Senior Technical Artist (3D Environments)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and wellness benefits

Generous paid time off

Access to cutting-edge technology and

Training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Technical Artist to bridge artistic vision and technical implementation for AAA-like environments. This fully remote role supports asset creation, shader development, and pipeline optimization while coordinating with artists and engineers.

The team operates primarily remotely with administrative coordination from Stellenbosch, Western Cape. The ideal candidate has 6+ years in technical art, strong scripting skills, and a portfolio of real-time projects.

Qualifications

• 6+ years as a Technical Artist in 3D environments.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop.
• Experience with Unreal or Unity; shader and material work.
• Strong scripting in Python, Mel, or C# for pipelines.
• Deep knowledge of real-time rendering, PBR, and optimization.
• Strong problem-solving and collaboration in remote teams.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in graphics or related field.
• Portfolio showing AAA or real-time project work.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine 3D art pipelines for environment creation.
• Create and optimize 3D assets for real-time rendering.
• Develop complex shaders and materials in Unity or Unreal.
• Implement and optimize lighting and post-processing effects.
• Collaborate with environment artists to troubleshoot asset integration.
• Work with engineers to define technical requirements and optimize performance.
• Develop tools and scripts to automate tasks and improve workflow.
• Ensure assets meet performance budgets and specs.
• Provide technical guidance to the art team.
• Participate in remote team discussions and problem-solving.

Skills

Real-time rendering

PBR workflows

Scripting (Python/Mel/C#)

Problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics or related field

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Photoshop

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected studio renowned for its visually stunning game environments, is looking for a talented Senior Technical Artist to join their fully remote team. This role is crucial for bridging the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation, ensuring that breathtaking 3D environments are optimized for performance and visual fidelity across multiple platforms. You will be responsible for developing and refining art pipelines, creating complex shaders, optimizing assets, and collaborating closely with both artists and engineers. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of 3D art creation workflows, scripting capabilities, and a passion for solving technical challenges that enhance artistic output. This is an exceptional opportunity to work on AAA projects from the comfort of your home, contributing to visually spectacular worlds that captivate players. Join a team that values innovation and pushes the boundaries of real-time graphics, with the administrative functions managed from Stellenbosch, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve 3D art pipelines for environment creation.
• Create and optimize 3D assets (models, textures, materials) for real-time rendering.
• Develop complex shaders and materials in Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Implement and optimize lighting and post-processing effects for environmental scenes.
• Collaborate with environment artists to troubleshoot asset creation and integration issues.
• Work closely with engineers to define technical requirements and optimize engine performance.
• Develop tools and scripts to automate tasks and improve workflow efficiency.
• Ensure assets adhere to performance budgets and technical specifications.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the art team.
• Participate actively in remote team discussions and contribute to artistic and technical problem-solving.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Technical Artist, with a strong focus on 3D environments.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling and texturing software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop).
• Expertise with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity, including shader creation and material editing.
• Strong scripting skills in Python, Mel, or C# for pipeline development and tool creation.
• Deep understanding of real-time rendering techniques, PBR workflows, and optimization strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, essential for remote teamwork.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually compelling environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A portfolio showcasing outstanding technical art contributions to AAA games or real-time projects.

Benefits

This fully remote position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere, promoting a healthy work-life balance. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, with an annual earning potential of up to ZAR , commensurate with your expertise and contributions. You will receive comprehensive health and wellness benefits, generous paid time off, and access to cutting-edge technology and training. This role offers the chance to contribute to prestigious projects alongside a talented, distributed team, with the logistical support of our administrative office in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . Become an integral part of creating unforgettable virtual worlds.