Senior Technical Artist (Next-Gen MMO) - Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard Entertainment is looking for an individual to serve as senior technical artist for a team focused on next-generation massively multiplayer online (MMO) games. The ideal candidate has a broad range of technical art experience coupled with leadership capabilities. The senior technical artist must possess expert level knowledge on subjects such as Maya tool development, character rigging, pipeline design, or special FX. The ideal candidate must be able to manage complex tasks and foster an environment of excitement and creativity for a group of peers who are excited about making great games. The candidate must also have an interest in a future role with management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

•Coordinate day to day operations of a large technical art team in conjunction with the department manager
•Execute, and / or coordinate the department’s most demanding and complex tasks
•Able to advance a strategic vision for the entire project in conjunction with the department manager.
•Interface with department leads, key stake holders, and production team members.
•Assist the department manager in overseeing schedules, critiquing work, mentoring, and fostering the long term growth for technical artists.

Requirements

•A minimum of 5 years of experience in game development
•Experience as a senior technical artist
•Broad base of knowledge and experience with technical art or game art development
•Self-motivated, solid communication skills, and a great team-player attitude
•Excellent problem solving skills
•Solid knowledge of Maya, Photoshop, and 3D engines in general
•Thorough understanding of game development pipelines from concept to completion
•Familiarity with at least one development language such mel, python, c#, or c++
•Strong interest in a future management role
•Passion for video games

Pluses

•Have shipped a AAA PC, or console title as a Senior Technical Artist
•Management experience
•Experience with visual FX, or particle animation
•Experience with shader development

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliated companies is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

To apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to mnassar@blizzard.com