Principal Level Designer (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Principal Level Designer (Gamedev): Leading the level design discipline across diverse AAA projects with an accent on technical implementation, high-fidelity world-building, and mentor-led team development. Focus on end-to-end level creation from blockout to final polish while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a hybrid studio environment.

Location: Must be based in or able to work from Daresbury or Newcastle, UK on a hybrid basis (3 days per week in-studio).

Company

A leading co-development studio part of the Keywords Studios Group, specializing in AAA game technology and creative services.

What you will do

• Champion the level design discipline and provide expert mentorship to the wider design team.
• Create world-class AAA game spaces and encounters across various genres and styles.
• Lead the end-to-end creation process from initial blockout and whitebox to final shipping quality.
• Collaborate with engineering, art, and lighting departments to ensure technical and visual excellence.
• Own ideation, prototyping, and pitch processes for new project spaces.
• Perform competitive analysis to ensure design work remains current and aligned with modern player expectations.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional experience with multiple shipped titles at an AAA level.
• Proven ability in a Principal or equivalent lead-level design role.
• Strong proficiency with Unreal Engine for rapid iteration and world manifestation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-team and client-facing collaboration.
• Proven track record in mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Ability to structure own work and provide accurate task estimations for production.

Nice to have

• Experience in client-facing roles and pitching.
• Working knowledge of engines such as Unity, Decima, Frostbite, or proprietary in-house engines.
• Experience with 2D design.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, dental, and income protection.
• Flexible working hours and an anti-crunch studio ethos.
• 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays and service-based increments.
• Access to tech, bike, and console schemes.
• Supportive, professional environment with breakout areas and regular company socials.

Hiring process

• Initial video call interview.
• Second stage on-site interview.