Senior Technical Artist

Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs, and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected experiences that ignite the emotion of sport through industry-leading sports video games, including Madden® NFL and College Football®, FC® soccer, NHL® hockey, and EA SPORTS UFC®.

EA SPORTS Tech provides specialized technology teams working on modern character motion, content pipelines and workflows, machine learning, game security, dev ops, long lead feature and technology development for all EA SPORTS titles, and improves Frostbite engine workflows and solutions for all in partnership with engineers. As part of EA SPORTS Tech, the Technical Art Team helps push visual boundaries and experiences for our players. We invest in future technologies, shared tooling, and production workflows. We combine creativity and imagination with technical expertise. We are a diverse group that encourages team members to bring their unique perspectives and expertise to work every day.

This is a 12-month contract to begin with, with the possibility of long term employment. This team works hybrid 3 days/onsite (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday) at EA Vancouver.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Art Directors, Development Directors, Artists and Engineers to achieve the highest fidelity deformation content for EA Sports games.
• Refine and improve workflows to tackle technical challenges and increase efficiency.
• Leverage common technology and implement techniques to solve character animation and deformation challenges.
• Partner with leadership to implement new initiatives and mentor newer artists.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of games production experience working in technical art/rigging/animation desired (cinematic experience also considered).
• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in a related field.
• Expert knowledge designing complex skeletons, control rigs, secondary animation (fat, jiggle, muscle sim), and skin deformations.
• Strong understanding of human anatomy and animation principles.
• In depth expertise with relevant 3D software packages such as Maya and Houdini.
• Experience with asset optimization challenges and real-time limitations specific to character deformation.
• Proficient scripting/programming in Python (C++/C# a bonus).
• A willingness to jump into the unknown and solve new problems to resolve technical challenges and limitations.
• Experience in working with content-driven game engines (e.g. Unreal, Unity, Frostbite) desired.
• A Passion for Games!