gameplay interactions.
• Develop and maintain a consistent audio direction that complements the game’s visual style, narrative, and gameplay.
• Create, arrange, or source music and ambient audio to support different environments and encounters.
• Manage the editing, processing, and integration of recorded voice-over dialogue into the game.
• Implement and configure audio assets and interactive sound systems within Unreal Engine.
• Work closely with designers and engineers to ensure audio responds to gameplay events and player interactions.
• Mix, balance, and refine the game’s audio to maintain clarity and engagement.
• Iterate on audio content based on feedback from the team and playtesting.
• Identify and resolve artistic and technical issues, including audio performance and asset optimisation.

Skills

Audio design

Sound design

Unreal Engine

MetaSounds

Tools

Unreal Engine

MetaSounds

Sound Cues

Blueprint scripting

Job description

We are developing our first original internal IP in partnership with Viva La Dirt League and are looking for an Audio Designer to join the team and help bring the game’s world, characters, and gameplay to life through sound.

You will be responsible for overseeing the audio experience of the game, working across sound effects, music, ambience, and voice-over integration. As part of a small development team, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of the game’s audio direction, working closely with our Art Lead, Design Lead, and wider development team to create a cohesive and engaging audio experience.

The role will involve designing and implementing sound effects for combat, abilities, environments, and interactions, as well as creating or sourcing music, developing ambient soundscapes, and managing the integration of recorded character dialogue. We are looking for someone with strong audio design fundamentals, an excellent ear for detail, and a creative approach to making the game feel responsive, immersive, and enjoyable to play.

An ideal candidate will be a versatile Audio Designer who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and taking ownership of the entire audio pipeline, from initial concepts and asset creation through to implementation and mixing within Unreal Engine. Experience with interactive audio systems and a willingness to contribute creatively across different areas of game audio will be particularly valuable.

This is a full-time contract position. For the right candidate, we may be able to support remote work within New Zealand. Please note, you must have the right to work in New Zealand to be eligible for this position.

We highly value diversity. Regardless of disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or any other aspect of your culture or identity, you have an important role to play in our team.

Contract Rate: NZD $37 – $47 NZD / Hr

Key Responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the game’s overall audio experience, including sound effects, music, ambience, and voice-over integration.
• Design and create high-quality sound effects for combat, abilities, characters, environments, UI, and gameplay interactions.
• Develop and maintain a consistent audio direction that complements the game’s visual style, narrative, and gameplay.
• Create, arrange, or source music and ambient audio to support different environments, encounters, and gameplay moments.
• Manage the editing, processing, and integration of recorded voice-over dialogue into the game.
• Implement and configure audio assets and interactive sound systems within Unreal Engine.
• Work closely with designers and engineers to ensure audio responds appropriately to gameplay events and player interactions.
• Mix, balance, and refine the game’s audio to maintain clarity, consistency, and an engaging player experience.
• Iterate on audio content based on feedback from the development team and playtesting.
• Help identify and resolve artistic and technical issues, including audio performance, memory usage, and asset optimisation.

Job Requirements:

• 3+ years of experience as an Audio Designer or Sound Designer within game development.
• Strong portfolio or showreel demonstrating high-quality sound design and audio production.
• Strong understanding of sound design principles, audio processing, mixing, and mastering.
• Experience creating and editing sound effects for interactive media or games.
• Experience creating or working with music and ambient soundscapes to support different gameplay experiences.
• Understanding of interactive audio design and how sound contributes to gameplay feedback and player experience.
• Experience editing, processing, and integrating dialogue or voice-over recordings.
• Understanding of the technical requirements of creating and implementing game-ready audio assets.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of audio production across multiple areas of a project.
• Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and an ability to take feedback and iterate quickly.

Additional Valuable Skills:

• Experience working with Unreal Engine, particularly MetaSounds, Sound Cues, and the engine’s audio systems.
• Experience composing original music for games or other interactive media.
• Experience with Blueprint scripting or other tools for implementing gameplay-driven audio.
• Experience with voice-over production, including recording direction, dialogue editing, and managing voice assets.
• Experience designing audio for fantasy-themed games, including combat, creatures, magic, and environmental effects.
• Familiarity with Viva La Dirt League’s content.

About Prismatic Studios:

Prismatic Studios is an Unreal Engine specialist Co-Development Studio and Technical Consultancy based in Auckland, New Zealand. We provide Technical Consultation, Co-Development, and Full Development services for Unreal Engine projects.

We are an Unreal Gold Service Partner and specialise in providing Unreal Engine development services to the region and abroad.