I have worked across the spectrum from Lead Engineer to Lead Sound Designer and Composer, building game prototypes, audio and gameplay systems, immersive soundscapes, and compelling scores. I’ve shipped dozens of completed titles and thrive at the intersection of technology and art, bringing a rare, cross-disciplinary skill set that bridges both worlds.…

Joshua Estes

PRO

I have worked across the spectrum from Lead Engineer to Lead Sound Designer and Composer, building game prototypes, audio and gameplay systems, immersive soundscapes, and compelling scores. I’ve shipped dozens of completed titles and thrive at the intersection of technology and art, bringing a rare, cross-disciplinary skill set that bridges both worlds.…

Available to hire

I have worked across the spectrum from Lead Engineer to Lead Sound Designer and Composer, building game prototypes, audio and gameplay systems, immersive soundscapes, and compelling scores. I’ve shipped dozens of completed titles and thrive at the intersection of technology and art, bringing a rare, cross-disciplinary skill set that bridges both worlds.

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Skills

Experience Level

Work Experience

Software Engineer / Composer & Sound Designer at Bluberi Gaming
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2025
Hybrid creative + technical role delivering full audio direction across multiple shipped titles. Owned the complete audio experience including original music, sound design, ambience, Foley, final mixing, and in-engine integration. Built internal audio tools & pipelines — asset validation, batch processing, real-time testing rigs, and automated audio QA workflows that substantially reduced iteration time. Designed adaptive, state-reactive music and SFX systems, established studio-wide audio standards, and acted as audio liaison across departments to align audio intent with gameplay and technical constraints.
Software Engineer III at Sierra Nevada Corporation
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022
C++ and Python engineering on advanced government simulation and imaging systems (classified). High-level contributions include low-level systems programming, optimization, debugging, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Reinforced rigorous engineering discipline and systems thinking applicable to technical game audio leadership.
Software Engineer III at International Game Technology (IGT)
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2017
C#, C++, and Lua game development in Unity and internal engines, focusing on gameplay systems and custom audio solutions. Designed and built a custom audio engine enabling user-configurable music tracks and synchronized SFX packages. Shipped 12+ game titles; served as Lead Engineer for 3 years. Created particle systems, shaders (HLSL), real-time FX, and innovative gameplay interaction systems. Mentored teammates, documented best practices, and improved internal tools.
Composer • Producer • Sound Designer at Independent
January 1, 2005 - Present
Composition, sound design, mixing/mastering, synthesis, psychoacoustics, spatial audio; ongoing exploration of modern composition and sound design techniques.
Director of Creative Arts & Music Team Lead at The Rock Church
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2009
Led 30+ creatives across music, media, and production; directed live performances and large-scale productions, developing leadership, communication, and high-pressure delivery skills.
Games Programmer & Webmaster at 3G Studios, Inc.
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005
Early console game development (Xbox/PS2) in C/C++, AI systems, and proprietary tools.

Education

Master of Music — Composition at University of Nevada, Reno
January 11, 2030 - January 21, 2026
Bachelor of Science — Computer Science (Minor: Mathematics) at University of Nevada, Reno
January 11, 2030 - January 21, 2026

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Gaming, Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education
    Bid for a Television Series -- Piano & Strings Arrangement

    This was my bid for a television series. All audio for this intro was redone from scratch, including a sonic brand for the De Sales Studios logo animation, voice over, and the supporting music.