Lead Level Designer

That's No Moon is an independent studio of storytellers and game-makers who believe in the power of narrative-driven experiences. With a diverse team of talented developers, from some of the top game studios in the world (Naughty Dog, Infinity Ward, Bungie), our shared vision is to create the future of AAA experiences with a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible production practices. Our passionate team of developers help shape our studio, our projects, and our future.

Do you love top-quality linear narrative-driven single-player games? Do you have experience making action/adventure/shooters? Congrats! You’re a unicorn. Come join one of the few teams that still has the resources and dedication to make one!

As the Lead Level Designer, you will guide level designers as well as collaborate with content and feature creation teams. Additional responsibilities include developing level content, developing design metrics and principles, defining gameplay mechanics, ensuring quality, and meeting with company executives.

Prior experience with 3rd-person shooter mechanics and melee combat, as well as level design, traversal systems, puzzle systems, and action set-pieces is desired.

Responsibilities:

• Report to the Game Director and be responsible for review of level designs. Mentor and guide other level designers towards holistic game-wide design goals.
• Partner with and take direction from the Game Director to establish, hold, and achieve the vision of the product.
• Be passionate about your holistic, game-wide vision. We want you to lead from the front! Almost everyone on our team is on the box, making content. Dig in and develop prototypes and shipping levels to lead the team by example!
• As part of a highly skilled and lean design team that believes in self-sufficiency, the Lead Designer’s responsibilities will also include creating new mechanics, systems, event scripting, and interactive objects.
• Work collaboratively with engineering, animation, art and design teams to implement content, solve workflow issues, and create content pipelines

Requirements & Skills:  

• Strong visual and verbal communication ability.  
• Proven track record integrating and iterating narrative elements seamlessly within core gameplay systems to enhance player engagement.  
• Holistic vision that considers the relationship between story, game mechanics, and technology.  
• Experience with narrative structure and cinematic visuals.  
• Knowledge of Unreal Engine is a must.  
• Technical competence with level-layout and scripting tools, including visual- and syntax-based implementations.
• Ability to lead, mentor, and encourage level designers to own their content and grow their skill sets.  

Qualities:  

• Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities  
• Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives  
• Maintain integrity and confidence while working in a fast-paced environment  
• Approachable and respected member of the team  
• Team oriented with a desire to assist Game Designers and Artists
• Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness  
• Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback

TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $150,000 – $190,000

#LI-Remote

TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, flexible PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary based on country of residence and/or part-time or temporary employment status.

That's No Moon is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, legally protected physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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