Smoking Gun Interactive Inc.

Product Designer

• Lead the UX design process for one or more game titles, from concept through launch and live support;
• Bridge the gap from design goals and features to exceptional user experiences
• Define standards for the art team to build exceptional assets within
• Champion your UX designs across all areas and disciplines, including Studio Leadership reviews, to drive buy-in and alignment for the product
• Create and iterate on wireframes, prototypes, and player flows that define the game’s user experience;
• Conduct user research, competitive analysis, and usability testing to understand player needs and behaviors;
• Continuously refine designs based on player feedback and data-driven insights;
• Collaborate with UI artists, Game Designers, Developers, and Production to deliver a cohesive and polished final user experience;
• Proactively problem-solve and inform the game design with UX-driven solutions;
• Advocate for the end-user, ensuring accessibility, clarity, and engagement across all player touchpoints;
• Communicate design decisions effectively using visuals, examples, and prototypes;
• Help establish and maintain UX standards and best practices across the studio;
• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving player experience methodologies.

Senior UX Designer

Producer

• Manage the development of a game title from concept to final product release, with an eye towards meeting defined budgets, schedules and quality targets;
• Work with Studio Directors and Team Leads to develop and communicate a clear vision for the product;
• Create milestone schedules to build the game in an optimal way for the, client, the team and the success of the product; then get buy in from the Leads and studio director on the plan
• Continually drive forward the development of the game
• Monitor released products and work with live operations team to continually update and add features that improve the product;
• Work with team members to ensure daily tasks are in line with the product vision and that each member of the team is working from a tracked schedule and has a strong sense of ownership, responsibility and accountability for quality and timelines;
• Identify risks as early as possible in order to mitigate them and communicate both issues and proposed solutions clearly;
• Promote positive working relationships through leadership, teamwork and communication within the development teams to ensure consistent vision and goal setting;
• Conduct annual reviews and career goal setting for Team Leads;
• Continuously assess risk and keep scope of the project in line with budget and schedule, while also working with team to be creative and produce the best quality game achievable within constraints;
• Interface with publishing or other business partners on milestones and other deliverables, and maintain excellent working relationship as the main point of contact on all development issues;
• Exhibit passion and ability to rally others by providing motivation for the team and all involved in the project;
• Create and maintain project management documents including status reports, project plans, communications plans, post-mortems and compiling of historical information;
• Mentor junior production staff, as needed;
• Be open and willing to accept and provide direction, work well under pressure, and handle multiple tasks.

Operations

• Lead the day-to-day business operations of the studio, ensuring alignment across departments.
• Define, implement, and oversee studio-wide operational strategies and processes.
• Lead business planning, forecasting, and strategic goal-setting alongside the executive team.
• Evaluate and improve existing workflows and production pipelines.
• Identify and mitigate risks across development teams
• Drive continuous improvement of workflows, tools, and internal processes.
• Represent the studio in external business relationships, including publishing partners, vendors, and clients
• Partner with the Studio head to sell the companies services at conferences
• Identify business opportunities, potential partnerships, or funding sources.
• Drive contract negotiation and terms with support from the Studio Head
• Participate with studio leadership on product vision and viability
• Collaborate with producers and department leads to allocate resources efficiently across multiple projects.
• Support Producer(s) and project leads in delivering high-quality games on time and on budget.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure they meet operational and financial goals.
• Partner with IT and HR departments on operational needs.
• Support talent management initiatives: recruitment, onboarding, retention, and performance management.
• Drive continuous improvement of performance management process.
• Promote a healthy and inclusive studio culture that aligns with the company’s values.
• Maintain studio documentation, internal communications, and company handbooks or policies.
• Own office management, including lease coordination, safety protocols, supplies, and facilities.
• Develop and manage operating budgets in coordination with Finance and the executive team.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and process improvements.
• Be a back-up for the studio head in P&L discussions
• Work with legal counsel to manage contracts, vendor relationships, and compliance requirements.
• Oversee studio policies to ensure legal and regulatory compliance, including data protection and employment laws.
• Oversee studio infrastructure, including software tools, hardware procurement, and remote work systems.
• Ensure systems are secure, scalable, and support team productivity.

Senior UX Designer

Producer

Head of Operations