Technical Designer

WHO WE ARE: Next Level Games is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd. We’ve been passionate about video game development for 20 years now, shipping award-winning games for fans across the world and still going strong. Some of our titles include Super Mario Strikers, Mario Strikers Charged, Punch-Out!!, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon, Metroid Prime Federation Force, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and most recently Mario Strikers™: Battle League. At NLG, we believe that a project finds success when we collaborate. Therefore, we place careful consideration to build an environment where everyone feels welcome and has fun in the process of achieving our shared goals. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: We are looking for an experienced Technical Designer to join our team. Key responsibilities of the role include: * Help establish and maintain level creation pipeline * Serve as a bridge between the tech and design teams and provide support whenever necessary * Interface with design and engineering teams to propose and support solutions to level-specific features * Design and promote shared tech solutions to gameplay and level needs * Promote and maintain technical standards within performance budget constraints * Liaise as the technical expert with supporting departments * Help test new features and tools, and help provide feedback for possible improvements * Help establish best practices and workflows for designers. WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR: * 1+ shipped game, or 3+ years of industry experience * Strong communication skills * Proficient in Maya * Ability to think about long term implications of tools and feature changes * Understanding of Python * Experience in text-based scripting and working with animation state machines * Knowledge of C / C++, C# / .NET * Desire and ability to support content creators * Strong multi-discipline problem solving skills * Works well in a multi-discipline team environment * Organized and self-motivated * Experience with Houdini is a bonus! If you have a portfolio, please include a link. WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING HERE: * Competitive annual leave and benefits, including discretionary performance bonus program and health coverage * Support for mental health, financial well-being, legal assistance and more through our Employee Assistance Program * Access to our in-studio gym, and an extensive media library filled with games and books * Join a committee – board games, sports, or something else – it’s all here! * Discounted shopping for Nintendo products and merchandise at the online employee store * A workplace that values inclusivity and encourages continuous growth * A chance to be part of Nintendo, creating award winning games that make an impact This is a hybrid role, with the first three months fully in‑studio. After that, there is flexibility to work from home, with a requirement of three days per week in our Vancouver studio. The hiring range for this position is $67,000 - $85,000 CAD annually and is subject to change. The final base salary compensation will be based on factors such as skills, education, and experience. At NLG, we know the best teams are made up of players with different skills, perspectives, and experience. We're committed to creating a workspace where everyone can contribute and feel included. If you need any accommodations during the hiring process, please contact careers@nextlevelgames.com, and we will do our best to support your needs. We wish to thank all applicants in advance; however, only those under consideration will be contacted. We are currently only considering applicants who already have work eligibility in Canada.

The Technical Designer will establish level creation pipelines and serve as a bridge between the engineering and design teams. They are responsible for promoting shared technical solutions and maintaining performance standards for gameplay and level needs.

Candidates need at least one shipped game or three years of industry experience with proficiency in Python, C++, and C#. Experience with animation state machines and tools like Houdini or Substance Designer is highly valued.

• Annual Leave • Performance Bonus Program • Health Coverage • Employee Assistance Program • Mental Health Support • Financial Well-being Support • Legal Assistance • In-studio Gym • Media Library • Nintendo Product Discounts

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Python
• C++
• C#
• .NET
• Houdini
• Substance Designer
• Text-based Scripting
• Animation State Machines
• Level Creation Pipeline
• Technical Design
• Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Houdini (3D Animation Software)
• Substance Designer (3D Graphics Software)
• Workflow Management
• Self-Motivation
• Unity Engine
• C (Programming Language)
• .NET Framework
• Animations
• Mental Health
• C# (Programming Language)
• C++ (Programming Language)
• Communication
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Video Game Development
• Python (Programming Language)
• Merchandising
• Performance-Based Budgeting
• Technical Standard
• Scripting
• State Machines
• Luigi (Python Package)

• Software
• Creative & Media
• Engineering
• Art & Design
• Technology
• Technical Designer
• Video Game Designer
• Graphic and Multimedia Designers
• Video Game Designers
• Web and Digital Interface Designers

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Oct 19, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Office presence

3 days per week