Technical Artist

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

What is this role all about?

The Arena team is seeking an experienced, proactive technical artist to support the game for both PC and Mobile platforms. Tech Art’s goal is to empower artists to achieve their vision, while meeting the performance requirements of our game and hitting production landmarks. You will implement artist tools and automate workflows in an established studio pipeline. You will be responsible for prototyping new art features and art workflow tools, and supporting artists reach the excellent visual bar set by the paper product, all while ensuring our games run as smooth as possible for our dedicated players.

A day in the life as a technical artist

• Troubleshoot technical issues with Unity, Maya, and the asset pipeline
• Implement assets in Unity and test functionality
• Build rigs and skin meshes
• Support and consult with character artists and animators during the rigging process
• Develop and maintain Unity behavior scripts in C#
• Write and maintain tools in C# and Python
• Collect and communicate technical dependencies required by features in the concept phase
• Collaborate on developing art processes and pipeline strategies for asset creation and organization
• Communicate regularly with producers to help plan and prioritize tasks
• Maintain and improve shaders as needed
• Measure performance on assets and identify potential improvements

What you’ll bring

• 3+ years in game development using Maya and Unity or equivalent experience
• Aptitude for problem solving, decision making, collaboration & communication
• Prior experience shipping AAA game titles
• Working knowledge of concepts in digital 2D/3D, both in content creation and in engine
• Artist tool creation using Python/PyMEL for Maya
• A hands-on, solid understanding of C# in Unity
• Strong understanding of rendering and shaders such as CG/HLSL
• Strong creative problem-solving skills
• In-depth technical proficiency with Unity
• Understanding of animation/rigging workflows and state-machines
• Self-managing, good communication, and collaborative
• Strong knowledge of character kinematics, deformations, and topology.
• Highly proficient in character rigging and skinning
• Strong 3D and/or animation background

Pluses:

• Experience working with mobile games and pipelines
• Artistic foundation and knowledge of anatomy
• Have shipped a AAA PC or mobile game as a technical artist
• Skill in one or more related art fields, especially VFX

Our Values

Inclusivity

We value all people and perspectives inside our walls, among our players, and in our games. Dragons and elves belong in our worlds, and so do you.

Community

We create shared experiences that form the foundation for lifelong friendships.

Collaboration

We're at our best when we combine our skills. Everything we create represents the achievement of many passionate minds.

Excellence

We're all artisans of our own craft. We strive to outdo ourselves every day.

Empowerment

We hire and empower people to do what they do best. Innovation, self-expression, and creativity drive our workplace.

Stewardship

We're caretakers as well as creators. We recognize that everything we build reaches beyond ourselves and beyond today.

Fun

We're an entertainment company. We're in business to create surprises, build excitement and add to the amount of fun in the world. 

Compensation Range, Currency USD:

• Starting Pay Range: $90,700
• Pay Range End: $170,400

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

Wizards is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.