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343 Industries is the developer of the blockbuster Halo series of video games. As part of Xbox Game Studios, the Halo franchise encompasses games, television series, novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. We are looking for new Spartans to join our team to build the next generation of games and experiences in our award-winning sci-fi universe.

Do you understand modern console/PC games and have experience with live service games? Do you closely collaborate with teams to drive inspiring, cohesive gameplay experiences? Are you interested in Halo and want to preserve what makes it unique—while brimming with ideas to evolve an experience that millions of players love? If so, the Halo team would love to speak with you about becoming our next Lead Level Designer of multiplayer experiences! As the Multiplayer Lead Level Designer at 343 Industries, you’ll own and drive the project’s multiplayer levels through all phases of development – from concept to ship. You’ll hire, mentor, and manage a level design team, leading them to craft levels that create exciting and memorable moments for players. You’ll also manage the team’s backlog, prioritizing products, tasks, and bugs and ensuring team alignment across all initiatives. This role will see you refining leadership skills, further developing professional collaborative relationships, and expanding your knowledge of and approach to multiplayer level design. Roles at our studio are flexible, and you can work from home up to two days a week (Thursdays and Fridays) in this role.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the project’s multiplayer levels through all phases of development (concept, gameplay, art, polish/bug fixing, delivery)

• Build and manage a multiplayer level design team.

• Work with 343’s Studio Design Director and other leads to define and champion the project’s level design pillars, process, best practices, level standards, and workflows. Ensure product goals are communicated to the team.

• Prototype levels to find the best fit for project mechanics and experiential goals.

• Collaborate with the art director to align on level concepts, theming, and art asset requirements.

• Identify critical design challenges and work through solutions with the team to drive clear direction.

• Work with partner teams to set and communicate gameplay, visual, audio, and performance goals for levels.

• Participate in playtests and lead level reviews. Collect, analyze, and use feedback and gameplay data to inform level iteration.

• Create, prioritize, and manage the team’s product, task, and bug backlog (JIRA)

• Be a consistent source of clarity, positive energy and an exemplar of Microsoft and Xbox values.

Other

• Embody our Culture (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/about/corporate-values) and Values (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/culture)

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Art, Game Design, or related field AND 6+ years relevant internship/work experience (e.g., game development and design, systems design, content production)

• OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Game Design, or related field AND 6+ years related work experience (e.g., game development and design, systems design, content production)

• OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Game Design, or related field AND 4+ years related work experience (e.g., game development and design, systems design, content production)

• OR equivalent experience.

Additional or Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience working on AAA games in the capacity of Design Director, Design Lead, or equivalent design leadership role, leading a design team through all phases of development.

• Associate's Degree in Art, Game Design, or related field AND 12+ years relevant internship/work experience (e.g., game development and design, systems design, content production)

• OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Game Design, or related field AND 12+ years related work experience (e.g., game development and design, systems design, content production)

• OR Master's Degree in Computer Science, Art, Game Design, or related field AND 8+ years related work experience (e.g., game development and design, systems design, content production)

• OR equivalent experience

• A passion for architecture.

• Have shipped at least 1 title released to consumers.

• 6+ years knowledge of game engines (e.g., Unreal).

• Solid foundation in environment or traditional art.

• Self-driven, motivated, and passionate about Halo!

Game Design IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $112,000 - $218,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $145,800 - $238,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

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Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .