Senior Technical Designer

Naughty Dog; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 145,100 - 181,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Employee discounts for Sony products

Job summary

Naughty Dog in California is looking for a Technical Designer to prototype and own various gameplay scenarios and systems. Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant industry experience and a passion for creating engaging gameplay.

Responsibilities include collaboration with animation and programming teams, fostering cohesion, and working with minimal supervision. The role offers a hybrid/onsite environment and a comprehensive benefits package, with a competitive salary range of $145,100 – $181,400 USD.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games.
• 2+ shipped games.
• Deep understanding of narrative principles.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios.
• Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments.
• Fostering team cohesion and advising design leadership.

Skills

Technical Design for games

Programming ability

3D math expertise

Communication and teamwork skills

Education

Computer Science undergraduate degree

Job description

This is a hybrid/ onsite position.

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.
• Fostering team cohesion, advising design leadership regarding communication breakdowns and personality conflicts.
• Working with minimal supervision while keeping lead designers and directors well-informed.

What skills you will use:

• 5+ years of industry experience in Technical Design for games.
• 2+ shipped games.
• Significant programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred).
• Deep understanding of narrative principles and how to convey emotion through gameplay.
• Expertise in 3D math.
• Fluent in C++, C#, Lua, or other text-based scripting language.
• Ability to identify and act on opportunities for improvements to tools and workflows that can help the team be more efficient.
• Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Bonus Skills:

• Experience developing third‑person action games.
• Experience with the following areas of design:
  • Behavior Trees
  • Narrative Gameplay Sequences
  • Encounter Design

Benefits & Compensation

Salary range: $145,100 – $181,400 USD. Eligible for SIE’s top‑tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and employee discounts for Sony products. May also be eligible for a bonus package.

Background Checks

Background checks will be conducted at the offer stage for all new employees.