At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement engaging levels and features for exciting games using Unreal Engine.
- Company: Join Secret Mode, a creative studio in Sheffield with a close-knit team.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexitime hours, private healthcare, and a supportive benefits platform.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic studio environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape innovative gameplay experiences and make your mark in the gaming industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Technical Designer and strong knowledge of game engines like Unreal or Unity.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: 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.
About the role
We are looking to recruit a Technical Designer to design and implement new engaging levels, features and content for our games. As a Technical Designer, you will bridge the gap between game design and programming, leveraging your technical knowledge to bring engaging and innovative gameplay experiences to life. You will be heavily involved in designing, planning features and building 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 and Unity to bring ideas to life rather than just planning them on paper. You will have the opportunity to shape our established worlds and player experiences, designing and implementing 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.
Role overview – key responsibilities
- Design and implement levels, gameplay systems and mechanics in conjunction with the creative director and programming team
- Use scripting and programming to create and maintain game mechanics and systems
- Develop and maintain design tools and pipelines to improve efficiency and workflow for the design team
- 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
- Proven experience as a Technical Designer in the gaming industry
- A strong grasp of game design principles and mechanics
- Excellent knowledge of game engines and design tools, such as Unreal Engine or Unity
- Proficiency in scripting and programming languages such as C++
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills
- 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
Travel requirements
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.
Benefits
- Flexitime working hours
- Pension Scheme
- Benefits platform with company-funded allowance, which includes:
- Income Protection and Life cover
- Private Healthcare coverage
- Critical Illness
- Online GP
Technical Designer in Sheffield employer: Secret Mode
At Secret Mode, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our Leamington Spa studio offers a unique blend of flexibility and collaboration, allowing QA Testers to thrive in a passionate environment dedicated to quality and community. With opportunities for personal growth and the chance to work on exciting video game projects, joining us means being part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and the joy of gaming.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Designer in Sheffield
✨Join Local Tech Meetups
Get out there and mingle with fellow developers by joining local tech meetups. It’s a fantastic way to meet people who might be working at Secret Mode or know someone who does. Plus, you can pick up some trendy tech skills and trends while you're at it!
✨Contribute to Open Source Projects
Show off your coding chops by jumping into open-source projects. Not only does this give you practical experience, but it also gets you noticed in the dev community. You'll create a killer portfolio that speaks volumes about your skills to Secret Mode.
✨Tap into Online Developer Communities
Don’t underestimate the power of online developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and even Reddit. Participate in discussions, share your projects, and build your visibility. We can often find opportunities through these channels that can lead to a full-time gig at companies like Secret Mode.
✨Explore Job Boards Specifically for Tech Roles
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards that focus on tech roles. Sites like TechCareers or Stack Overflow Jobs can often have listings for companies like Secret Mode that might not show up on broader job sites. Make it a habit to check these regularly, and don’t hesitate to apply directly through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Designer in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your coding skills:When applying for a software engineering role, it's super important to showcase your coding skills. Make sure your CV includes your tech stack, any relevant programming languages you’re comfortable with, and examples of projects you've worked on. If you have a GitHub profile, link it up! We love to see code in action.
Tailor your portfolio:For a full-time role, we’d expect to see some solid examples of your work in your portfolio. Make sure to include at least two or three projects that highlight your problem-solving skills and your ability to work with different technologies. Focus on the projects that are most relevant to the position at Secret Mode.
Craft a killer cover letter:Your cover letter is your chance to stand out—make it personal! Explain why you want to work at Secret Mode and how your skills align with the role. Show us your passion for software development. We dig enthusiastic candidates who understand the value of collaboration and continuous learning!
Be clear and concise:When it comes to writing your CV and cover letter, clarity is key. Avoid jargon that could confuse us and stick to simple, direct language. Highlight your achievements with quantifiable results where possible, and keep everything easy to read. A well-organised application goes a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Secret Mode
✨Brush Up on Your Coding Skills
For a full-time software engineering role, it's crucial that we stay sharp with our coding abilities. Expect technical questions that might involve solving problems on the spot or discussing algorithms. Practise on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank to get comfortable with the types of questions that often come up.
✨Know Your Tools and Frameworks
Make sure we’re well-acquainted with the tools and technologies listed in the job description. Familiarise ourselves with any specific frameworks or programming languages mentioned. If Secret Mode uses React or Node.js, for instance, be ready to discuss how we’ve used them in previous projects or coursework.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Bring along a portfolio that highlights our best work. This could be code samples, GitHub repositories, or any side projects we’ve built. Make sure we can talk through our thought process for each project, especially the challenges we faced and how we solved them—this shows our problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
While technical skills are key, full-time positions also require cultural fit. Be ready to discuss our previous experiences and how we handle teamwork, conflict, and deadlines. Brush up on the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result—to clearly articulate our past experiences when discussing how we've contributed to a team.
