Lead 3D Character Artist

Summary

Join CD PROJEKT RED as a Lead 3D Character Artist and lead a team in creating high-quality, stylized character assets for an ambitious project set within the world of The Witcher. You will oversee modeling, texturing, and implementation, collaborating with art directors, animators, and designers. This role requires at least 8 years of experience in the video game industry, including a shipped AAA title, and proficiency in various software and tools. The position offers flexible working hours, a remote-first or office-first option, and various benefits including health and well-being programs, social activities, and professional development opportunities. The position is based in the greater Boston area with remote cooperation required. The ideal candidate is a skilled leader, innovative problem-solver, and passionate about delivering world-class characters.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of experience in the video games industry, including at least one shipped AAA title
• Proven experience as a Lead Character Artist
• Experience with stylized character art and maintaining visual consistency
• Proficiency in modeling tools (3ds Max, Maya, Blender, etc.), sculpting tools (ZBrush, etc.), and PBR texturing software (Substance Painter/Designer, Photoshop, etc.)
• Expertise in Unreal Engine 4/5
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, form, proportions, clothing, and material design
• Solid understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) workflows
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills
• Curiosity, kindness, initiative, and a positive and professional can-do attitude

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the Character Art team to deliver high-quality, stylized character assets
• Act as the direct manager for team members, conducting reviews, mentoring, and helping them achieve personal and professional growth
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative team culture aligned with the company’s values and goals
• Partner with the Production department to establish plans and ensure timely delivery of work
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring for the team
• Collaborate closely with the Art Director to maintain the game’s artistic consistency and ensure the characters align with the core vision
• Participate in creating concepts and plans for unique, game-defining character designs
• Oversee and deliver the final polish of character assets, ensuring seamless integration into the game engine
• Partner with Animators, Tech Animators, and Tech Artists to ensure character models are ready for dynamic performance
• Work with Graphics Coders and Tech Artists to utilize and develop groundbreaking techniques
• Investigate, develop, and refine workflows for character modeling, texturing, and material creation in collaboration with the Tech Art team
• Ensure optimized performance by understanding and addressing trade-offs in assets and technologies
• Actively participate in solving technical and aesthetic challenges related to character creation

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of procedural content creation tools (e.g., Marvelous Designer, Houdini)
• Strong traditional art foundation and a keen eye for detail
• Understanding of rigging and skinning processes, as well as facial animation setups

Benefits

• Flexible working hours — start your workday anytime between 8:00 and 10:00 AM
• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team
• Trainings, lectures and courses — internal workshops, external training for each employee, ‘Meet a star’ events, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• Merch — gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!
• Private medical healthcare — a selection of medical plans with dental care to choose from, which are also accessible for your partner and relatives
• Support during COVID-19 — regular tests and COVID vaccinations at the studio as well as professional advice and guidance from a specialist doctor
• Psychological care — free mental health support and various well-being webinars
• Multisport card — gain access to a wide number of sporting and fitness facilities across the city
• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together
• Healthy selections — organic fruit, snacks, muesli, organic honey, vegan milk, and speciality coffee are all at your disposal around the studio. Enjoy!
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world
• Sustainable campus with an eco ethos — solar panels provide green energy, 2000 plants and an air-filtering system to help provide clean air, electric car charging points, flower meadows, and more green features in the works
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support and yoga and healthy spine classes
• Car and bike parking spaces
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual