Senior Designer

Insomniac is looking for a new Senior Designer. In this role the Senior Designer will be responsible for overseeing and executing on several aspects of the game including, but not limited to, features, mechanics and systems design, level/world design and helping to determine the conventions, processes and practices used to create the product.  If this is the opportunity you have been looking for, please read on:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create clear and concise written documentation, visual design materials, and verbal presentations that articulate layout, content, mechanics, systems, and features. Present these designs to the team and department heads.
• Develop foundational layouts and build basic level designs; collaborate with the Art team to evolve designs in alignment with each discipline’s goals and deadlines. Craft 3D blockouts that adhere to project metrics while effectively communicating the thematic intent and pacing of mission beats.
• Implement gameplay and game structures; work closely with the Gameplay Programming team to deliver content that meets the goals and deadlines of each discipline.
• Design, own, and prototype key gameplay systems, including Hero Character features, game mechanics, and traversal; collaborate with Design, Art, and Gameplay Programming teams to ensure that goals are achievable within given time constraints.
• Monitor progress on missions or features across multiple departments, providing updates to the team as needed through various communication mediums.
• Address bugs and gameplay issues to ensure a stable and polished product.
• Assess progress, quality, and “user-friendliness” of projects via usability testing, focus tests, and in-house play tests.
• Provide constructive feedback on all aspects of the product; identify opportunities to enhance product quality and advise on how to implement improvements for current and future projects.
• Establish consistent implementation of gameplay by defining “best working practices,” processes, standards, and conventions for the design team.
• Mentor junior designers, fostering their growth and development within the team.
• Collaborate remotely across multiple time zones to maintain high standards of quality and streamline workflow processes. Communicate effectively and address any concerns in a professional manner.
• Other duties may be assigned as needed.

A designer may be tasked in one of the following areas of specialization:

•  Systems Design: Develops and implements game systems such as economy, balance, progression, ambient features, and/or game wide player activities.
• Combat Design: Develops core game action systems such as player actions, hero powers, enemy factions, and archetypes, and/or boot AI.
• Narrative Design: Alongside the animation and story teams will implement, script, and refine the digital acting sequences, ambient and reactive narrative systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no direct supervisory responsibility.  Will assist in mentoring and training other designers in basic level design tools including, but not limited to, Maya, proprietary level editing tools, and scripting.  This also includes helping advance game design skills, including map-making, what makes a level fun and balancing and polishing game elements. 

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Computer Skills: 

• Advanced knowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar editors). 

• Intermediate knowledge of Maya or other major 3D modeling programs. 

• Adobe Illustrator experience and UE4 Blueprint Visual scripting skills are a plus. 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.  

Other Skills:

• General understanding of melee combat systems, enemy design and boss design. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills including verbal and written skills are required. 

• Must be able to both give and receive critical feedback regarding various aspects of the project.