Technical Art Director

Overview

Bit Fry Game Studios (BFGS) seeks a Technical Art Director (TAD) to lead their art department. The TAD is a recognized expert in their field, drawing from their extensive experience in the video game industry to lead the efforts of the Concept Art, 3D Modeling, Technical Art and Animation teams. The TAD will be called on to set the visual quality bar, producing work that is at the highest level of quality and difficulty. 

The TAD must have a proven track record of resolving the most complex and broad-reaching challenges in relation to content construction, pipeline management, and leading-edge visuals. In addition to current “best practices” and competitive awareness, the TAD is expected to understand emerging trends and technologies in video game content and make strategic recommendations as to how they may benefit and/or impact the organization. 

The TAD is a leading contributor to BFGS’s initiatives and projects and participates in setting product and/or functional vision within the studio. Areas the TAD is responsible for include visual R&D, performance monitoring, standard setting, as well as process and pipeline development. 

 

Responsibilities

• Defining content aspirations for the studio.
• Owns and documents the art production pipeline (modeling, animation, characters, lighting, SFX, etc..). Assures that all disciplines contributing to BFGS’s projects are adhering to the pipeline and have the correct resources and support.
• Works collaboratively with the other teams inside the project to identify or invent the technical art features needed to express the creative vision. • Sets the production schedules across the art department and maintains delivery deadlines.
• Identifying and or selecting tools and technologies to enhance the content creation process.
• Improving and evolving production and organization structures.
• Collaborate with other technical and aesthetic experts within the company to define clear goals for the toolset, pipeline and construction processes.
• Analyze competitive products and makes recommendations to senior management.
• The TAD spearheads R&D efforts for tools, content and new technologies in relation to art and Aesthetics.
• Collaborates with art Leads to establishing shared Art Cultures and best practices. 

• Participates in setting the strategic vision for content and tools.
• Collaborates with engineering to develop cutting edge tools and technologies.
• Works with the other content producers to ensure proper game performance and optimizations.
• Identifies and test external 3rd party tools that would help maintain our leading edge in content constructions and visuals.
• Identifies and executes the most difficult content creation problems for the project.
• Systemic (developing content guidelines and pipelines for the in-house platform).
• Identifies and executes solutions to Pipeline and technology deficiencies within the studio.
• Researches future solutions and cutting-edge content technologies.
• Reviews pipelines and content creation process to identify best practices and maintain standards. 

 

Requirements
  
• 12 or more years of art or animation.
• Must have shipped Multiple 3D titles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Must be familiar with the majority of modern 3D software packages (Maya, 3ds Max, Motion Builder, zBrush, Houdini, Substance Suite, etc.).
• Strong understanding of game development process.
• Strong understanding of methods of optimizing game art assets for game engines and optimizing pipelines and processes.
• Proficient scripting/programming in python and C#, with C++ a bonus.
• A Strong understanding of modern 3d engines and the technology behind them.
• Solid experience and understanding of art/animation pipelines on modern game consoles.
• Up to date knowledge of current art techniques and development processes.
• Strong 2D drawing and digital painting skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
• Diligence with individual and team tasks, schedule, and adherence to budget limitations.
• Strong interest in computer or video games.
• Strong Troubleshooting skills.
• Positive attitude and a desire to bring new ideas to the team.
• Passion for making and playing great games, with an awareness of current titles and industry trends. 

 

Notes:
• This is a full-time onsite position in our Portsmouth, New Hampshire offices. You must be currently and legally able to work in the USA