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Unreal Engine Level Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

Help maintain a high level of craft, consistency, and polish across every deliverable. * Provide ... Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies. * Experience ...

Thinkingbox

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$85K - $95K/yr

Help maintain a high level of craft, consistency, and polish across every deliverable. * Provide ... Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies. * Experience ...

Tt

Computational Designer

Chicago, IL

$70K - $85K/yr

Your Role As a Computational Designer & Visualization Specialist in our Chicago office, you will ... Unreal Engine); and scripting or automation (Python, C#, or similar) * A portfolio showcasing ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Remote - US and Canada only thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly ... Unity, Unreal, Proprietary Engine) * Portfolio demonstrating the technical artistic ability, with a ...

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $156K/yr

Remote - US and Canada only thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly ... Unity, Unreal, Proprietary Engine) * Portfolio demonstrating the technical artistic ability, with a ...

PULSE STUDIO, LLC

Be Seen First

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer 2026

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Mid-Level Scenic & Event Designer (2 - 5+ Years of Experience) Pulse Studio LLC is a design ... Knowledgeable in Unreal (Blueprinting a plus) * Can create custom textures and materials for use in ...

iCrossing

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst Newspapers

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst Magazines Division

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Hearst

Sr. SEO Manager

Chicago, IL

Your Impact As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day-to-day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced ... Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise-level brands

Interdependence

Account Executive, SEO

Chicago, IL

This is a high-impact role designed for a proactive, consultative strategist who understands ... level client experience. * Deep expertise in technical SEO, content strategy, ranking factors ...

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All JobsUnreal Engine Level Designer JobsUnreal Engine Level Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Unreal Engine Level Designer information

What are some common challenges faced by Unreal Engine level designers when collaborating with artists and programmers?

Unreal Engine Level Designers frequently need to balance creative vision with technical constraints, which can be challenging during cross-disciplinary collaboration. Communicating level design requirements clearly to artists helps ensure assets match gameplay needs, while close coordination with programmers is essential to optimize performance and implement interactive elements. Effective collaboration often involves regular meetings, detailed documentation, and iterative feedback to align everyone's contributions and deliver cohesive, high-quality levels on schedule.

What does an Unreal Engine level designer do?

An Unreal Engine Level Designer is responsible for creating and designing game environments using Epic Games' Unreal Engine. They craft immersive worlds by placing objects, setting up lighting, and scripting interactive elements to enhance player experience. Level designers work closely with artists, programmers, and other team members to ensure that the levels are visually appealing, engaging, and function smoothly within the game's mechanics. Their work involves both creative and technical skills, balancing aesthetics with gameplay functionality.

What is the difference between Unreal Engine Level Designer vs Environment Artist?

AspectUnreal Engine Level DesignerEnvironment Artist
Primary FocusDesigning and building playable levels within Unreal EngineCreating detailed, realistic environments and assets for games
Skills & ToolsUnreal Engine, level scripting, gameplay integration3D modeling, texturing, environment composition
Work EnvironmentGame development teams, using Unreal EngineArt departments, using 3D software and Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine Level Designers focus on constructing engaging levels and gameplay flow within Unreal Engine, while Environment Artists specialize in creating the visual assets and environments that populate those levels. Both roles often collaborate but have distinct skill sets and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Engine level designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unreal Engine Level Designer, you need strong proficiency in level design principles, 3D modeling, and a deep understanding of Unreal Engine, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as Unreal Engine's Blueprint system, asset management workflows, and version control systems like Perforce is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and crafting engaging player experiences. These skills ensure that levels are not only visually compelling and functional but also optimized for gameplay and performance within complex development environments.
What are popular job titles related to Unreal Engine Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Unreal Engine Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Unreal Engine Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Unreal Engine Level Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Unreal Engine Level Designer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Unreal Engine Level Designer job openings:
Unreal Engine Level Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Unreal Engine Level Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Senior Motion Designer - The Heist

Thinkingbox

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

Hi! We're The Heist, the motion design, live action, and post production studio within Thinkingbox, the Brief-to-Built agency.

We bring together directors, designers, animators, editors, and technologists to create work that moves. From brand films to broadcast spots to social campaigns and experiential content, our team blends craft and curiosity to push ideas further. Across our studios, collaboration is real, feedback is open, and culture matters. We take the work seriously. Ourselves, a little less so.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Senior Motion Designer who leads through craft. This is a hands-on role for someone who thrives inside the work while helping elevate the people around them.

You'll partner closely with Art Directors and Creative Directors to transform ideas into exceptional motion. Whether you're developing styleframes, designing key moments, building 3D scenes, or refining animation, you'll help establish the creative standard for every project you touch.

Beyond execution, you'll be a trusted teammate who mentors others, tackles creative and technical challenges, and helps guide projects through production with confidence and attention to detail.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Design and animate compelling 2D and 3D motion graphics across a wide range of styles and platforms.
  • Develop storyboards, styleframes, and motion explorations that support the creative vision.
  • Collaborate with Art Directors, Creative Directors, Producers, and fellow designers throughout production.
  • Take ownership of complex assignments, solving creative and technical challenges independently.
  • Help maintain a high level of craft, consistency, and polish across every deliverable.
  • Provide thoughtful feedback and mentorship to junior designers, helping raise the quality of the team.
  • Stay current with emerging tools, workflows, and technologies that improve both process and creative output.
  • Accurately estimate effort, communicate progress, and help projects stay on schedule.
What You'll Bring
  • 5+ years of professional experience in motion design, animation, or a related creative field.
  • A portfolio demonstrating exceptional design taste, animation principles, and versatility across styles.
  • Advanced proficiency in After Effects, Cinema 4D, Redshift, and Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Strong understanding of typography, composition, color, pacing, and visual storytelling.
  • Experience working within professional production pipelines from concept through final delivery.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
  • A proactive, solution-oriented mindset with the confidence to own work while supporting the team.
Bonus Points!
  • Houdini, X-Particles, Marvelous Designer, or Substance Painter.
  • Unreal Engine, AI-assisted creative workflows, or other emerging motion technologies.
  • Experience with live action, editorial, or VFX pipelines.
Additional Info
  • Monday - Thursday in office (Fridays are remote optional)
  • Flexible time off, including paid vacation and sick days
  • Consistent culture and team-building events
  • Employee recognition and incentive programs
  • Seasonal celebrations and gatherings throughout the year 
  • Office lunches 
  • Branded company swag
  • Access to industry events, learning opportunities, and non-profit outreaches
  • Dog-friendly offices
  • Unlimited coffee, drinks, and snacks
  • Flex work and travel options
  • Comprehensive extended health benefits
  • 401k matching
$85,000 - $95,000 a year
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as internal equity, candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. If your compensation expectations fall outside of this range, we still welcome your application.

Equal Opportunity

At The Heist, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity is our creative strength - it's the range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds that fuels our best ideas and most innovative solutions. We welcome and encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, genders, identities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and backgrounds to apply. Your voice matters here.

To Apply

Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please submit your resume along with links to your online portfolio as part of your application (if applicable). Due to the volume of applications we receive, we're unable to respond to every submission. However, all applications are kept in our talent database and will be considered for future opportunities.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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