Principal Level Designer - d3t

Principal Level Designer

d3t is a studio focused on co‑development services for AAA video game titles.

This opportunity will be based in either of our UK studio sites (Daresbury or Newcastle), on a hybrid working basis of 3 days per week:
Wednesday, Thursday, and another day of your choice.

• Confidently own and champion the Level Design discipline within the Design team overall, acting as a central nexus of knowledge and skill.
• Mentor and develop other designers, including more junior Level Designers, within the team as an experienced discipline expert within the craft.
• Design and create world‑class videogame spaces at AAA scale and fidelity, across a wide variety of genres, styles, and approaches. This is a co‑development role, and a high degree of adaptability is required.
• Represent and champion Level Design both internally and with external clients, on fast‑moving and complex projects.
• Exhibit good overall Design know‑how outside of pure level design, with the ability and willingness to roll up your sleeves when our busy Co‑Dev projects require it.
• Become a key part of ideation, prototyping, pitching and testing of game spaces, levels, encounters and related experiences as part of early‑stage development.
• Work to design, iterate, test and balance levels and related work to shipping quality across PC and Console, maintaining a high degree of quality throughout.
• Lead the end‑to‑end creation of levels from blockout to ship, by partnering with engineering, art, lighting and other departments.
• Maintain robust research and competitive analysis of other games, and act as a primary stakeholder to ensure our work stays current and high quality in line with modern player expectations.
• Write and maintain comprehensive design specifications, ensuring that all documentation is clear, updated, and effectively disseminated across the broader team.
• Collaborate with production and leadership to provide accurate task estimations and schedule balancing. As a Co‑Developer, good time management and prioritisation is a must.
• Work within a diverse and close‑knit team in a respectful, constructive manner at all times, acting as a model of respect and professionalism for others.

• 5+ years’ experience with multiple shipped projects ideally at AAA level, in a Principal or similar role.
• Strong skill in all aspects of level design, from rapid blockout and whitebox through to shipping quality level design.
• Strong proficiency with Unreal Engine, with the ability to manifest and iterate on spaces quickly and efficiently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including some presentation skill.
• Ability to organise and structure your own work and that of the team.
• Mentoring and developing individuals within a team as a discipline lead.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations with a flexible and professional attitude.
• Hungry to learn and expand your areas of expertise.
• A calm, positive and professional attitude alongside excellent time‑management and organisational skills.
• Team player, with the ability to work as part of a diverse, fast‑moving team.
• Passion, energy, and infectious enthusiasm for video games and development.
• Great attitude: we value cultural fit, creativity, and positivity here.

• Experience in client‑facing roles, including pitching experience.
• Ability to work in other engines outside of Unreal:
  Unity, Decima, Frostbite, or custom in‑house engines.
• 2D design experience.

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays + up to 5 days extra for length of service)
• Company Pension Scheme
• Flexible working hours
• Private Medical Insurance Scheme (including dental) – BUPA
• Eye Care Scheme
• Anti‑crunch ethos – a professional, fun and supportive working environment!
• Income Protection
• Discretionary Annual Bonus
• Free Parking
• Tech, Bike + Console Scheme
• Company Socials, Monthly Lunches + Annual d3t Events
• Breakout Areas – filled with perks such as games, BBQ area, complimentary snacks to suit all dietary preferences etc.