Technical Designer (Sports Game Development)

Location: Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada; hybrid

Salary: CAD $73,900–$109,360 per year at the start of employment, with potential bonus, equity awards, and benefits.

Company

Small Axe Studios is a standalone hirify.global studio developing a new sports franchise and player-first interactive entertainment experience.

What you will do

• Prototype and implement gameplay mechanics, core loops, systemic features, and in-game behaviors.
• Translate design concepts into robust systems using visual scripting and proprietary tools.
• Build and improve toolsets, content pipelines, reusable templates, and designer workflows.
• Support designers through technical guidance, implementation reviews, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, production, animation, audio, and UI/UX teams to deliver performant and scalable features.
• Prototype systemic interactions and creative gameplay opportunities that reinforce the core fantasy vision.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in technical design or related gameplay implementation roles.
• Deep expertise with scripting systems such as Unreal Blueprint.
• Experience implementing gameplay systems from prototype through shipment.
• Strong understanding of game systems, mechanics, debugging, optimization, and feature integration.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills, including explaining technical solutions to non-technical teammates.
• Proactive, collaborative approach and a passion for empowering creative teams.

Nice to have

• Experience with content pipelines, modular design, or data-driven systems.
• Tool development or technical design documentation experience.
• Performance profiling and optimization experience on console or PC.
• Programming or computer science background.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative work across design, engineering, production, animation, audio, and UI/UX disciplines.
• Opportunity to shape a brand-new sports game IP from the ground up.
• Regular employees may receive bonus and/or equity awards.
• Medical, financial, and other benefits may be included in the compensation package.
• Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities during hiring and employment.