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Level Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

Sway Creative Labs

Designer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

We're looking for a designer who can execute at a high level across a range of mediums and who contributes meaningfully to the ideation process - not just the production end of it. Strong candidates ...

BOWA

Designer

Mclean, VA

We're seeking a talented and experienced Designer to join our high-performing team at a premier luxury residential design/build firm. This role is ideal for a professional with 3-5+ years of ...

BOWA

Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

We're seeking a talented and experienced Designer to join our high-performing team at a premier luxury residential design/build firm. This role is ideal for a professional with 3-5+ years of ...

BOWA

Designer

Mclean, VA

We're seeking a talented and experienced Designer to join our high-performing team at a premier luxury residential design/build firm. This role is ideal for a professional with 3-5+ years of ...

Acro Service Corp

Designer

Newport News, VA · On-site

Multi-task while designing components of various projects Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in design or related field or relevant work experience * Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and ...

Genesis Technical Staffing, Inc.

Be Seen First

Marine Designer

Newport News, VA · On-site

Genesis Technical is seeking Marine Designers level 1-4 for an onsite long-term contract position in Newport, News, VA Key Responsibilities: * Convert existing 3D models into Siemens NX, including ...

Genesis Technical Staffing, Inc.

Be Seen First

Marine Designer

Newport News, VA · On-site

Genesis Technical is seeking Marine Designers level 1-4 for an onsite long-term contract position in Newport, News, VA Key Responsibilities: * Convert existing 3D models into Siemens NX, including ...

Actalent

Designer

Newport News, VA · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Designs components or portions of systems and modifies existing designs to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. * Utilizes computer-aided design equipment and/or ...

New

Actalent

Designer

Ashland, VA · Hybrid

$31.25 - $40.87/hr

Distribution Designer (Electric Utility) Are you passionate about designing infrastructure that truly matters? Join our team as a Distribution Designer and play a hands‑on role in delivering safe ...

Actalent

Designer

Ashland, VA · Hybrid

$31.25 - $40.87/hr

Distribution Designer (Electric Utility) Are you passionate about designing infrastructure that truly matters? Join our team as a Distribution Designer and play a hands‑on role in delivering safe ...

ManTech International

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

ManTech

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities. * Incorporate modeling and simulation tools ...

Tech Tammina

.Net Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Net Designer Expert level HTML5, CSS 3, and JavaScript skills are required Familiarity with UI, MVC, and MVVM frameworks like jQuery, Angular Expert level C#, ASP.NET, SQL, AJAX, CSS programming ...

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc.

Designer

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$17.40 - $23.40/hr

Floor & Decor Designers provide a seamless start to finish consultative design service that builds ... The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to noisy. Physical/Sensory ...

Troon

Foodservice Designer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$70K/yr

... Foodservice Designer to our team. We are looking for someone who takes pride in their well ... Deliver the highest level of accuracy and attention to detail to ensure our drawings are the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLevel Designer JobsLevel Designer Jobs in Virginia

Level Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$105.1K

$107.7K

$110.5K

How much do level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for level designer in Virginia is $107,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,100.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a level designer?

To become a level designer, you typically need a background in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in 3D modeling, level editing tools, and game engines like Unity or Unreal. Building a portfolio of level designs and gaining experience through internships or personal projects is also important. Certifications or courses in game development can enhance your prospects in this role.

What is the role of a level designer?

A level designer is responsible for creating and designing game levels, including layout, environment, and gameplay elements, to ensure an engaging player experience. They use tools like level editors and collaborate with artists and programmers to implement their designs within the game engine. Strong spatial awareness, creativity, and knowledge of game mechanics are essential skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Level Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Level Designer, you need a solid understanding of game design principles, spatial awareness, and experience with 3D modeling or level editing software, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and visual scripting systems is typically required. Creativity, strong collaboration skills, and attention to detail help Level Designers stand out when crafting engaging player experiences. These skills are crucial for building immersive, balanced, and enjoyable game environments that support both gameplay and storytelling.

Will AI replace level designers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace level designers, as their role involves creative problem-solving, understanding player experience, and designing engaging environments. AI tools can assist with tasks like procedural generation and testing, but human oversight and artistic judgment remain essential in level design. The profession continues to evolve with technology, emphasizing skills in design, storytelling, and tool proficiency.

What does a Level Designer do?

A Level Designer is responsible for creating the environments, stages, or levels in a video game. They design the layout, challenges, and pacing to ensure the gameplay experience is engaging and balanced. Level Designers work closely with other team members such as artists, programmers, and game designers to bring their concepts to life, often using specialized software and game engines. Their goal is to make sure each level is fun, visually appealing, and fits within the story and mechanics of the game.

What Does a Level Designer Do?

A level designer uses special design software to create levels, which are also known as stages or maps, for a video game. As a level designer, your duties may include mapping the level, creating a layout, and using your artistic skills to create the look and feel of the stage's environments and locales. Your designs need to fit with the gameplay and story scenarios, so you frequently collaborate with other members of the design team, like environment artists. Your designs need to include any structural elements required by the storyline or game missions, so adhering to a game’s narrative is an essential part of your job.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Level Designer can potentially earn $10,000 or more per month through freelance work, contract projects, or working for large gaming companies, especially with experience and strong portfolios. Success often depends on skills in game development tools, creativity, and industry reputation, rather than formal education. High earnings are typically associated with senior roles or independent consulting in the gaming industry.

What is the difference between Level Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectLevel DesignerEnvironment Artist
Primary FocusDesigning gameplay spaces, layout, and player flowCreating visual environments, textures, and atmosphere
Skills & ToolsLevel design software, scripting, game mechanics3D modeling, texturing, art software
Work EnvironmentGame studios, collaborative teamsArt departments, visual teams
Common Industry UsageUsed in game design and developmentUsed in art and environment creation

While both roles contribute to the game's visual and spatial experience, Level Designers focus on gameplay layout and player experience, whereas Environment Artists specialize in creating the visual aesthetics of game worlds. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the game development industry.

How does a Level Designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Level Designers work closely with artists, programmers, and game designers to bring levels to life. They often start by discussing design goals with the core game design team, then partner with artists to ensure visual consistency and technical requirements are met. Regular playtesting sessions with QA and feedback from other departments help refine the player experience. Effective communication and iteration are essential, as Level Designers must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and gameplay objectives.
More about Level Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Level Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Level Designer jobs in Virginia? For Level Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Level Designer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Level Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Level Designer jobs in VA? For Level Designer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Level Designer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,726 per year, or $51.8 per hour.
Wargame Designer

Wargame Designer

MANTECH

Quantico, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 1 hour ago

ManTech rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 191 rated software companies

Job description

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented WARGAME DESIGNER to join our team in QUANTICO, VA.

This role is pivotal for shaping the future for our Marine Corps customer, driving the transition towards advanced digital wargaming environments, and leveraging cutting-edge modeling and simulation (M&S) capabilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Create custom wargame designs that address specific objectives and research questions to inform service level decision and further development activities.
  • Incorporate modeling and simulation tools within game design in order to continue advancing the customer towards the future wargaming concept. 
  • Develop both physical and digital products for wargames to include detailed design documents, rule sets, player guides, maps, tokens and other playing pieces to contribute toward a positive player experience and engagement.
  • Facilitate and adjudicate wargames, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively and meet required objectives.
  • Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in achieving the analytical objectives of the game. 
  • Provide coordination assistance across various wargaming initiatives as needed to ensure customer satisfaction in every step of the planning process.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of wargame design experience. A total of 10 years’ experience without a degree.
  • Must be familiar with a wide variety of game mechanics, adjudication methods, and game methodologies.
  • The ability to leverage digital wargaming platforms and simulation tools.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience with planning and accomplishing designer goals and successfully directing others in this work.
  • Proficiency in creating, designing, and delivering professional, aesthetically appealing presentations using Microsoft products (e.g., PowerPoint) for diverse audiences. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in leveraging digital wargaming platforms and simulation tools and serving as a trusted advisor, capable of immediate contribution within these environments.
  • Prior experience in a military or government contracting environment

Clearance Requirements:

  • TS/SCI clearance required to start with the ability to obtain SAP

Physical Requirements:

  • This position requires exceptional public speaking skills with the ability to deliver engaging presentations and coordinate with others in an open forum environment to include planning conferences, play tests and other game development forums. 
  • The person in this position must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time. Occasionally move about inside the office to access office machinery, or to communicate with co-workers, management, and customers, via email, phone, and or virtual communication, which will include delivering presentations.

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