Senior Technical Designer, Enemies and Combat

Posted:
7/24/2024, 8:29:52 AM

Location(s):
Bend, Oregon, United States ⋅ Oregon, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Software Engineering

Workplace Type:
Hybrid

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 Corporation.

Senior Technical Designer, Enemies & Combat

Sony Bend Studio, renowned creator of Days Gone, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and Syphon Filter, is seeking outstanding talent to join our passionate and creative team in crafting our next high-profile AAA title.

We are seeking a hands-on Senior Technical Designer that can design and implement gameplay mechanics at a high level of quality with a focus on enemies and combat. This is a significant role on our team with the opportunity to have a major impact on both the project and our Technical Game Design discipline.

Responsibilities:

  • Guide and implement technical gameplay features and systems through the development process: ideation, proof of concept, prototyping, development, iteration, finalizing, and post-launch game support.
  • Architect and implement gameplay-oriented tools, workflows, and pipelines used by our entire game design team.
  • Establish and maintain development pipelines that improve our ability to make great games.
  • Develop expert knowledge of tools built in C++ and visual scripting.
  • Adhere to coding standards set forth by the engineering department and participate in the code review process.
  • Own and contribute to game designs as needed.
  • Write game feature specifications and technical design documents.
  • Create in-engine gameplay mechanics, characters, attacks, and abilities.
  • Set up and tune enemy animations.
  • Hone final gameplay implementation according to defined quality standards.
  • Communicate and collaborate with team members across a diverse range of disciplines.
  • Assist the Lead Technical Designer in improving quality and efficiency by defining, communicating, and improving best practices for implementation.  
  • Serve as a strong quality advocate and mentor for the team, crafting content that exemplifies AAA quality and help others on the team achieve exceptional results.

 

Requirements:

  • Experience in at least one AAA Game Engine. Bonus for experience with custom engines or a variety of game development tools.
  • Game design process knowledge including (but not limited to) level design, AI, player control, user interface, technical art, combat, character design, and pacing.
  • Advanced knowledge of C++ (preferred) or related languages (e.g., C#, Python).
  • Possess working knowledge of Maya (or similar 3D package), including an understanding of rigging, modeling, and animation features.
  • Good error checking and debugging skills, and experience optimizing code for performance and memory.
  • Ability to self-organize and communicate across disciplines while upholding core studio values and proactively seeking out and resolving bottlenecks.
  • Strong time management and prioritization skills. Ability to handle competing hands-on development and design team support priorities.  
  • Familiar with Agile, Lean, and Scrum methodologies as they pertain to game development.
  • Experience with using version control systems such as Perforce, Git or Subversion.
  • Experience with networking principles and systems that include multiplayer gameplay mechanics, replication, and other online implementation considerations.
  • Knowledge of mathematics relevant to game development (vector, geometry, calculus and Newtonian physics) is a plus.
  • 4+ years of experience in a game production environment.

 

We are building a design culture that values trust, inclusivity, collaboration, innovation, growth mindset, and sustainability. If you have the skills we are looking for and are passionate about creating incredible experiences for both our players and the people on your team, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and portfolio.

 Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.

 

At SIE, 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 base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. 

In addition, this role
is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

 

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$111,400$167,200 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 or maternity, 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.