Game Designer, Technical (Contingent)

Sony Interactive Entertainment; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 78,523 - 89,544; Part time

Job summary

Naughty Dog is seeking a Technical Designer for a hybrid/onsite role in Santa Monica. You will prototype, implement, and own gameplay sequences, AI behaviors, and other mechanics, while coordinating with animation, programming, and art teams to deliver assets and code support.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years in technical design for games and strong programming ability. Experience with narrative conveyance, 3D math, and scripting languages like C++, C#, or Lua is required, along with good

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 act on feedback and quickly iterate.

Skills

Technical Design

Programming

Narrative principles

3D math

C++

C#

Lua

Team communication

Education

Computer Science 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.

Naughty Dog has a long history of crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered and a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5, and The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. 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 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.

Compensation and Benefits

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. The individual base pay range may vary based on knowledge, skills, experience, and location. 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.

$56.70 - $65 USD

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

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