Nixie Behrens
Nixie Behrens

Team Lead for Graphics and Software Development

Actively looking · Member since 28 Aug 2026
Message
Location
St Paul, United States
Desired salary
from 115k USD/yearly
Work preference
Remote Only / Full Time
Experience level
Lead

About

Professional summary

I'm a Team Leader specializing managing graphics and software teams, and have been doing this for over fifteen years. Leading a team during brainstorming, planning, and development is where I shine. A large part of my strength is empathetic and inclusive leadership, ensuring everyone is not only able and encouraged to use their voice, but that they actually feel heard and supported. My job as a leader is to work for my team so that we can deliver the best possible products.

Now, I am eager to be involved in work that benefits marginalized people, the environment, and work where the goal is the betterment of people, society, and the world in general, in any way I can.

Notice period: 1 Week

Skills

35 capabilities

Tech stack & tools

Working toolkit

Experience

Career history

Reach Studio Team Lead Trane Technologies

As Head of Reach Studio, I led all project initiatives and advised the creative strategy for promotion and training software. I managed a multidisciplinary team of media designers, overseeing workload, performance, and professional development. We specialized in interactive projects and software, real-time interactive 3D graphics, high-detail graphics using desktop and web apps as well as VR.

Ideated and co-created Reach Studio as an internal team focused on research & development and special graphics and software projects

Led a team of 4 on $100k+ projects, maintaining scope, budget, and time

Managed end-to-end project lifecycles, overseeing schedules, resources, risks, quality delivery, updates timelines, and client communication spanning 6-12 months

Served as primary liaison for stakeholders, providing updates, resolving issues, and ensuring satisfaction

Optimized workflows to boost efficiency and punctual delivery of complex projects

Mentored team members to drive growth and align performance with stated goals

Graphics Project Lead Trane Technologies

Led a cross-functional design team, overseeing daily operations, technical training, and client communications. Skilled in 3D modeling, animation, and architectural visualization, with deep expertise in high-end creative and proprietary software.

Led the first graphics team to ever have 100% on-time completion over a year

Guided staff in advanced 3D and design tools, including 3D Studio Max and Adobe Creative Cloud, and proprietary tools developed internally

Collaborated with internal stakeholders and clients to deliver precise, visually compelling materials based on complex source materials, such as blue prints for architecture, HVAC, and plumbing

Worked with multi-lingual teams based in Panama and Chile

Product Tester Amano-McGann

Conducted stress and functionality testing for automated parking systems, designing and implementing rigorous test protocols. Oversaw live beta sites, improved bug reporting processes, and collaborated closely with engineers and designers to resolve software and hardware issues.

Founder/Creative Director From Nothing Game Studios

Directed the design and development of multiple indie game titles, overseeing gameplay systems, art direction, and technical production. Authored detailed design documentation, coordinated cross-functional teams, and guided projects from concept through release. Notably led the design of GravBlocks, a match-3 puzzle game developed for Android, Nintendo Wii U, and Steam, including core mechanic design, asset creation, and multi-platform optimization.

Technical Video Game Tester Activision-Blizzard

Conducted technical and regression testing across multiple titles, focusing on failure states, save systems, and user profiles. Documented and communicated bugs using standardized QA methodologies, collaborating closely with development teams to verify fixes. Credited on a dozen released games, including titles from the Spider-Man, James Bond, and Cabela’s franchises.

Sergeant, Non-Commissioned Officer-In-Charge, Terrain Team 34th Infantry Division, US Army National Guard

Led intelligence and mapping operations at both state and international levels, overseeing classified document handling, team management, and geospatial product development. Supported federal and local agencies through secure data analysis, visualization, and operational planning. Held Top Secret Security Clearance.

Managed Terrain Team operations and personnel during deployment, establishing quality standards and tracking systems for intelligence products

Designed and implemented document control and logging systems to maintain operational security

Collaborated with the FBI and law enforcement to develop geospatial intelligence materials and security briefings

Oversaw secure data networks and produced high-level visual intelligence products for military leadership

Office/Clerical/Security work at Joint Forces Headquarters, Saint Paul, MN, July 2006 - Feb 2009

Deployed to Iraq, Feb 2009 - Mar 2010

Education

Learning history

Minnesota School of Business

Bachelor's, Game & Application Design

Academy College

Associate's, Animation

Alexandria Technical College

Associate's, Graphic Design / Communication Art & Design

This professional hasn’t added portfolio projects yet.

This professional hasn’t listed any services yet.

People also viewed

All talent ›
Jobs Talent AI Tools Salaries
Menu