Would you like to become part of the team that includes the creative visionaries behind Oblivion and Rise of Nations, as well as Drizzt Do’Urden and Spawn? 38 Studios, LLC is currently seeking Tech Artist to join our Art department at the Big Huge Games studio in Timonium, Maryland. This is a full-time time position with competitive salary, full benefits and 401(k), and the chance to be part of video gaming history!

Summary

As a Technical Artist, you will be responsible for integrating art / animation assets into the game without sacrificing the overall artistic vision or exceeding technical limits. The Technical Artist bridges Art and Engineering to steer continued development of cutting-edge tools and pipelines for PC, Xbox 360 and PS3. The ideal candidate will be an experienced and passionate problem-solver with a high degree of tech ninja skills.

Position Responsibilities

• R&D potential new techniques and proactively improve art efficiency and quality by proposing and implementing new processes and practices.
• Collaborate with artists in the creation of scripts, tools and workflows efficiencies to improve Art Team performance.
• Work within and advise on changes to established pipelines and procedures for game art production.
• Art asset and pipeline management. Includes technical evaluation of assets to assure that they adhere to art and technical guidelines.
• Knowledge share with other artists via training and mentoring sessions.
• Stay up-to-date in changes in technology, both in terms of console hardware, art packages, and new techniques.
• Play a key role in providing feedback or debugging complex assets such as character skeleton rigs and skinning systems.
• R&D rendering techniques such as normal and specular maps, particle systems, and pixel shaders.

Knowledge, skills & ability requirements

Knowledge:

• Experience with art pipeline management and tools development.
• Experience with a variety of 2D and 3D software packages, including fluent knowledge of Photoshop and 3D Studio Max (Maya experience is a PLUS).
• Most Technical Artists will have a degree in a relevant visual art or technical subject.

Competencies:

• Organized and detail-oriented, with excellent problem solving skills and efficient time management abilities.
• Has a solid understanding of next-gen game development processes, limitations, and dependencies.
• Experience in tools creation and a firm understanding of art production pipelines, ideally within a game development environment.
• Works well under deadline pressure.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must have an enormous (big huge) passion for games.

Experience:

• The most important prerequisite for the role is experience working with art tools and game hardware on wide range of projects (minimum of 3 years).
• A Tech Artist can come from either an art or programming background, though most tend to have been artists who have specialized in a particular area of art production.

Big Huge Games, a game development studio located in Timonium, Maryland, was founded in February 2000. In May 2009, Big Huge Games was acquired by 38 Studios, LLC. Organized to create top-quality smash-hit games, Big Huge Games emphasizes excellence in all aspects of game development: design, artwork, technology, and production values alike.

38 Studios, a media and entertainment company founded in 2006 by Curt Schilling, is creating an original fantasy IP driven by the creative and artistic visions of pop-culture icons R. A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane. Entertainment products will include an immersive online entertainment experience that transcends the traditional MMO genre, novels, comics, toys, movies, TV, and more. Headquartered in Maynard, Massachusetts, the company is a fun, energetic place to work where the company mantra, “How cool would it be if . . . ?” infuses the team with a commitment to passion, integrity, and innovation.

Please submit resumes and portfolio using the 'Apply Now' button at the top of the page. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. 38 Studios, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Currently, 38 Studios LLC is not accepting applications or unsolicited resumes from external recruiters and agencies. All external Recruiters, agencies, or services must inquire through jobs@38studios.com before offering any service to 38 Studios LLC.