Kabam San Francisco seeking Technical Art Director
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Our world-class STAR WARS: UPRISING game development team is in search of a TECHNICAL ART DIRECTOR. The Technical Art Director will spearhead R&D efforts for tools, content and new technologies in relation to art. You should have a proven track record of resolving the most complex and broad reaching challenges in content creation, pipeline management, and leading edge visuals. This individual will lead a small and effective tech art team, working closely with art, design, and engineering to elevate our games to the highest level of visual fidelity and quality. Be prepared to drive graphics performance on both iOS and Android devices, as well as work extensively in Unity3D.
Team:
You would work directly with Art, Engineering, Sound, and Product leads in an open table seating environment that encourages daily updates, teamwork, and data-driven decision making. This working structure fosters an environment where team members get to know each other very well because the success of the entire project relies on a group effort.
Day-to-day:
[ul]
[li]Proactively drive art and engineering to improve existing rendering quality and team efficiency.
[/li][li]Participate in setting strategic vision for content and tools.
[/li][li]Collaborate with art, design, and engineering leadership on establishing best practices.
[/li][li]Research new methods of pushing the visual and performance quality of our games.
[/li][li]Identify and execute on the most difficult content creation problems for the project.
[/li][li]Collaborate with technical and aesthetic experts within the company to define clear goals for the toolset, pipeline and construction processes.
[/li][li]Negotiate between disciplines for technical solutions that all parties can work with.
[/li][li]Identify and execute solutions to pipeline and technology deficiencies within the studio.
[/li][li]Review pipelines and content creation processes to identify best practices. Create processes and recommend tools to enforce these best practices.
[/li][li]Collaborate with engineers on the creation of custom Unity tools and shaders and identify the best off the shelf tools for our needs.
[/li][li]Work closely with the internal and outsource art teams on asset integration into Unity.
[/li][li]Manage and mentor a team of technical artists.
[/li][/ul]
Requirements:
[ul]
[li]Minimum 2-year 2D/3D art degree or equivalent. BFA or equivalent preferred.
[/li][li]Must have shipped multiple 3D titles, including 3D titles on mobile and tablet devices.
[/li][li]Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and troubleshooting skills.
[/li][li]Passion for making and playing great games, with an awareness of current titles and trends.
[/li][li]Solid understanding of optimal art/ animation pipelines on modern devices, especially Android/ iOS.
[/li][li]Strong hands-on working knowledge of Unity 4/ 5.
[/li][li]Expert knowledge of 3D/ 2D software packages (Maya, MotionBuilder, zBrush, Photoshop, etc.).
[/li][li]Strong understanding of Python /C# /Pymel/ MEL scripting languages or similar systems.
[/li][li]Strong understanding of Pyside GUI framework within Maya.
[/li][li]Strong understanding of how to construct programmable shaders and custom lighting models.
[/li][li]Experience with creating or adding functionality to character animation rigs.
[/li][li]Extensive experience leading/ mentoring a team of technical artists/ animators.
[/li][/ul]
Benefits:
[ul]
[li]Full Health, Dental, and Vision
[/li][li]Stock Options
[/li][li]401k with matching
[/li][li]$250 gym reimbursement
[/li][li]$1000 per year educational stipend
[/li][li]Commuter Benefits
[/li][li]Daily catered lunches and dinners
[/li][li]Tons of snacks, drinks, etc.
[/li][/ul]
Relocation:
We will assist with relocation for the right candidate.