Lead Technical Artist (3D Environment)

Placements24; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Randburg Studio is seeking a Lead Technical Artist to spearhead the 3D environment art team, blending artistic vision with technical leadership to establish and refine the art pipeline for environment creation. You will develop tools, workflows, and ensure the technical quality and performance of environmental assets.

The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and game engine integration, plus a passion for mentoring artists.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer graphics, fine arts, or related field.
• 7+ years of 3D art for games, with 3+ years in a technical artist or lead role.
• Strong knowledge of PBR workflows and modular environment asset creation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of technical and environment artists.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize the 3D environment art pipeline.
• Create and implement technical tools, scripts, and shaders.
• Collaborate with level designers, art directors, and programmers.
• Establish best practices for asset creation, optimization, and performance profiling.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to environment art assets.
• Stay current with emerging techniques in 3D environment art and game development.
• Conduct R&D for new art techniques, tools, and engine features.
• Ensure assets meet technical specs, performance budgets, and quality standards.
• Provide guidance on lighting, material setup, and optimization within the game engine.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Substance Suite

ZBrush

Unreal Engine

Unity

Python

MEL

Job description

About the Role

A highly respected game development studio in Randburg, Gauteng, is looking for a Lead Technical Artist to spearhead their 3D environment art team. This pivotal role requires a blend of artistic talent, strong technical proficiency, and leadership capabilities. You will be responsible for establishing and refining the art pipeline for environment creation, developing tools and workflows, and ensuring the technical quality and performance of all environmental assets. The ideal candidate will possess deep knowledge of 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and game engine integration, coupled with a passion for mentoring artists. Join our team in Randburg and contribute to visually stunning game worlds.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of technical and environment artists, fostering a collaborative and efficient workflow.
• Develop, maintain, and optimize the 3D environment art pipeline, including asset creation, import, and integration into the game engine.
• Create and implement technical tools, scripts, and shaders to enhance art production efficiency and visual quality.
• Collaborate closely with level designers, art directors, and programmers to define and achieve environment art goals.
• Establish and enforce best practices for asset creation, optimization, and performance profiling.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to environment art assets and engine integration.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and techniques in 3D environment art and game development.
• Conduct R&D for new art techniques, tools, and engine features.
• Ensure art assets meet technical specifications, performance budgets, and quality standards for Randburg-based projects.
• Provide guidance on lighting, material setup, and optimization within the game engine.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in 3D art for games, with at least 3 years in a Technical Artist or Lead role.
• Expertise in 3D modeling and texturing software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, Substance Suite, ZBrush).
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine or Unity, including material/shader creation and performance optimization.
• Strong scripting skills (e.g., Python, MEL) for tool development.
• Excellent understanding of PBR workflows, modular environment asset creation, and optimization techniques.
• Strong artistic eye with a keen sense of composition, lighting, and detail.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities.
• A portfolio showcasing exceptional environment art and technical art contributions is essential, reflecting work relevant to the Gauteng creative scene.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund, and ample opportunities for professional development.
• This role is based in our modern Randburg studio, fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.
• Join a talented team pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity and immersive world-building in the South African game industry.