Game Designer III (Remote or In-Office)

Department: Design

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Eugene, OR

Compensation: $114,000 - $137,000 / year

Description

Join Pipeworks Studios and make your mark on the gaming industry as the Lead Designer on a groundbreaking component of an exciting, recently announced Unreal-based AAA project. Based in the vibrant tech hub of Eugene, Oregon, with the flexibility of full remote work, this role is your chance to set the stage for a worldwide audience to experience the thrills and chills you devise in collaboration with world-class developers. Immerse yourself in a position that blends deep game experience with creative problem-solving, all while enjoying competitive benefits and being part of a dynamic, innovation-driven community.

The Game Designer III is a seasoned industry professional responsible for shaping the user experience and gameplay elements of our Unreal-based project. This role requires a strong, proven background in traditional gameplay design and technical expertise, particularly within the Unreal Engine environment. Working within a small, innovative team, the Game Designer III contributes through consultation, review, direct contribution, and leadership. Your technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities will be essential in developing accessible features that immerse and thrill. This includes collaborating with stakeholders and clients across disciplines and projects.

Day To Day

Responsibilities

• Lead gameplay feature design and associated user experience to compliment narrative and gameplay
• Collaborate with engineers and other staff to ensure the successful implementation of mechanics and features within levels
• Act as lead and contributor with proven ability to collaboratively create, communicate, and manage tasks for self and project staff
• Communicate with external stakeholders, including clients, per project requirements
• Help to identify ways to maintain and grow the creativity and efficiency of the design team
• Some travel may be required for projects, conditions permitting
  
  

Skills Knowledge And Expertise

Must Haves

• Unreal experience (UE5 preferred)
• Proven leadership abilities with a track record of leading small, dynamic teams
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies quickly
• Experience managing complicated projects
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity w/ Jira, Confluence, or equivalent task tracking and collaborative environments
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Passion for game design and a deep understanding of player experience
• Show exceptional deductive reasoning skills
• Communicate effectively with all levels of staff, both written and verbal
• Work with and lead teams, including taking direction and inspiring others
• Assist in solving problems in resourceful and beneficial ways
• Organize and communicate complex systems and data, with an attention to detail
• Work well in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Be flexible to changing priorities
• Ability to lead teams and 3rd parties remotely
  
  

Nice-To-Have Skills

• FPS and/or 3rd person action experience
• Shipped games on multiple platforms
  
  

Education & Experience Required

• 8+ years relevant work experience in Game Design
• 1-2+ commercial titles shipped as lead or key contributor
• Unreal 5 Experience
  
  

What We Can Offer You

A Flexible Working Environment

Almost all of our roles allow for your choice of work location. We're happy to support our team no matter where they prefer to work: remote, in office, or hybrid.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401K with employer match
• Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 20 Paid Company Holidays
• Relocation
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fitness Club Discounts
• Sports Team Sponsorship
• Annual Company Events
• Project Wrap Parties
  
  

A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all of our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the the table. We value each employee's unique experiences and perspectives and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization.

By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone!

Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our latest Diversity Report.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications above.