Lead Technical Artist - Game Development

About the Role

We are seeking a talented Lead Technical Artist to join CD PROJEKT RED, a leader in the gaming industry known for creating revolutionary, story-driven RPGs. As a Lead Technical Artist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technical vision for our upcoming game, codenamed Project Hadar. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a project that aims to exceed gamers' expectations and push the boundaries of game technology. This position is primarily based in our Warsaw studio, with a hybrid working mode available.

What You'll Do

• Lead the technical art team, mentoring and guiding technical artists to foster a culture of innovation.
• Prototype, research, and integrate new features in Unreal Engine 5 to enhance the gaming experience.
• Develop cutting-edge tools and ensure high-quality asset integration while maintaining performance standards.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, engineers, and designers to achieve the project's creative and technical goals.
• Identify and address production bottlenecks, ensuring smooth development processes.
• Define best practices for asset pipelines and technical art, establishing and maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Take ownership of talent acquisition, performance evaluation, and professional development within the team.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a leadership role within a creative environment.
• At least 6 years of experience in a technical art role with strong knowledge of Unreal Engine 5.
• Excellent shader development skills and a solid understanding of DCC workflows.
• Experience in tool creation and automation using Python and/or C++.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and a commitment to driving initiatives independently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-discipline with artists and engineers.
• Fluent in English (both written and spoken).

Nice to Have

• Experience in procedural content creation (Houdini, Unreal’s PCG, Geometry Script).
• Expertise in real-time scalable VFX (Niagara, EmberGen).
• Animation pipeline knowledge, including scripting for Maya or Unreal's Animation Blueprints.

What We Offer

• Relocation package covering flight tickets, accommodation for the first month, and assistance with moving your belongings.
• Flexible working hours, allowing you to start your day between 8:00 and 10:00 AM.
• Comprehensive health benefits, including private medical healthcare and psychological support.
• Access to a variety of training and professional development opportunities.
• A dog-friendly office environment and regular social events.
• Paid leave ranging from 20 to 26 days per year, plus sick leave and maternity/paternity leave.