Who We AreFounded in 2023, Small Axe Studios is 2K's newest stand-alone studio, built to push the boundaries of game development and bring 2K's next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in Burnaby, we are assembling a world-class team of visionaries, builders, and passionate gamers who thrive on creative collaboration, technical excellence, and bold ideas. At Small Axe Studios, we believe big things start with sharp focus—and we're crafting an exceptional, player-first experience from the ground up. If you're ready to tackle unique challenges, leave your mark on a brand-new IP, and help shape the future of interactive sports entertainment, we want you on our team!What We NeedWe're looking for an experienced and versatile Expert Technical Designer to help drive the implementation and iteration of our gameplay systems and features. You will play a key role in bridging the gap between design and engineering—prototyping features, building robust content workflows, and ensuring technical feasibility for our sports-focused core fantasy experience.As an Expert Technical Designer, you'll work across disciplines to bring features to life—from paper design to implementation—and guide the team in crafting flexible, scalable systems. You'll be instrumental in building our toolsets, scripting gameplay behaviors, and helping define the future of how we build and iterate on gameplay content.This role reports to the Design Director (Core Fantasy) and collaborates with engineering, design, and production leadership to deliver compelling, player-driven experiences.What You'll DoPrototype and Implement Gameplay SystemsDesign and build functional prototypes in collaboration with engineers and gameplay designersImplement and iterate on gameplay mechanics, core loops, and systemic features using visual scripting or other proprietary toolsEnsure technical feasibility of design solutions while maintaining creative goalsOwn Technical Implementation of FeaturesCollaborate with designers to translate high-level concepts into robust in-game behaviors and systemsScript game logic, define system flows,



and integrate features into live buildsAct as a technical point-of-contact for feature teams, identifying dependencies and integration risks earlyOptimize Workflows and Tool UsagePartner with tools engineers to improve designer workflows and content pipelinesDevelop best practices and reusable templates for design teams to improve iteration speed and reduce bugsIdentify inefficiencies in data structures or tool usage and recommend improvementsMentor and Support Other DesignersProvide technical guidance to other designers and help raise the team's scripting and tool proficiencyReview and troubleshoot design implementations and help resolve blockers across featuresChampion technical documentation and help maintain a healthy tech design cultureLead a Team of Technical DesignersBe a Craft Lead for fellow Technical Designers and lead the hands-on technical approach of implementationTake on people management duties for other Technical DesignersCollaborate Across DisciplinesWork hand-in-hand with engineering to ensure designs are performant, scalable, and shippablePartner with animators, audio, and UI/UX teams to deliver features with high-quality executionContribute to design planning, backlog grooming, and prioritization of technical workChampion the Core Fantasy VisionEnsure technical design solutions reinforce the overall player experience goalsHelp prototype and validate systemic interactions that create emergent or player-driven outcomesContribute to creative problem-solving that enables new gameplay opportunitiesWhat Will Make You A Great Fit7+ years experience in technical design or related gameplay implementation rolesDeep expertise with scripting systems (e.G., Unreal Blueprint)Proven ability to implement complex gameplay systems from prototype through shipStrong understanding of game systems, mechanics,



and their interactionsExperience working in collaboration with engineers, especially on feature integrationsExcellent problem-solving, debugging, and optimization skillsStrong documentation habits and ability to explain technical solutions to non-technical teammatesA proactive, collaborative attitude and a passion for empowering creative teamsBeneficial QualificationsExperience working on sports games or other systemic titlesFamiliarity with content pipelines, modular design approaches, or data-driven systemsExperience with tool development or technical design documentationExperience in performance profiling and optimization on console/PCBackground in programming or computer science is a plusThe pay range for this position in British Columbia at the start of employment is expected to be between CAD $118,300 and CAD $175,060 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other advantages and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews, and when emailing, we only use 2K.Com accounts.#LI-Hybrid

📌 Expert Technical Designer (Vancouver)
🏢 2K
📍 Vancouver