Principal Level Designer - d3t in Gateshead

d3t is at the forefront of videogame technology and creativity, delivering experienced co-development services to some of the biggest AAA clients in the world. Our studio, part of the global Keywords Studios Group, works on multiple exciting projects at any one time, offering plenty of variety and involvement. Our studio projects have included EA SPORTS FC™ 26, Hogwarts Legacy, Exoborne, Mafia: The Old Country, Alan Wake Remastered, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Vampire The Masquerade - Blood Hunt, Mafia II: Definitive Edition, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. We also work in partnership with our global clients including Playground Games, EA and Archetype Entertainment.

The d3t studios are based near Daresbury (Cheshire), Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) and Madrid where we offer an amazingly professional and supportive working environment. We are passionate about what we do and pride ourselves on our anti-crunch mentality, mentoring ethos and have been awarded 'Best Places to Work' multiple times by gamesindustry.biz. In addition, we won ‘Best Creative Service Provider' at Develop 2022 and were nominated in 2023 & 2024.

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

The Design team at d3t is an agile and close-knit group of cross-discipline designers, geared fully for Co-Development: we work across a broad array of exciting projects and own core design on the full spectrum of game types and genres, from the first sketches to the final shipped design. Our expertise covers everything from broad feature design, fast-moving creative ownership, and specialist design expertise in areas like technical design, level design, combat, systems, narrative, and much more. We're currently expanding and are seeking a Principal Level Designer to join the crew.

The Role:

• 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.
• Above all: 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.

Requirements

Essential Skills

• 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 videogames and development.
• Great attitude: we value cultural fit, creativity, and positivity here.

Desirable Skills

• 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 for example.
• 2D design experience.

We work flexibly, but value in‑person collaboration: this position is offered on a hybrid basis only (3 days per week in the studio: Wednesday, Thursday and another day of your choice). We value work/life balance and have a discretionary flexible hours system, and operate a no‑crunch policy as a studio.

Benefits

• 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.

First interviews will be helped by video call, followed by second interviews on‑site. Don't meet every single requirement? Not a problem – please apply. At d3t we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and culture. If this opportunity excites you but your current skills or past experience don't align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you still to apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles within our team.