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Lead Technical Artist, Characters Overwatch 2 | Irvine, CA
Lead Technical Artist, Characters Overwatch 2 | Irvine, CAActivision Blizzard • Irvine, California, USA
Lead Technical Artist, Characters Overwatch 2 | Irvine, CA

Lead Technical Artist, Characters Overwatch 2 | Irvine, CA

Activision Blizzard • Irvine, California, USA
18 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
  • Part-time
Job description

Team Name : Overwatch

Job Title :

Lead Technical Artist Characters - Overwatch 2 Irvine CA

Requisition ID : R026163

Job Description :

At Blizzard we create legendary worlds and genre-defining games for millions of players worldwide. Overwatch our acclaimed team-based shooter exemplifies our commitment to innovative gameplay iconic characters and immersive storytelling. This is only possible through an environment that nurtures creativity and empowers our team to push the boundaries of game development.

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Lead Technical Artist Characters to manage our Character Tech Art Team with a special focus on reward systems and game this manager role you will be responsible for leading mentoring and developing a team of technical artists driving both the creative and technical vision for cosmetic and character assets.

You will set team goals oversee project delivery and ensure the highest standards of visual and technical quality. Your leadership will foster a collaborative innovative and inclusive environment empowering your team to deliver exceptional cosmetic rewards and character assets that delight players.

This role is anticipated to be a hybrid position with work both on-site at our Irvine CA studio and from home.

What You Bring to the Table

In Blizzards fast-paced environment priorities may shift quickly. Your responsibilities will include but arent limited to :

  • Lead mentor and grow a team of technical artists focused on cosmetic rewards and character tech art supporting talent development and best practices.
  • Oversee the design development and optimization of cosmetic pipelines including skinning rigging physics setup and export readiness for skins weapons props and reward items.
  • Drive technical innovation and efficiency in cosmetic asset production championing new workflows automation and process improvements.
  • Collaborate across concept VFX animation design and engineering to deliver high-quality cosmetic assets aligned with game vision and player expectations.
  • Set clear standards for art assets lead performance optimization and recommend / implement improvements to product quality and team productivity.
  • Research identify and resolve technical challenges in production pipelines and processes developing solutions and new tools as needed for Overwatchs art production.
  • Manage and maintain asset integration files pipelines and processes for Overwatchs art production.
  • Partner with other leads and directors to meet Overwatchs visual and technical standards and represent the team in leadership meetings.

Minimum Requirements Experience

  • 8 years of experience in AAA Tech Art ideally including multiplayer or team-based games.
  • Proven track record with shipped titles in a relevant role.
  • Leadership experience managing technical artists in a studio environment.
  • Knowledge & Skills
  • Comprehensive understanding of all major aspects of content creation in commercial game engines.
  • Deep understanding of character kinematics deformation topology and technical workflows for cosmetics.
  • Expertise in Maya tool development pipeline design and Python or similar programming languages.
  • Strong communication organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Experience generating cloth / hair rigs and art-directed simulations for cosmetic assets.
  • Key Attributes

  • Collaborative team-oriented mindset working effectively with all Overwatch departments.
  • Ability to inspire others with enthusiasm for game development and skill improvement.
  • Self-motivated leadership driving initiatives and fostering innovation.
  • Proven ability to pioneer practical production-oriented art workflows for a live-service game.
  • Extra Points

  • Experience leading teams in shipping AAA games especially in FPS or live service environments.
  • Passion for Blizzard games and cosmetic reward systems.
  • Ability to work effectively with global teams
  • Familiarity with destruction VFX material creation and LOD optimization tools (e.g. Simplygon).
  • Your Platform

    Blizzard Entertainment is best known for iconic universes such as Warcraft Overwatch Diablo and StarCraft. As a division of Activision Blizzard now part of Microsoft (NASDAQ : MSFT) weve created some of the industrys most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games. Blizzard engages tens of millions of players globally with titles available on PC via Xbox PlayStation Nintendo Switch iOS and Android.

    Our World

    Activision Blizzard is one of the worlds largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies home to beloved franchises including Call of Duty World of Warcraft Overwatch Diablo Candy Crush and Bubble Witch. Our network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

    We build immersive innovative worlds by empowering diverse teams in an inclusive environment. Our culture encourages everyone to thrive and connect through epic entertainment. Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits that support physical emotional and financial well-being.

    The videogame industryand our businessare fast-paced and evolving. Accordingly the duties and responsibilities of this role may change as directed by Blizzard to best support our business and industry partners.

    Were excited to hear from anyone passionate about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications Let us decide! Studies show that women and other underrepresented groups often hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. At Blizzard were committed to diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage you to apply.

    We are dedicated to supporting individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you require an accommodation to apply for a position please email General employment questions cannot be handled here. Thank you for your interest.

    Blizzard Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin gender sexual orientation gender identity age marital status veteran status or disability status among other characteristics.

    Rewards

    We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical emotional and financial well-being for Every World - weve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements the Company offers comprehensive benefits including :

  • Medical dental vision health savings account or health reimbursement account healthcare spending accounts dependent care spending accounts life and AD&D insurance disability insurance;
  • 401(k) with Company match tuition reimbursement charitable donation matching;
  • Paid holidays and vacation paid sick time floating holidays compassion and bereavement leaves parental leave;
  • Mental health & wellbeing programs fitness programs free and discounted games and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability legal service ID protection rental insurance and others;
  • If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.
  • Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting the U.S. the standard base pay range for this role is $46.73 - $86.49 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately your specific range and offer will be based on several factors including relevant experience performance and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this roles range details for your local geography during the hiring addition to a competitive base pay employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates new hire compensation is negotiable.

    Key Skills

    3ds Max,Computer Graphics,Perforce,Zbrush,Unreal Engine,Maya,Painting,Teaching,Adobe Photoshop,Digital Art,Music Therapy,Unity

    Employment Type : Full-Time

    Experience : years

    Vacancy : 1

    Hourly Salary Salary : 46 - 86

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