Lead Level Designer

About the Role

The day-to-day responsibilities of this role will involve leading, mentoring, and growing a team of level designers, fostering collaboration and professional development. You'll drive the creative vision and execution of levels, ensuring they meet the high standards of the company. With a focus on open communication, close-knit teamwork, and opportunity for ownership and growth, you'll thrive in an environment that values passionate storytelling and community building.

As a key member of the design team, you'll report to the design director and work closely with other leaders to ensure the level design team is aligned with project goals and deadlines. Your expertise and guidance will be essential in shaping the player experience and creating a cohesive narrative that engages and retains players.

What You Will Do

• Lead and mentor a team of level designers to create compelling levels that balance gameplay flow, narrative integration, and visual storytelling
• Drive the creative vision and execution of levels, ensuring they meet the high standards of the company
• Partner with design, art, and engineering teams to ensure levels are fun, functional, and performant
• Refine workflows and ensure the level design team is aligned with project goals and deadlines
• Collaborate with the design director and other leaders to shape the player experience and create a cohesive narrative
• Conduct regular reviews and feedback sessions with the design team to ensure high-quality output
• Develop and maintain level design documentation and guidelines
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in level design
• Participate in playtesting and provide constructive feedback to the design team
• Collaborate with the QA team to identify and resolve level design-related issues

What We Are Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in level design, with a focus on top-down action RPGs
• Strong portfolio that showcases your level design skills and expertise
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with experience in mentoring and guiding a team
• Strong understanding of game design principles, narrative integration, and visual storytelling
• Experience with level design tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
• Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of the gaming industry

Nice to Have

• Experience with scripting languages such as C# or Python
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git
• Knowledge of game development pipelines and workflows
• Experience with bug tracking and issue management tools
• Certification in level design or a related field

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work on a high-profile game with a passionate community
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a focus on open communication and teamwork
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance
• Flexible working hours and remote work options
• Access to the latest game development tools and technologies
• Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance
• Comprehensive health and wellness package, including mental health support
• Generous PTO and holiday package, including paid sick leave and family leave
• Remote stipend and home office setup support
• Opportunity to participate in game jams and other creative events
• Free games and swag, including early access to upcoming titles
• Annual company retreats and team-building events

• To stand out as a candidate, make sure your portfolio showcases your level design skills and expertise, with a focus on top-down action RPGs and a clear understanding of game design principles.
• Be prepared to talk about your experience with level design tools such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and highlight your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• When applying, be sure to include the word ACUMEN and tag ROjox to show you've read the job post completely and are a human applicant.
• Research the company and the game, Last Epoch, to demonstrate your passion for the industry and the role.
• Practice your leadership and communication skills, as you'll be leading and mentoring a team of level designers.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with narrative integration and visual storytelling, and how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, such as what the typical day-to-day responsibilities of the role entail and how the company approaches level design and game development.