3D Character Artist

**Description**:
Our client, an entertainment pioneer fusing hyper-real virtual production with next-gen gameplay, is building something that pushes the limits of what immersive gaming can be.

Think real-time pipelines. Unreal Engine magic. And global IPs from Netflix, Warner Bros, FIFA, Universal Studios, and more.

**Job Overview**
We’re not just creating artwork, we’re building immersive worlds, defining unforgettable characters, and shaping the artistic language of groundbreaking games.

As a Mid-Level Character 3D Artist, you will work at the intersection of concept, art, and technology, bringing our digital souls to life. You’ll be responsible for building and maintaining our character asset pipelines, from concept through to final integration in Unreal Engine 5.

This is a hands-on role where you will be responsible for creating models, UVs, textures, and materials. You will also collaborate closely with our Technical Artists and Frontend Developers on rigging, skinning, and real-time motion capture implementation to ensure characters are production-ready.

You won't just follow a pipeline, you will refine it. You’ll collaborate with character concept artists, Unreal developers, and mocap supervisors to ensure every character meets our high standards for technical and artistic quality.

**What will you do?**:

- Model, retopologize, and UV map high-quality characters, clothing, and accessories.
- Sculpt high-poly cinematic models and create optimized game-ready assets. Follow a full-body modelling workflow (base mesh clothing layers
- optimized combined mesh).
- Develop PBR textures, shaders, materials, and FX relevant for real-time rendering.
- Improve and adapt existing assets to match evolving quality and style targets.
- Set up efficient pipelines for stylized and realistic characters, ensuring clean topology and engine optimization.
- Identify and resolve performance, compatibility, and quality issues across the character pipeline
- Collaborate with the Concept Art Lead to accurately translate designs into 3D.
- Work with the Character Technical Artist to ensure rig readiness and leverage UE5 tools (Control Rig, MetaHumans, Blueprints).
- Work directly with Unreal Engine 5 developers to ensure seamless integration of character assets into runtime environments and correct material / shader setup.
- Oversee external vendors to maintain internal quality and style standards.
- Mentor junior artists and document pipeline best practices within the broader team

**What are we looking for?**:

- Demonstrated expertise and a strong portfolio in Character Art or equivalent role in game development.
- Expert in high-poly sculpting (ZBrush), retopology, PBR workflows (Substance Painter/Designer), and UV mapping.
- Advanced understanding of the end-to-end character pipeline (concept, modeling, rigging, skinning, shading, integration, physics, etc.)
- Expert proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 and related character tools
- Expert-level skills in DCCs like Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
- Understanding of physics systems for cloth, hair, and soft bodies in real-time environments
- Outstanding problem-solving skills regarding creative, technical, and production issues, while keeping a professional, calm, and composed demeanor
- Understanding of anime, stylized, and realistic character productions
- Knowledge of LODs, poly budgets, texture memory, and deformation for rigging/animation.
- Strong eye for anatomy, form, proportions, and silhouette.
- Passion for character design, storytelling, and game development

**Qualifications**:

- No formal degree required, but practical experience is essential
- Certifications in Game Development and/or Virtual Production are highly valued
- Must submit a professional portfolio with examples of character breakdowns, process, and style examples.
- Demonstrated ownership of shipped projects or systems highly regarded

**What additional skills will help you standout?**
- Experience with animals and monster production
- Experience with hard-surface modelling (vehicles, props, etc.)
- Experience with Marvelous Designer or cloth simulation workflows
- Previous work on live service or iGaming titles

**Why will you love working with our client?**:

- Salary: Depending on experience $90,000 - $110,000 AUD pa.
- Competitive premium relocation package.
- Enjoy free lunches Monday - Friday at Prahran office.
- Mental well-being program that includes 4 free counselling sessions, unlimited access to text, video and audio resources, regular check-ins and feedback opportunities.
- Annual leave of 20 working days.
- Additional leave requests for personal, community service, long service and public holidays, including religious holidays.
- Industry-leading parental leave, up to 22 weeks plus:
10 additional days or 2 weeks top up payment for secondary caregivers
20 additional days or 4 weeks top up payment for primary caregivers
- Pet friendly workspace - bring