Senior Technical Game Designer, Game Prototypes

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what’s next.

We’re looking for a highly-skilled Senior Technical Game Designer to join an in-house strategic incubation game development team focused on shaping the play identity of Netflix Games. This role is central to our efforts via the cloud streaming platform, the Netflix Game Controller, and other potential platforms.You will be responsible for designing and implementing gameplay mechanics across a diverse portfolio of game prototypes. These prototypes will cover a wide spectrum of genres and are intended for direct play on TV via Netflix's cloud streaming platform, as well as potentially other platforms.

The right candidate will possess industry-leading craft expertise, meticulous attention to detail, and a proactive curiosity. This role requires a Technical Game Designer comfortable working across diverse game genres, from children's titles to AAA Action Adventures. You will contribute to every stage of development, from initial vision to creating playable prototypes.

A key expectation is the ability to move seamlessly between theoretical design and hands-on implementation. This includes designing systems on paper and directly building them yourself using technical fluency in Unreal Engine 5, specifically leveraging Blueprints. You must possess the creative rigor to define a system from scratch and the technical skill to execute it. 

THE TEAM

Our mission is to empower small teams of exceptional developers to build breakout hits, leveraging innovative gameplay married with beloved IPs and served with minimal friction within the Netflix ecosystem. We seek new teammates who care deeply about the experiences they create and the people they make them with, who bias towards hands-on action and are energized by the learning that comes with bold experimentation at an agile pace. As a part of Netflix, we strive to hire the best and value integrity, excellence, respect, inclusion, and collaboration.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design Across Genres: Contribute to a rotating slate of projects spanning many different genres, adapting your design approach to fit the genre, audience, and platform at hand.

• Game Design Documentation: Author clear, well-structured game design documents (including mechanics specifications, system diagrams, and encounter designs) that effectively communicate design intent to cross-discipline collaborators and serve as a robust foundation for implementation.

• Build Prototype in UE5: Translate design documentation into functional, playable systems or mechanics using Unreal Engine 5 & Blueprint. Use these tools to validate gameplay hypotheses and find the fun fast.

• Collaboration Catalyst: Partner closely with engineers, artists, and producers to integrate and improve features, ensuring cohesion between design intent and execution.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Proven experience in a technical game design or senior/lead game design roles across varied genres.

• Expert-level proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with strong Blueprint implementation skills.

• Demonstrated capacity to quickly create detailed documentation, including clear Game Design Documents (GDDs), system specifications, and technical design documentation that serves as a solid foundation for implementation by other team members.

• You possess a broad understanding of various game genres, with the ability to identify and articulate the core design elements that contribute to the "feel" and success of each.

• Thrives in a fast-moving, prototype-first environment where scope and direction evolve quickly, demonstrating exceptional adaptability to change.

• Strong communicator who can translate complex design ideas for engineers, artists, and stakeholders alike.

• Maintains a broad and active engagement with games, offering well-informed and strong perspectives on the elements that contribute to an exceptional player experience.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DETAILS

• Resume

• Portfolio examples are welcomed

LOCATION

This is a remote position based in Canada. However, candidates must be willing to travel for work-related events and adhere to a development team schedule oriented toward Eastern Standard Time (EST).

 

Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $120,000.00 - $170,000.00.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Supplemental Health and Dental Plans, Mental Health support, a RRSP Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more detail about our Benefits here.

Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.