Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)

Naughty Dog; California (MO); On-site; USD 78,109 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

Naughty Dog is seeking a Technical Designer to contribute to innovative game development. This hybrid position requires 2+ years of experience in Technical Design, strong programming skills, and an understanding of narrative principles.

The role involves prototyping gameplay scenarios, collaborating with departments, and owning narrative sequences. Candidates should be fluent in programming languages such as C++ and C#. A commitment to an inclusive culture is essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games.
• Strong programming ability preferred (Computer Science degree).
• Fluent in languages such as C++, C#, or Lua.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping and owning gameplay scenarios and narrative sequences.
• Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments.
• Collaborating with lead designers and directors for feedback.

Skills

Technical Design experience

Strong programming ability

Understanding of narrative principles

Proficiency in 3D math

Fluent in C++, C#, Lua

Excellent communication skills

Teamwork skills

Education

Computer Science undergraduate degree

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.

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. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC and we’d love to find talented individuals to join us.

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:

• Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects, AI behaviors, and other mechanics and systems.
• Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments to effectively produce the assets and code support required for the areas you’re owning.
• Collaborating closely with lead designers and directors to effectively act on feedback and quickly iterate.

What skills will you use:

• 2+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games
• Strong programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred)
• Understanding of narrative principles and how to convey emotion through gameplay
• Proficiency in 3D math
• Fluent in C++, C#, Lua, or other text‑based scripting language
• Self‑starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills

Bonus Skills

• Experience developing third‑person action games
• Experience making improvements to tools and workflows
• Experience with the following areas of design
  • Behavior Trees
  • Melee
  • Combat Systems
  • Enemy & boss design

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

#LI-SP3

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.

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

$56.70 – $65 USD

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