Remote Lead Level Designer & World Builder

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexibility & work-life balance

Health, dental, vision insurance

Bonus structure

Paid time off

Global collaboration

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a renowned game studio to hire a Remote Lead Level Designer & World Builder. You will guide the design of expansive environments, define level structures, and mentor junior designers to deliver engaging, technically solid experiences.

In this fully remote role, you will collaborate with department heads, shape spatial design and player psychology, and champion innovative world-building across open-world or linear sections, ensuring consistent storytelling and high

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in AAA or significant indie level design.
• Proven lead or senior level designer role.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine or Unity and level editing tools.
• Strong principles of game design, player psychology, and spatial design.
• Experience with 3D modeling software and asset pipelines.
• Excellent communication and remote-team leadership.
• Ability to create clear design documentation.
• Degree in Game Design, CS, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of game levels, ensuring engaging gameplay, pacing, and navigation.
• Develop detailed level layouts, blockouts, and prototypes.
• Collaborate with narrative designers, environment artists, and technical artists to integrate story elements and visuals.
• Define and maintain world-building principles and ensure consistency across the game world.
• Mentor junior level designers, providing constructive feedback.
• Conduct playtests and analyze data to iterate on level designs for engagement.
• Work with engineers to ensure levels are technically feasible and performant.
• Create documentation for level designs, gameplay mechanics, and environmental storytelling.
• Champion innovative approaches to level design and world-building.
• Oversee asset placement, scripting, and lighting within levels.

Skills

Level design

Lead experience

Unreal Engine

Unity

3D modeling

Documentation

Remote collaboration

Education

Degree in Game Design

Computer Science

Architecture

Equivalent professional experience

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a renowned game studio focused on creating expansive and immersive open-world experiences. We are seeking a creative and experienced Remote Lead Level Designer & World Builder to guide the creation of our next groundbreaking title. This is a fully remote position, enabling you to shape virtual landscapes and intricate environments from any location. You will be responsible for defining the overall structure, flow, and player experience of game levels, ensuring they are engaging, memorable, and technically sound. As a lead, you will mentor junior designers, collaborate closely with other department heads, and champion the vision for world-building and level design. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of spatial design, player psychology, and a passion for crafting compelling interactive spaces. Join our remote team and be instrumental in building worlds that captivate players.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of game levels, ensuring compelling gameplay, pacing, and player navigation.


• Develop detailed level layouts, blockouts, and prototypes using industry-standard tools.


• Collaborate with narrative designers, environment artists, and technical artists to integrate story elements and visual fidelity into levels.


• Define and maintain world-building principles and ensure consistency across the game world.


• Mentor and guide junior level designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering their growth.


• Conduct playtests and analyze player data to iterate on level designs for optimal engagement.


• Work with engineers to ensure levels are technically feasible and performant within the game engine.


• Create documentation for level designs, gameplay mechanics, and environmental storytelling.


• Champion innovative approaches to level design and world-building.


• Oversee the asset placement, scripting, and lighting within levels to enhance player experience.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in level design for AAA or significant indie game titles, with a portfolio showcasing impactful open-world or linear levels.


• Proven experience in a Lead or Senior Level Designer role.


• Proficiency with major game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and their level editing tools.


• Strong understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and spatial design.


• Experience with 3D modeling software and asset pipelines is a plus.


• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaborative skills, crucial for remote team management.


• Ability to create clear and concise design documentation.


• A passion for creating immersive and engaging game worlds.


• Degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers the ultimate in flexibility and work-life balance.


• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a generous bonus structure, and significant paid time off.


• You will work with a talented and passionate team across different time zones, contributing to a groundbreaking project.


• Opportunities for professional development and growth are abundant.


• The remote nature allows you to create your ideal work environment while being a vital part of our collaborative and innovative studio culture.