Associate Game Designer (Level)

Why PlayStation? PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play — it’s also the Best Place to Work. Today, we’re recognized as a global leader in entertainment producing The PlayStation family of products and services including PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®VR, PlayStation®Plus, acclaimed PlayStation software titles from PlayStation Studios, and more. PlayStation also strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. We welcome and encourage everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore our open positions and join our growing global team. The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation. This is a HYBRID role, with onsite requirements in Santa Monica, CA, determined by project needs and the discretion of the leads. This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner DZConneX. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position. For 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of interactive storytelling, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for the PS5. We're also proud to say that both games are now available for the first time on PC. We’re currently busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us. Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together. Naughty Dog is seeking a skilled Associate Level Designer to help shape our game worlds. You'll collaborate in the design and modeling of environmental layouts, scripting level progression, and work with a multidisciplinary team to bring immersive spaces to life. With experience in level design, 3D software, and game editors, you'll help craft the player experience. If you're eager to learn, grow, and contribute to our next big title, we'd love to hear from you! What you will do: With guidance from a mentor or lead, plan and model simplified geometry, design environmental layouts, place game objects, and script level progression Help design and champion gameplay systems, conventions, and scenarios Collaborate with artists, programmers, animators, and other game designers to craft engaging gameplay spaces. Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully with other designers and cross-disciplinary team members. Coordinate playtesting, reviews, and iterations to ensure levels meet technical specifications Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed What skills you will use: 1+ years of experience in the game industry in any role Demonstrated foundational understanding of blocking out environments for games using 3D software such as Maya, Unreal Editor, or similar tools Experience using a game editor such as Unreal Editor Enthusiasm for learning and growing as a designer, with a strong desire to develop new skills Strong and effective communication skills Openness to feedback and experience collaborating as part of a team Understanding of the single-player gaming landscape Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude Bonus skills: Understanding of scripting or programming languages such as C#, Lua, Python, or visual scripting tools Understanding of narrative concepts and/or experience in writing, film, or theater Knowledge of art composition, architectural principles, and the ability to create evocative shapes Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights. At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location. Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click here to learn more. The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate. $37—$57 USD Equal Opportunity Statement: Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.