Lead Technical Artist

High Voltage Software; Hoffman Estates (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Technical Artist to bridge the gap between art and technology in game development. This role involves creating complex materials, developing tools for artists, and optimizing visual effects using Unreal Engine. You will collaborate with a talented team to enhance game art creation across various platforms, ensuring high-quality immersive experiences. If you have a passion for video games and a strong technical art portfolio, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-profile AAA titles while enjoying a flexible work environment and a supportive studio culture.

Benefits

Flexible remote work setup

Great work-life balance

Casual studio environment

Competitive salary

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) plan

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio showcasing real-time technical art for games.
• Experience with modeling, sculpting, and texturing tools.

Responsibilities

• Create materials for characters and environments using Unreal Engine.
• Develop tools and workflows for efficient asset creation.
• Implement and optimize visual effects using UE Blueprints.

Skills

Technical Art

Unreal Engine

Blueprints

Python

C++

PBR Workflows

Time Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Art or related field

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Substance Designer

Niagara

Job description

High Voltage Software is looking for a Lead Technical Artist to join our team in creating the next generation of cutting-edge games. You'll work at the intersection of art and technology, supporting the technical aspects of game art creation, optimizing workflows, and helping build immersive, high-quality experiences across multiple platforms.

What You'll Do:

• Create complex materials for characters, weapons, and environments using Unreal Engine
• Develop and maintain tools and workflows that empower other artists to create unique assets efficiently
• Implement and optimize visual effects, from realistic to stylized, using UE Blueprints and Niagara
• Collaborate with engineers and artists to optimize content for various platforms
• Use scripting knowledge (Blueprints and potentially Python or C++) to aid in tool development and pipeline improvements
• Support gameplay and engine features from a tech art perspective
• Test and verify your work on target hardware to ensure quality and performance

What We're Looking For:

• A strong reel/portfolio showcasing real-time technical art for games
• Solid understanding of PBR and node-based material workflows
• Experience with modeling (Maya, Max, Blender), sculpting (ZBrush), and texturing tools (Substance Painter/Designer)
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine and current game art pipelines
• Knowledge of Blueprints and fundamental game logic
• Ability to work across disciplines (modeling, animation, FX, lighting)
• Excellent time management, communication, and organizational skills
• Experience shipping at least one game title
• Passion for video games and collaborative development

Bonus Points For:

• 5+ years of experience in a relevant industry role
• Previous leadership experience
• Scripting experience with C++, Python, or other languages
• Understanding of FX/animation principles (especially Niagara)

Why Join High Voltage?

• Work on high-profile AAA titles
• Flexible remote work setup (within eligible states)
• Great work-life balance and a casual, collaborative studio environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) plan.

High Voltage Software is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Art/Creative

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting