Associate Game Designer (Level) (CONTINGENT)

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

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates may be asked to complete a Level Design Test