Technical Game Designer (C++)

Location: Hybrid role based in Santa Monica, California, United States. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Salary: $58.03–$72.55 USD per hour.

Company

Naughty Dog develops critically acclaimed single-player games focused on narrative, gameplay, and technical innovation, including The Last of Us series.

What you will do

• Prototype, implement, and own gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects, and AI behaviors using in-house tools and scripting.
• Conceptualize, prototype, implement, tune, and balance gameplay mechanics and systems with the Design team.
• Work with animation, programming, and art departments to produce the assets and code support required for owned areas.
• Iterate rapidly and polish gameplay to a high quality standard.

Requirements

• Significant programming ability; a Computer Science undergraduate degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of 3D math.
• Experience with C++, C#, Lua, or another scripting language.
• Broad understanding of the gaming landscape.
• Self-motivated, proactive approach with strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to take design direction, brainstorm, iterate, and develop fun and creative solutions.

Nice to have

• Experience developing AAA third-person action games.
• Experience with 3D level editors.
• Understanding of narrative principles and conveying emotion through gameplay.
• Experience with behavior trees, melee, combat systems, character animation, and enemy and boss design.

Culture & Benefits

• Temporary engagement through staffing partner DZConneX Services.
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equal employment opportunity.
• Background checks are conducted at the offer stage for new employees.