Technical Artist (Project Based)

About us:

At Amber, we're always on the hunt for the most talented individuals in the industry to join our team. We're dedicated to delivering top-notch service to our customers and know that our employees are key to making that happen. We offer attractive compensation packages and plenty of chances to grow with us, and we're always on the lookout for ways to do things better. Our team works together towards common goals and we value each member's contributions to our mission of continuous improvement and innovation. 

About the role:

We are seeking an Experienced Technical Artist to serve as the vital bridge between our art and engineering teams.  Your goal is to empower our artists with robust tools and shaders while ensuring the game runs flawlessly across all platforms, from high-end consoles to mobile devices.

The Quest:

• IP-Driven Visual Systems: Develop custom shaders and materials that capture the unique "hand-drawn" or "stylized" look of TV shows while remaining performant.
• Pipeline & Tooling: Build and maintain efficient asset pipelines (Maya/Blender to Unreal) to streamline the import and validation of characters and environments.
• Performance Optimization: Establish and enforce strict performance budgets (polycounts, draw calls, texture memory) to ensure a stable high FPS in multiplayer local or online sessions.
• Rigging & Technical Animation: Oversee complex character rigging and retargeting systems to allow for the expressive, comedic animations typical of the show’s characters.
• VFX & Lighting: Create performant, stylized visual effects (Niagara/Shuriken) and lighting setups that enhance the "game show" or "family home" atmosphere without cluttering the screen.
• Documentation & Training: Create clear technical guides and "Source of Truth" documentation to help non-technical artists navigate new tools and workflows.

The Skills:

• Experience: 5+ years as a Technical Artist in game dev, with at least one shipped title in the casual or party game genre.
• Engine Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of Unreal Engine, including proficiency in HLSL/GLSL for shader development.
• Scripting Skills: Strong proficiency in Python, C#, or C++ for creating automated tools and editor extensions.
• Optimization Expert: Proven ability to use profiling tools (RenderDoc, Pix, or built-in engine profilers) to diagnose and fix GPU/CPU bottlenecks.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex technical constraints into actionable creative feedback for the art team.
• Experience working in co-development or outsourcing is a plus

Nice-to-Haves

• Licensed IP Experience: Previous work on games inspired by TV, film, or popular animated series.
• VFX Background: Strong eye for stylized particles and 2D-inspired motion graphics.
• Platform Versatility: Experience optimizing Nintendo Switch or mobile hardware limitations.

The Reward:

• Competitive project-based compensation
• Opportunity to work on exciting and diverse projects
• Clear communication and support throughout the project duration.
• Flexibility in project timelines and deadlines.
• Potential for long-term collaboration on future projects.
• Transparent and fair evaluation of your work.