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Freelance Level Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Roblox Level Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... Level Designer to build the playable worlds behind our branded Roblox experiences. You will ... This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability during PST core hours M - F 9:00 ...

Roblox Level Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

... Level Designer to build the playable worlds behind our branded Roblox experiences. You will ... This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability during PST core hours M - F 9:00 ...

If you are a freelancer who would be interested in being kept on our books for future freelancing ... Designer, Substance Painter, Mari, and/or Photoshop * A working knowledge of Arnold * High level ...

Collaborate closely with UX designers, product managers, strategists, and engineers to ensure copy ... Organize and write copy at the component level, thinking in discrete, structured units that map ...

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $128K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Senior Designer to support one of the most globally ... Expert-level Figma skills, including advanced component management, variables, libraries, and ...

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Freelance Level Designer information

How do freelance level designers typically collaborate with game development teams during a project?

Freelance level designers often work remotely and collaborate with game development teams using digital tools like project management software, version control systems, and communication platforms. They participate in regular meetings, share progress updates, and receive feedback from lead designers or producers. Clear communication and adaptability are essential, as freelancers must integrate their work with the broader vision of the team while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards. Building strong professional relationships can also open doors for future projects and referrals.

What is a freelance level designer?

Freelance level designers are independent professionals who create, plan, and implement levels or environments for video games. They work on a contract or project basis for game studios, indie developers, or other clients, rather than being employed full-time by a single company. Their responsibilities often include designing maps, building game worlds, balancing gameplay, and ensuring levels are engaging and functional. As freelancers, they manage their own schedules, workflows, and client relationships, often working remotely. This role requires a strong understanding of game design principles, creativity, and proficiency with relevant design tools.

What is the difference between Freelance Level Designer vs Level Designer?

AspectFreelance Level DesignerLevel Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, experience, possibly certifications in game designDegree in game design, computer science, or related field; portfolio
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteEmployed by a game studio, working in a team environment
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance platforms, independent contracts, multiple clientsGame development companies, studios, internal teams
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance opportunities, flexible workSeeking full-time or in-house roles in game design

In summary, Freelance Level Designers work independently on various projects, often remotely, and manage their own clients. In contrast, Level Designers employed by studios work within a team environment on company projects. Both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, but their work settings and employment structures differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance level designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Level Designer, you need a strong grasp of game design principles, spatial reasoning, and experience with level editing software, often demonstrated through a robust portfolio. Familiarity with technical tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and version control systems is typically required, along with knowledge of scripting languages like C# or Blueprint. Creativity, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively with clients and other team members while meeting project goals. These skills ensure you can deliver engaging, well-constructed levels that meet client expectations and enhance player experiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Level Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Level Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Level Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Level Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

$30 - $45/hr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.
Our releases include: [Roblox, Fortnite, Rec Room, ZEPETO]

  • Roblox: How To Train Your Dragon
  • Roblox: Wicked RP
  • Roblox: Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
  • Roblox: Fenty - 2024 Webby winner
  • Roblox: Alo Sanctuary
  • Roblox: Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
  • Roblox: Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
  • Roblox: Elton John's 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
  • Roblox: Olivia Rodrigo 
  • Roblox: Fashion Klossette
  • Gen AI applet: Coca - Cola Cappy
  • And numerous digital fashion releases on UGC Gaming platforms - Sawhorse Productions

We are seeking a talented, hands-on Roblox Level Designer to build the playable worlds behind our branded Roblox experiences. You will translate creative briefs into levels that feel native to the platform, shaping the spaces where our clients' brands come to life inside Roblox for millions of players.

This is an hourly freelance position, with expected availability during PST core hours M - F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Requirements

    • Level Design & Build: Design and build playable environments and levels within Roblox Studio, taking layouts from initial blockout through to polished, playable spaces.
    • Player Flow & Pacing: Craft experiences that guide players through space intuitively, with strong pacing, difficulty progression, and clear moments of reward.
    • Gameplay Layout: Translate gameplay mechanics and creative briefs into level layouts that support core loops, campaign objectives, and brand storylines.
    • Roblox Studio Craft: Build using terrain, parts, meshes, and Studio tools, keeping performance and mobile playability in mind throughout.
    • Iteration & Playtesting: Playtest levels, gather feedback from the team, and iterate quickly on layouts, difficulty, and player readability.
    • Brand Integration: Bring brand narratives, IP, and campaign moments into level design in ways that feel native to Roblox rather than bolted on.
    • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Partner with game designers, scripters, artists, and producers to bring each experience from concept through launch.
    • Documentation & Handoff: Maintain clean, well-organized project files and provide clear handoff notes for scripters and artists working downstream.
Qualifications

A strong candidate for this position should have the following qualities:

    • Experience: 3+ years of experience as a Level Designer, Environment Designer, or similar role within Roblox, other UGC gaming platforms, or a game studio environment.
    • Roblox Studio Proficiency: Strong working knowledge of Roblox Studio, including terrain, parts, meshes, StreamingEnabled workflows, and the core building tools.
    • Level Design Fundamentals: Solid grasp of level design principles including pacing, difficulty curves, player readability, and environmental storytelling.
    • Portfolio: Portfolio of built Roblox experiences, levels, or comparable game work that demonstrates your design approach and craft.
    • Performance Awareness: Understanding of performance and mobile optimization considerations when building for Roblox.
    • Collaboration: Comfortable working with scripters, artists, producers, and creative leads across a project.
    • Iteration Mindset: Track record of taking feedback and iterating on layouts efficiently and without ego.
    • Communication: Clear, professional written and verbal communication in remote-friendly settings.
Nice To Have's
    • Familiarity with Luau scripting for basic level logic such as triggers, teleports, and checkpoints
    • Experience on branded Roblox experiences or campaigns for major brands
    • 3D modeling experience in Blender, Maya, or similar
    • Exposure to Fortnite Creative/UEFN or other UGC gaming platforms
    • Prior work on obby, tycoon, roleplay, or narrative-driven Roblox experiences

Benefits

$30 - $45 per hour

EEO Statement

Sawhorse Productions is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.