Delta3D Looking for Technical Artist

The Delta3D team at the MOVES Institute at the Naval Postgraduate School is seeking a highly talented individual to head up our application programming group. Delta3D is a successful open source game engine used to build training games primarily for military applications. These applications are either used to train military personnel or research new methods of game based training.

To apply, submit resume and portfolios to [info@delta3d.org](mailto: info@delta3d.org). During GDC-11, please text (831) 915-8396 to setup a meeting.

The successful candidate will be a member of a ten-person team that builds applications with Delta3D to drive research in the area of game based training for the U.S. military. The work will consist of several different projects each year; examples include:

[ul]
[li]gaming environment for a training system consisting of a 180o curved screen, full motion platform, treadmill, and instrumented weapons (starting soon); [/li][li]a game to teach the Commanding Officers of Naval ships counter-piracy operations (starting soon);[/li][li]a game to train first responders and evaluate procedures for multi-agency response to major casualties, similar to Hurricane Katrina or the 9-11 attacks (ongoing);[/li][li]a virtual environment to input the actions of Marines undergoing actual training in a combat town prior to deployment to Iraq/Afghanistan (just completed).The Marines were tracked using cameras as they conducted exercises at a USMC base and their actions were shown in a VE for evaluation and debrief. This work included a new algorithm to create a Marine fire-team’s movement based upon destination, cover/concealment, and threat probabilities based upon human perception capabilities and won “Best Paper” award at the AAAI’s Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment.[/li][/ul]

Despite the high number of projects, the team works 40 hour work weeks, giving them time to enjoy the wonders of the Monterey Peninsula. The campus is located across the street from the beach along one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world. Monterey is a world-class travel destination for outdoor sports; surfing, hiking, scuba diving, biking, golf, and kayaking among sea otters are among the local pastimes. It’s also only one hour to San Jose, two hours to San Francisco, four hours to winter resorts and five hours to Lake Tahoe.

Additionally, if you’d like to pursue a graduate degree, you can do so FOR FREE on a not to interfere basis with your work.

Primary Responsibilities:
[ul]
[li]Help develop and then manage the art asset pipelines[/li][li]Provide solutions to workflow blockages[/li][li]Create 2D/3D assets for use in applications[/li][li]Create models of humans and equipment as well as animations[/li][li]Ensure that artists’ needs are addressed by programmers[/li][li]Ensure that the needs of the tech department are understood and embraced by the Art department[/li][li]Continually review and improve the render and work flow processes[/li][li]Work closely with programmers and artists to support changes to Rendering, Lighting, and other systems[/li][/ul]

Required Experience and Skills:
[ul]
[li]Bachelor’s degree REQUIRED, preferably in Graphic Arts, Computer Science, Software Engineering or related discipline[/li][li]3+ years professional game development experience as an artist or a technical artist[/li][li]Must have shipped at least one game title[/li][li]Experience with 3D Studio Max[/li][li]Broad understanding of game art creation: modeling, texturing, shaders, animation, rigging, lighting, and data sharing[/li][li]Communicate complex ideas across disciplines effectively[/li][li]Significant knowledge of Photoshop[/li][li]A passion for videogames[/li][li]Good scripting skills (e.g., Python, Max Script, Lua)[/li][li]3D math (basic linear algebra) knowledge[/li][li]Solid understanding of game creation processes & dependencies[/li][li]Broad awareness of the range of technical problems affecting 3D Art production[/li][li]Researches and keeps up to date with the latest techniques and developments in the game industry [/li][li]U.S. Citizenship required[/li][/ul]

Desired Experience and Skills:
[ul]
[li]Programming experience (Cg/HLSL shaders, C/C++, Perl, etc) [/li][li]Game modding or level design experience [/li][li]Familiarity with modern level-editing tools [/li][li]Experience with open source software is a plus. [/li][li]Military experience a plus[/li][/ul]

We offer:
[ul]
[li]Competitive salary[/li][li]Full government health care benefits[/li][li]2 weeks of annual vacation, quickly increasing with time in government service (in addition to 10 public holidays)[/li][li]Comprehensive employee insurance[/li][li]Experienced and relaxed yet ambitious work atmosphere [/li][li]Voluntary participation in a 401K, with up to 5% of salary matched by the government[/li][/ul]