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Level Designer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Designer (Level 2)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Designers at this level assist with the generation of original concept designs and are key contributors to all phases of the design process. Their primary focus is generating comprehensive design ...

Designer (Level 2)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Designers at this level assist with the generation of original concept designs and are key contributors to all phases of the design process. Their primary focus is generating comprehensive design ...

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment ...

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment ...

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment ...

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment ...

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment ...

Designers at this level oversee all phases of the design process including experiential concept design, programming, space planning, furniture selections, casework design, fixture and equipment ...

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Level Designer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$120.6K

$123.7K

$126.9K

How much do level designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for level designer in Seattle, WA is $123,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Level Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Level Designer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Level Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Level Designer job openings in Seattle, WA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,654 per year, or $59.4 per hour.

CONTRACT - Associate Game Designer (NST)

Redmond, WA • On-site, Remote

Nintendo
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Nintendo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation
 
Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, based in Redmond, Washington , is a wholly owned subsidiary of the world's largest manufacturer and marketer of video games, Nintendo Co., Ltd., headquartered in Kyoto, Japan.  Nintendo Software Technology's mission is to design, develop and deliver the very best video games. We conduct research, use state-of-the-art equipment and review methods of operation so that we may continually improve the quality of the games that we produce. Each person employed at Nintendo Software Technology Corporation is a valued team member and is encouraged to participate in our efforts to create the highest quality games. 

Nintendo is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy and respect for each other.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Nintendo Software Technology is a tight-knit game development studio located in Redmond, WA. As part of the Nintendo family, we're passionate about creating games designed to surprise and delight our customers. 

As a Level Designer, you will have a desire to contribute and implement, play-test, and refine game design features, with consideration to gameplay. Proven experience with level design for gameplay is needed. If this sounds like you, we would love to see your resume

  • Implements design specifications into playable prototypes using various software tools.
  • Able to quickly revise implementation based on changes required to continue iterating on design concepts.
  • Assists in designing prototypes to iterate concepts into a more complete idea.
  • Assists and maintains game play mechanics within a game.
  • Creates areas of a user-interface design and maintains assigned product localization with the direction of senior designers and above.
  • Communicates ideas with various product development personnel to solicit feedback and ensure support during product development.
  • Within a team, provides input into defining creative vision and technical specifications for assigned project.
  • Writes and maintains assigned design documentation
  • Works closely with senior designers and above to attain constructive feedback and direction.
  • Applies professional expertise to review, analyze and test products under development as a contributing member of a production team to ensure delivery of Nintendo's high standard of quality and timeliness.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

  • 0-2 years of level design for video games or relevant experience. 
  • Understanding of interactive software methodologies, production pipelines and Nintendo quality standards.
  • Proven proficiency with commercial 2D/3D game editor. (E.g. Unity, Unreal, etc.)
  • Basic PC skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Undergraduate degree in Game Design, Computer Science or equivalent
  • Studies in music, art, films, television / broadcasting, and multimedia a plus.

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

This position is hybrid in Redmond, WA. Hybrid positions require regular onsite work following the schedule and guidelines for their division. This position is not open to fully remote status at this time. 


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