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Game Level Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Absurd Ventures

Mission Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site +1

$100K - $115K/yr

Summary We are seeking a Mission Designer to create highly memorable missions that combine best-in ... Experience building game-wide systems or features. * Experience with level design, blockout or ...

Activision

Lead UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

You'll propose experience concepts, flows, prototypes, and high level designs, and align on the ... We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy ...

Activision

Lead UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$123K - $162K/yr

You'll propose experience concepts, flows, prototypes, and high level designs, and align on the ... We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy ...

Activision Blizzard, Inc.

Lead UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$123K - $161K/yr

You'll propose experience concepts, flows, prototypes, and high level designs, and align on the ... We're driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy ...

Xboxgaming

Lead UX Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$123K - $161K/yr

You'll propose experience concepts, flows,prototypes,and high level designs,andalign on the ... Experience working on a mobile free-to-play game * Experience with rapid or ...

Hp

Sr. Industrial Designer (HyperX)

Tustin, CA · On-site

$116K - $182K/yr

No matter your skill level, preferred genre, or play style, we embrace gaming enthusiasts everywhere with our core belief - We're All Gamers. - Sr. Industrial Designer at HyperX Always noticing how ...

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All JobsGame Level Designer JobsGame Level Designer Jobs in California

Game Level Designer information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$154K

How much do game level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for game level designer in California is $147,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game level designer?

To thrive as a Game Level Designer, you need strong spatial reasoning, creativity, and a solid understanding of game mechanics, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and 3D modeling software (e.g., Blender, Maya), as well as a solid grasp of scripting or visual programming, is typically expected. Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you contribute effectively within multidisciplinary development teams. These competencies are crucial to creating engaging, balanced, and technically sound gameplay experiences that align with the overall game vision.

What is a game level designer?

A Game Level Designer is responsible for creating engaging, well-balanced, and immersive levels or environments within a video game. They design the layout, pacing, and challenges, ensuring that gameplay flows smoothly and remains enjoyable for players. This role requires collaboration with artists, programmers, and other designers to bring the vision to life while considering technical constraints. A level designer often works with game engines and scripting tools to implement interactive elements. Their goal is to enhance player experience through thoughtful spatial design and mechanics.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a game level designer?

As a Game Level Designer, your daily tasks often include creating, prototyping, and refining in-game environments, puzzles, and encounters to ensure engaging and balanced player experiences. You'll collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and other designers to integrate assets, test mechanics, and address technical or gameplay challenges. Playtesting and iterating on levels based on feedback is also a routine part of the job. Additionally, documenting your design decisions and maintaining clear communication within the team are important for keeping projects on track and ensuring a cohesive game world.

How to get a job as a game level designer?

To become a game level designer, develop strong skills in level design, 3D modeling, and game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Building a portfolio with sample levels and gaining experience through internships or indie projects can improve job prospects; a background in game development or related education is often beneficial.

What does a game level designer do in games?

A game level designer creates and develops the environments, challenges, and layouts within a video game to ensure engaging gameplay and proper flow. They use design tools and collaborate with artists and programmers to build levels that enhance player experience and meet the game's objectives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Level Designer jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Level Designer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Level Designer jobs in California? For Game Level Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Game Level Designer jobs? Cities in California with the most Game Level Designer job openings:
Game Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Level Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,165 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Mission Designer

Absurd Ventures

Santa Monica, CA • On-site, Remote

$100K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Summary 

We are seeking a Mission Designer to create highly memorable missions that combine best-in-class storytelling with action gameplay for an all-new open world IP built in Unreal Engine 5. As a Mission Designer, you will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team and be a hands-on contributor and implementer of story missions including critical path and side missions alongside single-player campaign features. 

Core Responsibilities 

  • Own implementation of engaging, diverse, innovative missions within a story-driven, open-world game. 
  • Work with the Lead Mission Designer to develop best practices and robust solutions for faster iteration across the team. 
  • Challenge the status quo and demonstrate understanding of where open-world mission design can change and where it's already working. 
  • Build brand new, innovative game systems for missions that can help define core features across the rest of the game. 
  • Leverage the game's existing open-world systems and mechanics to create dynamic and unpredictable mission experiences that adapt to player choices and actions. 
  • Provide feedback to other mission designers to improve the quality of the design and storytelling. 
  • Create documentation to support missions, mission tools, and game features developed for missions. 
  • Ability to implement and design changes based on play testing data from both internal and external sources. 

Core Qualifications 

  • 1-2+ years of experience building mission content, ideally within an open-world game. 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 
  • Innovative thinker with creative problem-solving skills who can thrive in a collaborative team environment. 
  • High-quality portfolio showcasing previous scripting, encounter or mission design work in games. 
  • Strong understanding of storytelling and narrative design. 

 Plus If... 

  • Experience building game-wide systems or features. 
  • Experience with level design, blockout or world-building. 
  • Experience in UE4 or UE5. 
  • Experience working with co-development partners. 
  • Experience working on an open world title. 

Description  

  • Full time job with benefits  
  • Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA 
  • Office is located near downtown Santa Monica - near metro and freeways. 

The base pay range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity. 

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