Position

Senior Java Developer

Status

Open 

Description

Company Details

Headquartered in the Historic Distillery District in downtown Toronto and with an office in Dublin, Ireland, Groove Media Inc. is a fully-funded, privately-held global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software such as videogames for the PC and console markets. With Bedlam, Groove’s flagship, in-house game development studio, and the recent launch of SkillGround.com, its competitive online video game site, Groove continues to prove its passion for innovation and development. Groove’s mission is to revolutionize the video gaming industry by combining traditional video games, skill gaming and e-commerce. Visit our websites www.groovegames.com or www.skillground.com.

Responsibilities

• Provide design & implementation of system, interface & business features for the SkillGround project with desired level of quality & on time.
  
• Interact with members of development team to effectively resolve problems, making sure that adding new functionality does not lead to negative impact on the rest of the system.
  
• Interact with QA team to provide common testing strategy for the application.

Qualifications:

• 5 years of proven experience with J2EE technologies.
• Experience in server side development.
• Strong knowledge of object oriented design.
• Knowledge of Java language.
• Experience with EJB, JSP, Struts, JDBC.

Experience with Linux OS, AJAX, JBoss will be considered as an asset.

Please submit your resume with salary expectations to javajobs@groovegames.com quoting ‘Senior Java Developer' in the subject line.

While we thank all candidates in advance for their interest, please note that only those individuals with the required skills and qualifications for this position will be contacted.

*No phone calls please*

Department

Bedlam

Location

Toronto

Position

Lead Designer

Status

Open 

Description

A Lead Designer is considered to be the in-house expert and representative of the company for all things related to design. This full-time position is typically recruited for internally only and requires mastery of proprietary systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Establish design goals within assigned scope and clearly convey those to subordinate designers, peer designers and supervisor.
  
• Demonstrate the ability to lead and direct meetings such as brainstorms, etc to promote collaboration amongst designers. Objectively breakdown design concepts and provide feedback when appropriate.
• Maintain an environment that encourages a no-mistake policy. Daily professional conduct must be carried out in a timely manner with essential traits of responsibility and maturity.
• Has full ownership of design systems.
• Envision the best direction for the game designers from a creative stand point such that it aligns with overall production goals.
• Involved in setting and assigning design guidelines for responsibility, investment of time and frequency of sync points for subordinate designers.
• Will be approached by game specific teams for prior specialized knowledge with certain design systems.
• Serve as resident expert within for our own proprietary systems and processes.
• Write scenario/process specific documents including level briefs, specs and design concept docs that would serve as a resource for other designers in the studio to understand the various design concepts and the decisions made that support them.

Professional Requirements:

• Must have at least 6 years of experience within the gaming industry, with at least 4+ years within a game design role.
• Excellent knowledge of game design theory and principles.
• Worked in a design capacity on 3+ AAA titles and well as PC titles throughout its entire life cycle.
• Experienced enough to recommend adoption of relevant game design strategy and style for titles based on an understanding of contemporary game design space.
• Excellent knowledge of 3d Modeling software packages – Maya, 3dsmax. Be able to design in a compelling manner.
• Must display resourcefulness and enthusiasm to be self-motivated and generate ideas and tasks for themselves.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and online portfolio to jobs@groovegames.com, quoting “Lead Designer” in the subject line.

While we thank all candidates in advance for their interest, please not that only those individuals with the required skills and qualifications for this position will be contacted.

*No phone calls please*

Department

Bedlam

Location

Toronto

Position

Web / Graphic Designer

Status

Open 

Description

Headquartered in the Historic Distillery District in downtown Toronto and with an office in Dublin, Ireland, Groove Media Inc. is a fully-funded, privately-held global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software such as videogames for the PC and console markets. With Bedlam, Groove’s flagship, in-house game development studio, and the recent launch of SkillGround.com, its competitive online video game site, Groove continues to prove its passion for innovation and development. Groove’s mission is to revolutionize the video gaming industry by combining traditional video games, skill gaming and e-commerce. Visit our websites www.groovegames.com or www.skillground.com.

Job Summary
Groove Media is looking for a creative mind to work in our Creative Marketing department as a Web/Graphic Designer. The successful applicant will be required to create both print and web based marketing materials. The candidate will also be responsible for creating, updating all banner, email and flash creative, while adhering to the production process for all online/interactive creative materials.

Responsibilities

• Deliver strategically and conceptually appropriate design solutions on short turnaround times.
• Design advertisements for various trade magazines and websites.
• Create and maintain multiple corporate websites.
• Design collateral material for trade shows, product lines, PR, marketing and sales staff.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, such as rich media banner ads, email campaigns, contest pages, landing pages, etc.
• Research, plan and execute all aspects of a trade show.
• Contribute unique ideas and energy to an innovative and energetic team.

Professional Requirements:

• Post secondary diploma in Graphic Arts and at least 2-3 years of design experience in a similar role.
• Must be a self-starter who can work well in a team environment
• Fluency in the Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign, Flash and Dreamweaver.
• Ability to effectively work in a fast paced, ever changing environment with tight deadlines.
• Superior organizational and project management skills with keen attention to detail.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills, and a desire for honest, constructive feedback.
• Solid track record in creativity and strong diversified portfolio in advertising, packaging, web design and identity.

Please submit your cover letter, resume and online portfolio to jobs@groovegames.com, quoting “Web/Graphic Designer” in the subject line.

While we thank all candidates in advance for their interest, please not that only those individuals with the required skills and qualifications for this position will be contacted.

*No phone calls please*

Department

Creative Department  

Location

Toronto

Position

Operations Manager

Status

Open 

Description

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Groove Games is a global publisher of interactive entertainment software. With Groove’s in-house studio, Bedlam, and the recent launch of SkillGround.com, our competitive online video game site, Groove Media continues to prove its passion for innovation and development. Groove's mission is to partner with leading developers and publish great games for avid gamers everywhere. Visit our websites www.groovegames.com or www.skillground.com.

Job Summary

The Operations Manager ensures that Groove personnel have access to the physical tools and resources they need to collectively achieve Groove’s business objectives. This includes providing a suitable office environment in which employees can do their work and ensuring that the necessary physical security measures are in place to protect their work. The Operations Manager also assists in developing operational processes and procedures to ensure that the company is run efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing operational personnel, analyzing existing operational processes and procedures and assisting with creating, revising and maintaining such policies and procedures, sourcing and purchasing office furnishings and supplies, space planning, management of General Contractors, and serving as the primary contact with the landlord regarding property management issues.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Supervising direct report operational personnel and providing back-up as required.
• Maintaining daily operational integrity of office environment.
• Assisting with documenting existing operational processes and procedures.
• Assisting with creating, revising and maintaining operational policies and procedures.
• Planning, Implementing and Maintaining office security technologies and policies.
• Managing the working environment as pertains to Health & Safety.
• Facilities management, including planning, implementing, and maintaining physical office layer, including, but not limited to, furnishings, power and environmental systems, contracted support elements (general contractors, electricians, cleaning staff, etc.).
• Dealing with landlord on property management issues.
• Responsible for office space development, including identifying space requirements and coordinating sourcing, acquisition, moving and setup of new office space.

Direct Reports:

• Operations Assistant
• Executive Assistant / Receptionist
• Intermediate knowledge of Active Directory and Exchange Server 2003

Reports to:

Chief Operating Officer

Please submit your resume to jobs@groovegames.com, quoting “Operations Manager" in the subject line.

While we thank all candidates in advance for their interest, please not that only those individuals with the required skills and qualifications for this position will be contacted/

Department

Operations 

Location

Toronto

Position

Desktop Support Specialist 

Status

Open 

Description

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Groove Games is a global publisher of interactive entertainment software. With Groove’s in-house studio, Bedlam, and the recent launch of SkillGround.com, our competitive online video game site, Groove Media continues to prove its passion for innovation and development. Groove's mission is to partner with leading developers and publish great games for avid gamers everywhere. Visit our websites www.groovegames.com or www.skillground.com.

Job Summary

The Desktop Support Specialist is primarily responsible for providing desktop hardware and software troubleshooting, as well as for assisting with network related issues in a fast-paced technology company.  Other tasks include assembling and configuring new desktop PC’s, physical network cabling and patching, and tracking and maintaining hardware inventory.  Superior interpersonal and communication skills are a must.  Please note that work hours may vary and overtime may be required.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Responsible for the installation, repair and preventative maintenance of all personal computer and related systems.
• Performs all installations, upgrades and backups of software and hardware applications.
• Troubleshoots software and hardware failures and identifies network problems when they relate to PCs.
• May assist Network Administrator with troubleshooting of networks.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Computer Systems Degree/ Diploma combined with 2 – 4 years related experience or equivalent education and experience
• Previous experience providing support for MS Windows 2003/XP and Linux platforms
• Intermediate knowledge of Active Directory and Exchange Server 2003

Please submit your resume to jobs@groovegames.com, quoting “Desktop Support Specialist” in the subject line.

While we thank all candidates in advance for their interest, please not that only those individuals with the required skills and qualifications for this position will be contacted/

Department

IT 

Location

Toronto

Position

Information Security Specialist  

Status

Open 

Description

The Information Security Specialist is primarily responsible for driving the implementation of security related solutions for Groove networks and server environments. This includes, but is not limited to, planning, designing and implementing security hardware devices and software, as well as creating and documenting corporate security policies. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs, manages, plans and administers the operational and administrative activities associated with the running of the IT security department.
• Develops, implements security standards, procedures and guidelines for multiple platforms and diverse systems environments.
• Reviews the development, testing and implementation of security plans, products and controls techniques
• Identifies and accesses IT security risk/ exposure on new and existing infrastructure Investigates and recommends appropriate corrective actions for IT security incidents
• Develops and maintains security policies, controls and their compliance.
• Analyzes security incidents and escalation of security events.
• Develops cutting-edge, innovative solutions for IT network security.
• Studies the proliferation of viruses; prevent hacker intrusion.
• Conducts active penetration tests; discovers vulnerabilities in information systems

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Minimum Qualifications / Requirements

• University Degree (Bachelor) in Computer Science or Systems Engineering
• 5 years experience in IT, with 3 years directly related to development of information security
• Solid knowledge and experience in IT Architecture
• Strong background with networking technologies and protocols Ability to solve business problems through technology
• Experience in a cross platform environment
• Candidates must be eligible to security clearances

Department

IT 

Location

Toronto

Position

Lead Game Designer 

Status

Open 

Description

This person will oversee the game design department.

Department

Game Design 

Location

Toronto 

Position

Network Analyst

Status

Open 

Description

The Network Analyst is responsible for recognizing and communicating the health of the Production Network so as to ensure its continued reliability. 

Primary Duties / Responsibilities:

1. Respond and action on system alerts, as well as systemic / wide-spread issues and events, escalating to appropriate staff as necessary
2. Regularly communicate system state / health to appropriate parties
3. Assist other IT staff with general IT related tasks, for example, server and PC setup and deployment, networking, maintenance, patches, etc.

This position involves varying shifts (24/7) and on call duties to cover the NOC operational requirements. Pager / Blackberry supplied.  24x7 support compensation included in salary.

Direct Reports:

None

Reports To:

Director of Operations
VP Research & Development

Department

Game Design 

Location

Toronto 

Position

QA- GameHelp 

Status

Open 

Description

Do you have an IT related degree? Are you looking to break into the video game industry?  If so, this may be the position for you!

Company Information:

Groove Games is currently recruiting Quality Assurance Skillground and Gamehelp testers.  If you have a passion for games, attention to detail, good logic and writing skills - you may have what it takes to become an excellent tester.  Work hours are 10:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday (with possible weekends during crunch time).

Summary of Responsibilities:

The QA tester will be responsible to locate front-end and back-end bugs on unreleased versions of Gamehelp applications. The individual will be required to thoroughly analyze every bug nature in distributed environment (web, game servers, database). The individual will be prioritizing and documenting information in a clear and concise manner that is easily understood by both the test team, QA lead and the development team.

Position Requirements:

• Ability and patience to conduct detailed testing in different environments
• Bachelors degree and/or related experience would be preferred
• A sharp eye for detail and the capacity to stay focused on designated tasks.
• Must possess analytical problem solving/troubleshooting skills. This does not stop at identifying the problem, but involves experimentation using available information to try to narrow the possibilities of a defect and determine a solution.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Punctuality and strong work ethic is required.
• Able to cope with flexible and sometimes demanding work hours.
• Able to write test cases for different functionality based on specifications.
• Advanced knowledge of Windows operating system.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.
• Working knowledge of networking services and related hardware.
• Working knowledge of windows dos console commands.
• Experience in testing of web payment, registration procedures through pervious jobs and/or education is required.
• Knowledge of fraud control processes will be an asset.

Additional Preferred Requirements:

• Working knowledge of Linux/Unix OS
• Knowledge of relational databases
• Knowledge of scripting languages

Department

QA- IT 

Location

Toronto

Position

QA Manager 

Status

Open 

Description

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Groove Games is a global publisher of interactive entertainment software. With Groove’s in-house studio, Bedlam, and the recent launch of SkillGround.com, our competitive online video game site, Groove Media continues to prove its passion for innovation and development. Groove's mission is to partner with leading developers and publish great games for avid gamers everywhere. Visit our websites www.groovegames.com or www.skillground.com.

Summary

QA Manager establishes and maintains processes and procedures for QA team, manages all activities in QA team, supervises promotion of new releases from QA to Staging to production environment and is responsible for final application release sign-off. This position reports to the CTO of the company.

Responsibilities

• Articulating and implementing best QA procedures and practices including test planning, test strategy and test case preparation
• Supervise promotion of the application releases from QA to Staging and Production environments
• Provides sign-off of new releases into production
• Bug tracking process and system setup and administration
• Preparation of release notes and deployment instructions
• Planning and execution of performance and stress tests
• Planning and execution of platform compatibility tests
• Tracking progress in resolving quality issues and providing reports
• Facilitate and enforce effective communication channels between QA and development groups.
• Responsible for managing, staffing and training internal QA department.

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in QA, with at least 2 years in QA manager or Team leader role
• Experience testing and release management with J2EE applications
• Knowledge of and experience with automated testing tools
• Experience with online payment processing
• Knowledge of RDBMS, preferably Oracle
• Must have proven leadership and organizational skills
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines. 
• Ability to take feedback and work with specific directives. 
• Ability to function in a demanding, early-stage company environment.
• Bachelor degree in computer science or equivalent
• Must have excellent work ethic and has the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. 
• Must be passionate, organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated in a QA role
• Background as a software developer an asset
• Experience with on-line gaming is highly preferred.

Please submit your resume to jobs@groovegames.com, quoting “QA Manager” in the subject line.

While we thank all candidates in advance for their interest, please not that only those individuals with the required skills and qualifications for this position will be contacted/

Department

QA- IT 

Location

Toronto

Position

QA Testing 

Status

Open 

Description

Candidates will test games and modifications to games created by Bedlam or by an external development company.

Department

QA -Production 

Location

Toronto