Senior Level Designer

Crystal Dynamics; United States; Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a Senior Level Designer to shape engaging game environments for iconic franchises. This role requires significant experience in level design, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and proficiency in Unreal Engine. Join a team committed to creating award-winning games and enjoy comprehensive benefits including competitive salary and flexible work opportunities.

Benefits

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development reimbursement

Flexible hybrid work opportunities

Additional paid time-off in December

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Senior or Lead Level Designer.
• Strong focus on puzzle design in third-person action-adventure games.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop engaging game levels integrating gameplay mechanics with narrative.
• Collaborate with Art and Narrative teams for cohesive game experience.
• Produce documentation for game levels with clear guidelines.

Skills

Level Design

Puzzle Design

Collaboration

Feedback

Education

Experience in Video Game Industry

Tools

Unreal Engine

Blueprints

Job description

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more!

Crystal Dynamics is looking for a Senior Level Designer to join our team of talented game developers. In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping the player's experience, combining your deep understanding of level design with a creative vision to build engaging and memorable game environments. Your expertise will be key in crafting levels that not only offer thrilling gameplay but also contribute significantly to the narrative and overall player journey.

This role is ideal for a seasoned designer who thrives in an individual contributor capacity, with a strong ability to lead strike teams and collaborate across disciplines.

As a Senior Level Designer, you will:

• Develop engaging and innovative game levels that seamlessly integrate gameplay mechanics with narrative elements, adhering to the game's core principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Art and Narrative departments, to ensure a cohesive and immersive game experience.
• Participate in constructive discussions with other designers and stakeholders, ensuring levels meet the expected quality and align with the game's pacing and player experience goals.
• Utilize your proficiency in level design tools and software, particularly Unreal Engine, to create and iterate on level layouts.
• Maintain a balance between creative aspirations and the practical constraints of the project, such as timelines and technical limitations.
• Produce detailed documentation for game levels, providing clear and comprehensive guidelines for the team.

To be considered for this role, we require the following:

• Significant experience as a Senior or Lead Level Designer in the video game ind ustry, including leading strike teams and/or owning major level design efforts.
• Strong focus on puzzle design, ideally within third-person action-adventure games.
• Examples of work demonstrating your skill and creativity in level design, with ability to breakdown of your individual contributions.
• Understanding of game design tools, software, and real-time game engines specifically with hands-on, practical experience with Unreal Engine.
• Deep knowledge of game design principles and how they contribute to player engagement and enjoyment.
• Ability to work effectively with co-development teams.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback as well as ability to convey ideas effectively, listen actively, and engage in productive dialogue.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Demonstrated practical skills using Blueprints.

It'll be a bonus if you also have:

• Experience shipping AAA titles on PC/Console with a focus on high-quality puzzle design.

The pay range for this role includes the annual base salary, not including bonus and the generous benefits package that Crystal Dynamics provides all full-time employees. Individual compensation is determined by work location within our approved states or regions, as well as additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about total compensation.

Pay Range (United States)

$95,000 - $144,000 USD

Pay Range (Canada)

$100,000 - $142,000 CAD

Not sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

Please be advised that our company is aware of scammers impersonating us, and we assure you that all legitimate communication will come from the official Crystal Dynamics email address domain "@crystald.com" or will be an automated response from our applicant tracking system using "[e-mail]".If you have any concerns about the validity of a message from our staff, feel free tocontact us .

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.Crystal Dynamics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. If you require any accommodations, please notify us at your earliest convenience during the interview process.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics's Privacy Notice .

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Our Approved Locations are as follows:

• United States: CA*, TX*, WA*, AZ, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, MI, MN, MO, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, UT, VT, WI
• Canada: Remote only

*has physical studio

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Crystal Dynamics is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a program of diversity for our employees. To help Crystal Dynamics monitor its compliance, statistical analysis and measuring our advertising and recruitment efforts, we ask candidates to respond to the self-identification survey below.

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