Lead Technical Artist

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Technical Artist in Mahikeng, North West, to bridge art vision with real-time tech. You will lead a team of technical artists, build pipelines and tools, and optimize assets for performance across platforms.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in technical art, 3+ in a lead role, strong scripting and shader skills, and a portfolio demonstrating pipeline development and problem-solving abilities. This role is based on-site in Mahikeng.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in technical art for video games, with 3+ years in a lead/senior role.
• Proven experience in art pipelines, tools, and shaders.
• Scripting: Python, MEL, C#.
• Shader languages: HLSL, GLSL.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Suite.
• Real-time rendering knowledge with Unreal Engine/Unity.
• Strong problem-solving & optimization skills.
• Leadership, communication, and interpersonal strengths.
• Portfolio demonstrating technical art, pipelines & problem solving.
• Experience with Git or Perforce.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of technical artists.
• Develop and maintain art pipelines, tools, and workflows.
• Optimize assets for performance and memory budgets across platforms.
• Create/refine shaders, materials, and lighting setups.
• Troubleshoot technical issues in asset integration and engine
• Collaborate with engineers/designers on technical requirements.
• Research new tech to enhance art production capabilities.
• Establish best practices for asset creation and engine integration.
• Conduct performance profiling of art assets.
• Contribute to technical direction and artistic quality.

Skills

Team leadership

Pipeline development

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration with engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics / Game Development

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Substance Suite

Unreal Engine

Unity

Git

Perforce

Python

MEL

C#

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent game development studio in Mahikeng, North West , is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Technical Artist . This crucial role involves bridging the gap between artistic vision and the technical realities of game development, ensuring that art assets are optimized, efficient, and visually stunning. You will lead a team of technical artists, develop pipelines, create tools, and solve complex technical challenges to empower the entire art department. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of art creation workflows, programming/scripting skills, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of real-time graphics. Join our client in Mahikeng, North West , and play a key role in delivering high-fidelity gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of technical artists, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain art pipelines, tools, and workflows to improve efficiency and quality.
• Optimize art assets (models, textures, shaders, VFX) for performance and memory budgets across target platforms.
• Create and refine shaders, materials, and lighting setups to achieve desired visual aesthetics.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to art asset integration and engine performance.
• Collaborate with engineers and designers to define technical requirements and solutions for art features.
• Research and implement new technologies and techniques to enhance art production capabilities.
• Establish and enforce best practices for art asset creation and engine integration.
• Conduct performance profiling and analysis of art assets.
• Contribute to the overall technical direction and artistic quality of the game.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in technical art for video games, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior capacity.
• Proven experience in developing art pipelines, tools, and shaders.
• Strong proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL, C#) and shader languages (e.g., HLSL, GLSL).
• Expertise with 3D modeling and texturing software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Suite).
• Deep understanding of real-time rendering techniques and engine capabilities (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a strong understanding of performance optimization.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Game Development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A portfolio demonstrating technical art skills, pipeline development, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce).

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement planning benefits.
• Employees enjoy generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development are actively supported through training, workshops, and industry event attendance.
• The studio culture is known for its collaborative spirit and innovative approach.
• This role is based in Mahikeng, North West .