Junior Technical Designer in Sheffield

Secret Mode is building a talented new group of developers who want to be part of a close-knit, studio-based team in Sheffield city centre. They will support the development of Secret Mode's back catalogue, which includes acclaimed titles like Escape the Backrooms and Chained Together. Initially, the role will focus on Unreal Engine, but the team will need to adapt to the engines used by each product.

We are looking to recruit a Junior Technical Designer to help design and implement new engaging levels, features and content for our games. Working alongside experienced designers, you will bridge the gap between game design and programming, using your technical knowledge to help bring engaging and innovative gameplay experiences to life. You will play an important part in our team, helping to design, plan features and build new content for our existing catalogue of games to drive revenue and increase player engagement.

This is a hands-on role, using tools such as Unreal Engine and Unity to bring ideas to life rather than just planning them on paper. You will have the opportunity to help shape our established worlds and player experiences, supporting the design and implementation of new ideas that build on what's already there. You will work closely with the Creative Director to scope and deliver work within agreed timescales, testing and refining your solutions through periodic content updates.

You will receive mentorship and guidance from senior members of the design team as you build your technical skills and understanding of how our games are put together. You will be joining products with an established and passionate player base, so this role suits someone who is excited to build on what already exists rather than start from a blank page, and who takes pride in evolving titles that players already love.

Role overview – key responsibilities

• Help design and implement levels, gameplay systems and mechanics alongside the creative director and programming team
• Use scripting and programming to help create and maintain game mechanics and systems
• Support the design team in developing and maintaining design tools and pipelines to improve efficiency and workflow
• Help balance and adjust gameplay elements to create a compelling and enjoyable experience for players
• Collaborate with artists and programmers to integrate and iterate on gameplay features
• Document and communicate design ideas and principles to the development team

Skills and experience you need

• Experience of technical design, through personal projects, university coursework, internships, or professional work
• A working understanding of game design principles and mechanics
• Good knowledge of game engines and design tools, such as Unreal Engine or Unity
• Some experience of scripting and programming languages such as C++
• Good communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams
• A collaborative approach to work, with a willingness to learn and take on responsibility
• Genuine passion for games and game development

Skills and experience it would be great to have

• A working understanding of player engagement and what drives it
• Some exposure to level design or content creation tools
• Familiarity with visual scripting systems such as Blueprint

This role requires you to be in our Sheffield studio for four days a week, with an optional work-from-home day on Fridays. It may also involve occasional travel to events.

Please note that this role is only open to applicants who have the right to work in the UK. We are currently unable to offer sponsorship or consider applications from outside the UK.

Pension Scheme Benefits platform with company-funded allowance, which includes: Income Protection and Life cover, Critical Illness, Online GP.