Technical Artist

About Squanch Games:

Since opening our doors in 2016, we've recruited a troop of the most hilariously unique talent the biz has to offer. We're constantly looking to expand our team of incredible people: They're crackin' some jokes, making awesomely strange stuff, and thinking outside the box simultaneously -- that's the "Squanch Factor" if you will.

At Squanch Games, we make dreams come true – the funkiest, bizarrest dreams from the depths of our souls. Real complex stuff, but you probably know what we’re talking about because you’ve already played our games, right? RIGHT? (Hint: YES).

If you see molds and like breaking them, or boxes and enjoy stepping outside of them–ONWARD! Also, if you love working remotely, we're the studio for you.

Think you've got what it takes? Go for it. Seriously! Send us your resume!

Technical Artist

What you’ll do:

As a Technical Artist at Squanch Games, you'll collaborate closely with our Art and Engineering teams to craft top-notch art with efficiency as the guiding principle. You'll take the lead in shader creation, fine-tuning art assets, and enhancing our production pipeline through innovative tools and unwavering support. But that's not news to you! With a track record of success in a similar role at another studio, you're now seeking a position that offers greater autonomy, providing you with the opportunity for more influence and personal growth.

In this role, you will:

• Support artists and engineers in seamlessly adding high-quality art to the game.
• Take on game development challenges: optimize art, craft assets, explore graphics tech, and boost performance.
• Not just identify problems, but also come up with, pitch, and implement creative solutions to overcome them.
• Work in Unreal Engine 5, Blueprints, and with 3D softwares (3DS Max, Blender, ZBrush, etc.).
• Support the art team with shader creation, optimization guidance, and profiling.
• Make sure shaders are built smoothly for easy use by the art team.
• Create Plugins for Optimizing workflows in 3D Packages like Maya, Max & Blender.
• Help the art team define best practices for working with UE5 next gen technology like Nanite/Lumen/VSMs.
• Work with engineering to determine budgets for lighting, VFX, etc.

What we’re looking for:

• Shipped at least 1-2 titles as a technical artist or an art manager. Has a deep understanding of game art pipelines, tools, and processes.
• Holistic knowledge of the graphics pipeline and how to leverage GPU workflows for performance and quality.
• Ability to effectively communicate with engineers & graphics programmers to work on new features and capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of scripting languages (Python, MEL, VEX, Perl, etc.).
• Strong skills in the Unreal Engine pipeline, especially material/shader creation.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and the Substance pipeline for texture creation and feedback paintovers.
• Strong ability to estimate tasks with production by soliciting team members and/or doing a rough pass on their own.
• A strong reel/portfolio showing executed game tech art.
• Bonus: Experience with in-game lighting, especially if you have a knack for composition and using lighting to shape the story and gameplay.

Benefits:

• Salary range: $86,500 to $130,000 depending on experience
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Short term & long term disability insurance coverage
• Paid parental leave
• 401k and FSA
• Flexible PTO & schedule
• Completely remote studio
• Stipend to ensure a comfortable work from home setup
• Monthly snack box
• Monthly stipend for WFH expenses

Location:

We are a fully remote studio operating from all over the United States! While we haven't hit all 50, we encourage applicants from across the country to apply and help us complete our map.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Squanch Games provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, creed, marital status, registered partner or civil union status, disability status, medical condition, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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