Lead 3D Character Artist

Summary

Join CD PROJEKT RED as a Lead 3D Character Artist and be a creative force behind character creation for Project Sirius, a new multiplayer RPG. You will lead a team, oversee character modeling, texturing, and implementation, and collaborate with other artists and developers. This remote-first position 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 role involves leadership, artistic vision, pipeline development, and technical problem-solving. The company offers flexible working hours, various training opportunities, health and well-being benefits, and a welcoming work environment.

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