Unreal Engine Technical Lead

Fixed term contract

Wild Child Animation is expanding the team at our Animation studio in Stirling and we are looking to hire an experienced Unreal Engine Technical Artist/Lead to work on a development project over the next 3 months with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time permanent role.

We are currently working on the implementation of real-time rendering technology into our current pipeline for the production of a long form television series.  The position would require you to help develop and implement best practices with regard to the utilisation of UE for the lighting and rendering of animated content.  As part of your responsibilities you will be required to work with various Heads of departments to ensure a consistent high level of quality and creativity.

Prior experience is a must, as is a knowledge of producing high quality stylised looks (shading, texturing and lighting) within Unreal Engine.  The candidate must have the ability to take creative input and critique.  In addition, a good understanding of a traditional CG animation pipeline including design, pre-production, production through to lighting, rendering and compositing is a must.

Candidates must be able to work from home initially and be able or willing to work onsite in Stirling should circumstances change.  In the event that you are not UK based, you should have relevant visas in place permitting this, if required, at time of application.

Responsibilities

• Work with closely with Production and Head of CG to provide input into pipeline and processes
• Work with asset and animation teams to develop streamlined pipeline from Maya into UE
• Work closely with Layout department to utilise UE within Layout and shot breakout processes
• Willingness to teach and mentor junior artists
• Implement and help develop review tools in conjunction with Head of CG and Systems within our animation pipeline
• Working with lighting and texture/shading artists to achieve required look
• Working with grooming artists to ensure smooth production of procedural fur/hair/groom through pipeline into UE
• Working with Creative Directors to meet creative and artistic brief with regard to look development, i.e. texturing and shading of characters and environments

Software Experience/Skills

As a UE lead you should have extensive experience with the following software and tools:

• Maya
• Unreal Engine
• Houdini
• Nuke
• Python (C++ advantageous)
• Substance Painter and/or Quixel
• Shader writing ability a huge advantage
• UE Blueprints

General

Over and above the required experience, Wild Child Animation is looking for senior artists and leads who have strong communication skills who are also willing to share knowledge and skills.