Principal Technical Artist, Games R&D - Tech Lab
Ladders · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $415,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead technical art initiatives for game R&D.
- Optimize game performance across CPU, GPU, bandwidth.
- Develop new tech for creative game opportunities.
- Architect art pipelines and tools for content management.
- Create high-quality 3D game assets and effects.
About the role
Principal Technical Artist Games R&D - Tech Lab
A leader in the Hospitality & Recreation space is seeking a Principal Technical Artist to join their team. This role will lead initiatives at the intersection of scalable technology, AI-enabled capabilities, and business transformation. You will work across engineering, product, and business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into practical technology solutions. The position offers the opportunity to influence architecture, execution quality, and long-term innovation within a Hospitality & Recreation environment. This is a remote position for US-based candidates only. Visa sponsorship is not available.Responsibilities
- Drive performance and technical optimization across CPU, GPU, and bandwidth.
- Prototype new technologies to enhance creative opportunities in game development.
- Develop interactive game experiences with a focus on performance constraints.
- Architect and maintain art pipelines and tools for optimized content management.
- Create high-quality game assets including models, textures, and effects.
Qualifications
- 10+ years experience as a technical artist in various game genres with senior-level leadership roles.
- Deep expertise in performance optimization across diverse rendering and asset pipelines.
- Fluency with profiling and debugging tools to analyze and improve performance.
- Strong skills in 3D graphics, VFX, modeling, and shaders.
- Experience developing games for early-stage or constrained platforms.
- Exceptional communication skills and ability to mentor peers.
- Familiarity with multiple game engines including Unity3D and Unreal Engine.
- Proficient in content creation using DCC tools such as Maya and Photoshop.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health plans and mental health support.
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
- Stock option program.
- Flexible paid time off for full-time salaried employees.
- Paid leave of absence programs.
- Family-forming benefits and serious injury benefits.
Key skills/competency
- Principal Technical Artist
- Game Development
- Performance Optimization
- 3D Graphics
- VFX
- Modeling
- Shaders
- Game Engines (Unity, Unreal)
- DCC Tools (Maya, Photoshop)
- Art Pipelines
Skills & topics
- Principal Technical Artist
- Game Development
- Technical Art
- Performance Optimization
- 3D Graphics
- VFX
- Shaders
- Unity3D
- Unreal Engine
- Maya
- Photoshop
- Art Pipelines
- Game R&D
- Lead Artist
- Senior Technical Artist
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of technical art experience, leadership, and specific game genres.
- Showcase optimization skills: Emphasize your expertise in performance tuning across CPU, GPU, and bandwidth.
- Demonstrate engine proficiency: List your experience with Unity3D and Unreal Engine, and DCC tools like Maya and Photoshop.
- Address communication strengths: Provide examples of your ability to mentor peers and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Apply proactively: Submit your application highlighting how your unique background aligns with this Principal Technical Artist role.
Technical preparation
Master Unity and Unreal Engine features.,Practice optimization with profiling tools.,Build complex 3D assets and VFX.,Develop shaders for various platforms.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging performance optimization project.,How do you mentor junior technical artists?,How do you translate business needs to tech solutions?,Share an example of innovating art pipelines.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Principal Technical Artist position at Ladders?
- The salary range for the Principal Technical Artist role at Ladders is between $310,000 and $520,000 annually. This compensation reflects the senior-level leadership and specialized technical expertise required for this position.
- Is this Principal Technical Artist role remote or on-site?
- This Principal Technical Artist position is fully remote and is open to US-based candidates only. No visa sponsorship is available for this role.
- What are the key technical skills required for the Principal Technical Artist role?
- Key technical skills include deep expertise in performance optimization (CPU, GPU, bandwidth), proficiency with profiling and debugging tools, strong 3D graphics, VFX, modeling, and shader development. Familiarity with Unity3D, Unreal Engine, Maya, and Photoshop is also essential.
- Does Ladders offer benefits for this Principal Technical Artist position?
- Yes, Ladders offers a comprehensive benefits package for this Principal Technical Artist role, including health plans, mental health support, a 401(k) with employer match, stock options, and flexible paid time off.
- What is the minimum experience required for the Principal Technical Artist role?
- A minimum of 10 years of experience as a technical artist, with demonstrated senior-level leadership roles across various game genres, is required for this Principal Technical Artist position.
- Can I apply for the Principal Technical Artist role if I don't meet every qualification?
- Absolutely. The client is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications even if you don't meet every qualification. Your unique background might be exactly what the team needs for this Principal Technical Artist role.
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