Game Designer, Level (Contingent)

Naughty Dog; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 79,900 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica, CA is seeking a Level Designer for a hybrid/onsite role with our studio. You will craft engaging environments, block out geometry, and collaborate with art and gameplay teams to shape memorable levels.

Candidates should have 3+ years in level design, be proficient with Maya or Unreal Editor, and show strong communication. A portfolio is required; a design test may be asked during the process.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of level design experience in games.
• Experience blocking out game environments using 3D software (e.g., Maya, Unreal Editor).
• Experience using a game editor (Unreal Editor) and scripting languages (C#, Lua, Python).
• Keen to learn and grow as a designer; strong communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of single-player gaming landscape and industry trends.
• Proactive problem-solving and gameplay vision maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Design layouts for levels and block out geometry to create engaging environments.
• Collaborate with art and design teams to develop level composition and architectural concepts.
• Create scenarios, place game objects, and implement level progression using the editor.
• Produce documentation outlining core level concepts and design intent.
• Coordinate playtesting, reviews, and iteration with teams across disciplines.

Skills

Level design experience

Maya / Unreal Editor

Scripting in C# / Lua / Python

Learning mindset

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Gameplay vision

Single-player gaming landscape

Problem-solving

Tools

Maya

Unreal Editor

C#

Lua

Python

Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position based at our studio in Santa Monica, CA

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character‑driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well‑being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

What you will do:

• Design the layouts for your levels, blocking out simplified geometry to create engaging environments
• Develop level composition, architectural concepts, and create evocative shapes in collaboration with the art department
• Create scenarios, place game objects, and implement level progression using game editor tools
• Produce and maintain documentation that establishes the core concepts of your level
• Drive communication and collaboration for spaces you design as well as other parts of the game, ensuring communication across disciplines and meeting deadlines
• Effective and respectful communicator and collaborator, both with other designers and members of other departments
• Coordinate extensive playtesting, reviews, and iteration
• Additional Responsibilities may be assigned as needed

What skills you will use:

• 3+ years of industry experience in Level Design experience for games
• Experience blocking out environments for games using 3D software packages such as Maya, Unreal Editor or otherwise, that exemplify understanding of level design fundamentals
• Experience using a game editor such as Unreal Editor and scripting/programming using a language such as C#, Lua, Python, Visual Scripting
• Excitement for learning and growing as a designer. Keen to develop new skills.
• Proficient and eƯective communication skills
• Welcomes criticism and has experience collaborating as part of a team, innovating without losing sight of the gameplay vision
• Understanding the single player gaming landscape
• Maintains knowledge of the broader gaming landscape trends
• Problem‑solving skills and a proactive attitude.

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete a design test.

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job‑related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click here to learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$58.03 — $65 USD

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