JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Senior Technical Artist
Team: Art & Animation
Position Overview
We are looking for a Senior Technical Artist with a strong Unity background to join our Art & Animation Team, working on Football Manager™. Our Tech Art Team comprises hybrid creative and technical operators who liaise between the art and the programming teams. They have visual skills as well as programming and product knowledge to understand each discipline and problem solve between departments. Senior Technical Artist is a multifaceted role responsible for bridging artistic vision and technical expertise in a game development environment. They comprehend the functional impact of artistic development across the business, possesses cross-team knowledge, and communicate effectively with various teams and specialities. By staying up to date with industry trends and technologies, the Senior Technical Artist ensures seamless integration of art assets and fosters a culture of innovation and progress. The role reports to the Art & Animation Producer, as well as the Principal Technical Artist, but also maintains regular contact with the Lead Environment Artist, Principal Animator and Senior Character Artist.
Key Responsibilities
* Understand the functional impact of artistic development in other areas of the business; identify potential bottlenecks and blockers to artistic progress at an early stage and communicate clear ideas and concepts to the Principal Technical Artist/Art & Animation Producer
* Keep abreast of technologies and methods to ensure we are following best practise at a minimum, look to develop methods where possible
* Development of tools, workflows, and technologies to help support the Art Team
* Monitor product lifecycles and technologies to recommend improvements
* Help define and develop a coherent artistic vision, support documentation through design blueprints and collaborate with discipline leads/Art & Animation Producer to drive artistic direction
* Help and assist in onboarding and mentoring staff, providing a cross functional liaison between specialities
Development Responsibilities
* Implement advanced rendering techniques to optimise performance and visual quality
* Lighting and atmosphere development from an artistic and technical perspective, supporting visual fidelity and optimisation
* Assist with the maintenance of texture, shader, and material libraries
* Identify and troubleshoot technical issues in the Art pipeline
* Design and create high-quality game assets while adhering to/implementing technical standards
* Collaborate with the wider Art & Animation team to provide assets compatible with Animation/Match Team pipelines
Knowledge, Skill and Experience
* 4+ years’ experience using Unity and strong working knowledge of best practices within it
* C# scripting within Unity is essential – Python within 3D applications is a bonus
* Fluent in a range of software, including Maya and Substance
* Knowledge of Z-Brush, Houdini or Blender not essential but would be a bonus
* Ability to produce realistic assets, including environments, props. Characters experience is not essential but is a bonus
* Strong communication skills essential
* Passionate about art and user experience in games
* Interest in Football Manager and the wider world of football is very beneficial
Benefits of Working at our company:
* A flexible working policy to best suit you and your team
* Subsidised mental health, therapy and coaching sessions are available
* Contributory Pension Scheme (up to 7% of annual salary)
* Free onsite evening bar in our London HQ
* A well-stocked breakfast bar with cereals, fruits, teas, and coffees
* Regular events in collaboration with our partnered football clubs
* Access to our on-site physical and massage therapist services
* Multiple clubs and societies to join e.g., book club and art workshops
* Free access to games released under our company
* A range of Gym Membership options through our Benefits partners
* Fully Subsidised Healthcare and Dental Plans
* Free Travel Insurance for yourself and your family
* A personalised football shirt upon passing probation