P2P2 — Developing Professional

Developing – Sound Designer

Independently design and process a range of sound effects.

What this level means

Early-career professional; developing skills, handles routine tasks with some independence

Scope
Defined deliverables / small features
Autonomy
General supervision; reviewed at milestones
Complexity
Some non-routine problems; applies established patterns
Impact
Own and immediate-team deliverables
Decision rights
Routine technical choices within guidance
Leadership
May guide interns
Typical experience
1–3 yrs

What you'd do

  • Implement and test sounds in the game engine.
  • Handle routine audio tasks such as recording voice sessions.
  • Design and process a variety of sound effects.
  • Collaborate with game designers to ensure audio aligns with gameplay.
  • Participate in audio reviews and provide feedback.
  • Maintain documentation of audio processes and updates.
  • Ensure audio assets are optimized for performance.
  • Support junior designers in their tasks.
  • Implement and test game sounds.
  • Record and manage voice sessions.
  • Design sound effects independently.

Skills, knowledge & tools

  • Sound design
  • Game engine integration
  • Audio testing
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Collaboration
  • Documentation
  • Performance optimization
  • Sound effect design
  • Game engine audio integration
  • Audio testing methodologies
  • Collaboration techniques
  • Feedback processes
  • Documentation standards
  • Performance optimization strategies
  • Audio asset management
  • Initiative in problem-solving
  • Independence
  • Attention to detail
  • Audio testing and implementation
  • Collaboration
  • Feedback provision
  • Documentation skills
  • Performance optimization

What good looks like

  • 2–4 years as in-house or contract sound designer
  • Proficiency in audio tools
  • Experience with game engines

Common titles

Developing – Sound Designer

Where it sits & what it pays

O*NET / SOC: 27-0000Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, & Media Occupations(inferred · under review)

Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are coming — JobFrame anchors pay to the family/level structure rather than the raw title.

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