Senior External Development Artist

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for an experienced Senior X-Dev Artist to work on Cyberpunk 2, the follow up to Cyberpunk 2077 and the next game in the franchise. You will contribute to an immersive player experience of the Cyberpunk universe by acting as a bridge between our internal teams and external partners. 

In this role, you will be responsible for guiding and reviewing the work of external partners, ensuring the quality and consistency of hard surface assets, ranging from simple props, to complex machinery, to the creation of procedural kits that align with the visual standards of our AAA titles.

This is a key position where artistic vision, technical knowledge, and strong communication skills come together. You’ll act as a quality gatekeeper and mentor, collaborating closely with our internal teams to ensure outsourced assets integrate seamlessly into the game world.

Daily Responsibilities

• Provide artistic and technical feedback to external partners for hard surface assets.
• Review and approve models, textures, and materials to ensure they meet artistic direction, performance budgets, and engine requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams (art direction, design, tech art, and production) to define asset specifications and pipelines.
• Create benchmark assets and documentation to guide external vendors in Unreal Engine.
• Identify and resolve asset-related issues quickly and efficiently.
• Maintain consistency in visual quality and style across all outsourced assets.
• Occasionally create high-quality hard surface models for key assets or visual targets.
• Assist in onboarding and training outsourcing partners, and contribute to improving outsourcing workflows in Unreal Engine.
• Work with the Concept Art, Art Direction, Animation, and Gameplay teams to address both gameplay and aesthetic challenges.
• Mentor other artists.

• 5+ years of experience as an artist in the game industry, with at least one shipped AAA title.
• Strong portfolio showcasing high-quality hard surface modeling, texturing, and materials.
• Extensive understanding of modeling techniques, topology optimization, and baking processes for real-time rendering.
• Excellent understanding of mechanical function and purpose and the ability to create believable assets.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop).
• Experience with PBR workflows and game engines like Unreal Engine or proprietary engines.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• The ability to learn new tools quickly and effectively.
• Team player approach, taking direction, and reacting to stakeholder feedback.
• Self-driven professional who can work with minimal supervision,
• Strong problem-solving skills and initiative.

Nice to Have

(Please note that these skills are not required to apply for the position)

• Experience working with or managing outsourced assets is highly preferred.
• Experience with scripting or tool development to streamline asset workflows.
• A passion for science fiction, cyberpunk, or fantasy settings.
• A passion for mechanics, weapons, cars, and technology.
• Basic skills in rough sketching, drawing, and overpainting.
• Understanding of the Unreal Engine.
• Knowledge with or understanding of Nanite and Lumen workflows for Unreal Engine 5.

Artists should include a portfolio to their application.

This job requires working in Boston, US.
Working mode: in-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity. 

Health & Well-being

• Company paid medical healthcare (dental vision & mental).
• Paid Leave — 20 days of holiday for every team member per year (26 days after two years).
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.
• 401K with employer matching.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement.

Perks & Professional Growth

• Flexible working hours.
• Trainings, lectures and courses — internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• Merch — gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!
• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.

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