Contract Composer

We’re Mob Entertainment, a small but fearless indie team crafting deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant horror experiences. Our games blur the line between fear and fascination — and we believe sound is the soul of that experience. We’re looking for a multifaceted Contract Composer who can craft chilling, immersive, and unforgettable original music to haunt our players long after they put the controller down.

Role Overview

As our Contract Composer, you’ll be the architect of our game’s sonic unease — blending ambient dread, tense build-ups, and haunting melodies to evoke the psychological and emotional depth that defines great horror. You’ll work closely with the design and audio teams to shape an evolving score that responds dynamically to player behavior and supports our story-first approach. The ideal candidate will primarily serve as a composer, with the versatility to assist in sound effects creation and implementation when required.

Responsibilities

• Compose and produce original music tailored to the tone and pacing of a psychological horror experience.
• Design adaptive music systems that respond to in-game actions and player choices.
• Collaborate with the Game Director to establish the musical identity of the game.
• Experiment with unconventional instruments, sound textures, and techniques to create unsettling soundscapes.
• Deliver high-quality audio assets, including stems and variations for dynamic layering.
• Iterate on feedback from internal playtests and reviews.
• Support the audio team in creating sound effects, and various aspects of game audio. 

What We’re Looking For

• At least three years of experience in a Composer or Audio Designer role
• A compelling portfolio or reel featuring original music and sound design, that stylistically matches the Poppy style - with horror, thriller, and liminal nostalgia. 
• Experience working on at least one released indie or commercial game.
• Strong ability to tell stories through music and create emotional contrast through minimalism, dissonance, or ambient layers.
• Proficiency in a DAW (Logic, Cubase, Reaper, etc.). Familiarity with Reaper is a plus.
• Familiarity with Metasounds and a basic understanding of game implementation.
• Creative instincts aligned with narrative-driven, mood-heavy indie games.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working in a small, collaborative team environment.

Bonus Points

• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Integrate music using Unreal’s audio system (with support from technical audio staff as needed).
• Interest in psychological horror, folklore, or experimental storytelling.
• Ability to work with both traditional composition and abstract/avant-garde soundscapes.

Contract Rate:

The contract rate for this position is listed below. Final compensation within the applicable salary range will be determined based on factors such as the applicant’s experience, qualifications, and work location.

San Francisco, CA; New York City, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Boston, MA; & Seattle, WA DC Metropolitan Areas:   $41 - $50 USD hourly

Austin, TX; Denver, CO; Nashville, TN; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; & Miami, FL Metropolitan Areas:  $36 - $44 USD hourly

All Other U.S. Locations: $30 - $37 USD hourly