Nick Jackson

Nick Jackson

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    | Technical Game Designer |

  • Education

    • LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

      2003 - 2006
      High School Diploma

      Activities and Societies: Peregrine Productions, Track & Field

    • Century High School

      2002 - 2003
    • Full Sail University

      2020 - 2022
      Bachelor of Science - BS Game Design
  • Experience

    • Senvoy LLC

      Jul 2009 - Mar 2011

      Accomplishes warehouse human resource objectives by selecting, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, appraising job contributions; recommending compensation actions; adhering to policies and proceduresKeeps equipment operating by enforcing operating instructions; troubleshooting breakdowns; requiring preventive maintenance; calling for repairs.Meets warehouse operational standards by contributing warehouse information to strategic plans and reviews; implementing production, productivity, quality, and customer-service standards; resolving problems; identifying warehouse system improvements. Show less

      • Warehouse Supervisor

        Aug 2009 - Mar 2011
      • Delivery Driver

        Jul 2009 - Aug 2009
    • American Precision Industries Inc

      Mar 2011 - Oct 2012

      Perform shipping and receiving duties.Support the shipment of goods produced and the received goods and supplies to be used in or to aid in the production/storage of goods destined for sale to our customer base.Responsible to make arrangements for pick-up by the carrier specified on the customer’s purchase order which is conveyed to the shipping clerk by final inspection via the shipping instructions.Must report defective materials or questionable conditions to the department supervisor.Responsible for keeping an adequate supply of shipping materials on hand at all times.Required to forward a requisition for shipping materials to the Department Supervisor for approval.Maintain the work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition and follow prescribed safety regulations.Required to make pick-ups and deliveries to our suppliers for parts and raw materials using a company van. Show less Plans machining by studying work orders, blueprints, engineering plans, materials, specifications, orthographic drawings, reference planes, locations of surfaces, and machining parameters; interpreting geometric dimensions and tolerances (GD&T).Programs mills and lathes by entering instructions, including zero and reference points; setting tool registers, offsets, compensation, and conditional switches; calculating requirements, including basic math, geometry, and trigonometry; proving part programs.Sets-up mills and lathes by installing and adjusting three- and four-jaw chucks, tools, attachments, collets, bushings, cams, gears, stops, and stock pushers; indicating vices; tramming heads.Loads feed mechanism by lifting stock into position.Verifies settings by measuring positions, first-run part, and sample workpieces; adhering to international standards.Maintains specifications by observing drilling, grooving, and cutting, including turning, facing, knurling and thread chasing operations; taking measurements; detecting malfunctions; troubleshooting processes; adjusting and reprogramming controls; sharpening and replacing worn tools; adhering to quality assurance procedures and processes.Maintains safe operations by adhering to safety procedures and regulations.Maintains equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs.Maintains continuity among work shifts by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing needs.Documents actions by completing production and quality logs.Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading technical publications.Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. Show less

      • Shipping Clerk

        Mar 2012 - Oct 2012
      • CNC Machinist

        Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
    • Dish Network

      Dec 2012 - Dec 2015
      Field Services Specialist

      Conducting site surveys - determine the best positioning of our equipment for strongest signal reception.Installing cutting edge technology - place mounts, satellite dishes and receivers while ensuring broadband connectivity.Educating customers - review order with the customer and teach them the basics to use and enjoy their new service and equipment.Providing Dish Smart Home Services - successful technicians have the opportunity to offer our customers additional services and products while earning new skill sets that will propel them into the future of in-home services delivery. Show less

    • SolarWorld

      Dec 2015 - Jul 2017

      Perform and operate manual, semiautomatic, and automatic equipment in the assembly and testing of Photovoltaic Modules. Be responsible for compliance to all aspects of the safety behavior and policy. Must have a high degree of focus on quality, housekeeping, and drive towards output to meet or exceed the company's goals. Essential job duties include: Set-up, load / un-load and monitor production equipment holding tolerances to specifications. Setup, operate, track performance and adjust production and test equipment. Shut down as required. Change out equipment consumables as needed. Visually inspect and access overall quality of the process and product, including cell and soldering quality. Handle the following materials (but not limited to): Glass, EVA, Cells, Back sheet, ribbon, flux, framing, and junction box. Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment. Support, communicate and troubleshoot of tool operation problems and equipment repairs. Support inventory counts.Use a pallet jack to transport raw materials, finished products and WIP.Finish, detail and clean modules.Work with various hazardous materials including epoxies, chemicals and volatiles.Responsible for product final quality inspection and control.Apply existing work instructions, process specifications, test specifications, and technical documents.Perform non-complex soldering techniques to SolarWorld standard as required.Other duties as assigned. Show less

      • Training Coordinator

        Jun 2016 - Jul 2017
      • Operator II

        Dec 2015 - Jul 2017
    • The Home Depot

      Sept 2017 - Dec 2017
      Freight Associate

      Responsible for ensuring the timely and accurate receipt, unloading, and stocking of merchandise from the distribution center to the store. Working closely with the Receiving Supervisor and other team members to maintain a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

    • Opus Agency

      Nov 2017 - Apr 2020
      Warehouse Specialist

      Responsible for the daily operations of our warehouse, including inventory management, shipping and receiving, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

    • United States Army National Guard

      Apr 2019 - now
      E-4 Specialist (31B Military Police)

      The Army 31B Military Police (MP) is a vital component of the United States Army's law enforcement and security operations. Military Police are responsible for maintaining law and order, enforcing military regulations, protecting personnel and property, and providing a safe and secure environment within military installations and during deployments. As an Army 31B MP, you will be at the forefront of ensuring discipline, safety, and the overall well-being of military personnel and their families.

    • Soul Les Games LLC

      Mar 2022 - Dec 2022
      Technical Game Designer

      I served as a Technical Game Designer, harmonizing game design, programming, and art to ensure smooth mechanics. I translated concepts into functional game components by collaborating with designers, programming, and art teams. This encompassed document creation, feature implementation, and issue resolution for a refined gaming experience.- Enhanced team efficiency by 7% by streamlining communication and workflows, resulting in accelerated project milestones.- Produced comprehensive documentation, including design specifications and technical guidelines, ensuring clear understanding across cross-functional teams.- Designed intricate environmental hazards, creating immersive gameplay challenges and fostering player engagement.- Developed innovative interactables that enriched player experiences, promoting dynamic gameplay interactions.- Engineered complex-level interactions, integrating mechanics and narratives to craft cohesive and captivating game worlds. Show less

    • Starbucks

      Apr 2022 - now

      Assist the store manager in leading a team of baristas to deliver exceptional customer service and achieve sales targets. Also responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the store during their shift and ensuring that all Starbucks standards and policies are followed. Responsible for preparing and serving a variety of hot and cold beverages, as well as food items, in accordance with Starbucks' quality and customer service standards. Also responsible for providing excellent customer service, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and ensuring the proper handling and storage of all food and beverage products.

      • Shift Supervisor

        May 2022 - now
      • Barista

        Apr 2022 - May 2022
    • Team RagaMuffin

      Sept 2022 - Dec 2022
      Technical Game Designer/Systems Designer

      I served as a Technical Game Designer, harmonizing game design, audio, and art to ensure smooth mechanics. I translated concepts into functional game components by collaborating with designers, audio, and art teams. This encompassed document creation, feature implementation, and issue resolution for a refined gaming experience. With a fusion of creative vision and programming skills, I enhanced gameplay, engagement, and aided in the completion of Metal Glove: Exodus' release on Steam.- Streamlined collaboration between design, art, and audio teams to enhance development efficiency.- Implemented agile methodologies, reducing communication gaps and boosting productivity.- Created comprehensive design documents, ensuring clear communication of game mechanics, systems, and features.- Documented technical specifications for gameplay systems, facilitating seamless integration across departments.- Designed interactive objects and environmental elements, enhancing player engagement and immersion.- Developed intuitive mechanics for puzzles and interactive elements, contributing to a dynamic player experience.- Designed and prototyped in-game tools for level designers and artists, improving their workflow efficiency by 30%.- Crafted diverse and balanced player abilities that added strategic depth and progression to the gameplay.- Iterated on ability mechanics based on playtesting feedback, ensuring satisfying player interactions.- Devised intricate game systems such as progression, economy, and AI behavior, enhancing gameplay depth.- Collaborated closely with programmers to implement and fine-tune systems, resulting in a cohesive player experience.- Designed and balanced combat mechanics, focusing on responsiveness, variety, and strategic depth.- Worked closely with animators and programmers to ensure smooth integration of combat animations and effects. Show less

    • Greatsword Games

      Feb 2023 - Mar 2023
      Technical Combat Designer

      As a Technical Combat Designer, my role is to bridge the gap between gameplay mechanics and technical implementation in video game development. Collaborated closely with design, programming, and art teams to create engaging and balanced combat experiences. This involves designing combat systems, mechanics, and enemy behaviors, and then translating those designs into functional code while ensuring smooth integration with the game engine. Used my expertise in delivering immersive and polished combat gameplay that aligns with the overall game vision.- Streamlined gameplay mechanics by collaborating cross-functionally, enhancing development workflow, and reducing iteration time by 20%.- Created comprehensive design documents detailing combat systems, mechanics, and interactions for clear communication across the team.- Developed and optimized in-house tools to facilitate rapid iteration, enabling efficient tweaking of combat parameters and mechanics.- Designed diverse and engaging enemy abilities, balancing challenge and player experience through iterative testing and feedback.- Crafted advanced AI behaviors, enhancing enemy combat intelligence to provide dynamic and immersive player engagements. Show less

    • EpiphanyMill LLC.

      Mar 2023 - Mar 2024
      Technical Game Designer/Project Manager

      Collaborated with the design team to create engaging and feasible game mechanics. Produced detailed design documents for gameplay mechanics and systems. Built rapid prototypes to test ideas and improve technical feasibility. Implemented gameplay features using scripting languages, game engines, and tools. Managed the development process from concept to launch, ensuring timely, budget-conscious, and high-quality project delivery.- Designed and prototyped interactive objects and environmental elements that enriched player engagement and storytelling.- Designed and prototyped in-game tools for level designers and artists, improving their workflow efficiency by 15%.- Collaborated with programmers to develop custom editor extensions, simplifying content creation processes.- Enhanced existing pipelines by identifying opportunities for tool automation, leading to increased efficiency and reduced errors.- Streamlined collaboration between design, development, and art teams, enhancing communication and productivity.- Implemented agile methodologies to optimize workflow, resulting in timely project milestones and reduced bottlenecks by 13%.- Created comprehensive design documents, including gameplay mechanics, system architectures, and technical specifications.- Maintained up-to-date documentation to ensure a clear understanding of design intents and technical implementations.- Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets and manage project resources to ensure the timely completion of project milestones.- Foster a positive and collaborative team environment, working closely with team members to provide guidance, feedback, and support.- Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technology, and best practices to ensure that the team is delivering cutting-edge, innovative games. Show less

    • PlayMagic LLC

      Mar 2024 - Jun 2024
      Technical Design Intern

      In this project, I designed and implemented the enemy AI system for a 3rd person stealth game prototype using Unreal Engine 5.4. The primary objective was to create intelligent AI behaviors that challenge the player's stealth abilities while enhancing the overall gameplay experience.Key Features Implemented:Detection System:- Developed a robust perception system using Unreal Engine's capabilities for visual and auditory detection of the player.- Implemented line-of-sight calculations and field-of-view management to handle visibility and obstruction scenarios.Behavior States:- Designed and implemented AI behavior states including patrolling, investigating suspicious activities, and engaging in combat.- Utilized Behavior Trees in Unreal Engine for managing state transitions and decision-making based on player interactions.Stealth Mechanics:- Implemented stealth mechanics such as noise detection and responses to environmental factors like moving objects and visibility levels.- Tuned AI perception settings within Unreal Engine to enhance realistic stealth gameplay interactions.Pathfinding and Navigation:- Utilized Unreal Engine's NavMesh system and integrated pathfinding algorithms for smooth enemy movement and navigation.- Optimized NavMesh configurations to ensure efficient pathfinding performance during gameplay.AI Decision Making:- Developed AI decision-making logic using Behavior Trees and Blackboard components to facilitate strategic choices.- Implemented tactical behaviors like coordinating attacks, taking cover, and prioritizing targets based on situational awareness.Programming Languages and Tools:- Utilized Blueprint scripting to implement AI functionalities and integrate with existing game systems.- Leveraged Unreal Engine's Visual Scripting Editor to prototype and refine AI behaviors, ensuring seamless integration with other game components. Show less

    • Digital Nomad Entertainment

      Sept 2024 - now
      Game Design Trainee

      TBD

  • Licenses & Certifications

  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Nick Jackson
      Valedictorian Full Sail University Dec 2022
    • Awarded to Nick Jackson
      Course Director Award (English Composition I) Lesley Kamphaus Aug 2021 Was nominated and given the Course Director Award for outstanding performance and going above and beyond during my time in English Composition I.
  • Volunteer Experience

    • Free Oil Changes

      Issued by Sonrise Baptist Church
      Sonrise Baptist ChurchAssociated with Nick Jackson
    • Assistant Basketball Coach

      Issued by Hilhi Youth Basketball on Nov 2015
      Hilhi Youth BasketballAssociated with Nick Jackson