Blackbird Interactive

Blackbird Interactive (BBI) is an independent game development studio based in Vancouver, Canada. Founded in 2010 by industry veterans, BBI is known for creating immersive strategy and adventure games like Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak and Hardspace: Sh...

Internet Software & Services

Information Technology

251-1K (330)

Founded 2010

14 open positions

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Level Designer (4-Month Contract)

1 hour, 14 minutes ago

Canada

Contract

Senior

Game Developer

Software Development

Game Design Game Development

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Blackbird Interactive

Internet Software & Services

251-1K

Founded 2010

View All Jobs 14

Description

Collaborate with systems design, narrative, art, engineering, audio, and production to support the creative vision.
Work within production schedules and constraints while communicating risks and dependencies.
Design and build levels end-to-end, including layout, exploration, encounters, traversal, pacing, player flow, and environmental storytelling.
Create immersive spaces that encourage exploration, teamwork, navigation, and player-driven discovery.
Work with narrative designers to integrate story beats, objectives, environmental storytelling, and scripted moments into physical spaces.
Script and implement gameplay events, encounters, environmental interactions, puzzles, and progression systems for solo and co-operative play.
Test, debug, and iterate on levels to resolve issues with navigation, pacing, progression, readability, and co-operative gameplay.
Respond constructively to feedback and refine layouts, encounters, and pacing to improve tension and immersion.
Maintain understanding of core gameplay systems and ensure level spaces support exploration, teamwork, replayability, and multiple problem-solving approaches.

Requirements

5+ years of game development experience with a strong focus on level design in exploration, action, horror, or cooperative games.
Experience shipping at least one title, ideally with exploration, environmental storytelling, or cooperative gameplay.
Understanding of the full content lifecycle from implementation through polish.
Ability to work independently, manage tasks, iterate on feedback, and solve implementation problems in a dynamic production environment.
Strong collaboration and communication skills with designers, artists, engineers, audio partners, and narrative teams.
Familiarity with level editing tools, scripting, and gameplay logic.
Confidence building, debugging, and maintaining gameplay spaces directly in engine.
Strong understanding of player guidance, pacing, environmental storytelling, and how level design influences tension and emotional engagement.
Passion for horror games, cooperative gameplay, and exploration-driven experiences.
Canadian legal eligibility and current residence in Canada are required.

Benefits

Remote-first workplace.
Flexible work arrangements.
Opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, including world-class IPs and original creations.
Long-term career opportunities within an independent game studio.

Interested in this position?

Apply directly on the company website

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