(Full-Time) Senior 3D Environment Art Manager
Schell Games is a highly talented group of artists, programmers, producers, and game designers led by game industry veteran Jesse Schell. We're the largest full-service education and entertainment game development company in the United States. Since 2002, we've worked with world-class clients and partners to create interactive experiences that engage and inspire players of all ages across all platforms. Presently, we are focused on virtual reality, augmented reality, location-based experiences, and social games.
Do you like to work on innovative projects in a motivating, friendly atmosphere? Would you agree that games can engage and inspire?
SENIOR 3D ENVIRONMENT ART MANAGER
- Location -Pittsburgh, PA
- Department- Art
- Experiences- Senior Manager/Supervisor
Our artists honor the unique aesthetic vision of each project and work to make all aspects of the experience beautiful. The team is composed of 2D/conceptual artists, 3D modelers, technical and effects artists, and animators. We are seeking a talented Senior 3D Environment Art Manager to work on projects ranging from online worlds and handheld games to virtual reality experiences and themed interactive attractions. Our ideal candidate would have experience with and possess an excellent eye for inventive world-building for a variety of styles of 3D environments.
EXPECTATIONS OF SENIOR-LEVEL ROLES AT SCHELL GAMES:
You are an expert in your discipline and share your knowledge with the studio. You have formed strong relationships inside and outside of the studio that allow you to leverage your expertise for the greatest impact. You think strategically about your craft and contribute heavily to your discipline community. You can be relied upon by your Vice President to represent your craft discipline.
You consistently build highly productive relationships by respecting your team members and clients, while effectively giving and addressing feedback. You set a high bar for delivery and hold others accountable, leveling up your team. You do this by demonstrating humility and empathy, building others' trust in you, and defaulting to trusting others. You maintain composure in the face of change and challenges.
You are deeply familiar with development methodologies and best practices. You identify and help improve faulty processes. You help solve problems. You drive consensus and move your projects toward their goals. You recognize and build off others' contributions.
Others consistently look to you as a leader (whether or not you are formally in that role). You quickly resolve conflicts, involving yourself or among others. You use empathy to seek understanding and common ground. You are a prime example to others of what a member of your discipline should be, and you actively promote those values. You respect and empathize with your colleagues and clients.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a people manager, specifically in leading a team of creative individuals.
- 8+ years experience in a game development team atmosphere as an environment artist, level designer, or similar artistic role
- Must be located in the Pittsburgh area for the role: local hybrid schedule option available.
- Portfolio of work must be available for review, displaying examples of various elements of environment design and prop work
- Understanding of optimization limitations and methodology
- Expert knowledge of sculpting in ZBrush and high to low poly process
- Expert knowledge of Substance Designer / Painter
- Expert knowledge of Maya
- Flexibility with the adoption of art styles and direction is critical
- Demonstrated ability and experience mentoring and/or managing other junior 3D artists
- In-engine capabilities for effective world-building (Unreal, Unity, or otherwise)
DESIRED SKILLS:
- Must be located in the Pittsburgh area for the role: local hybrid schedule option available.
- 2D texture mapping of 3D models
- Advanced lighting and rendering experience
- Scripting, rigging, and/or artist tool creation
- Shader writing and VFX experience
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND PREFERRED:
- BS/BA/BFA degree in fine arts, animation, visual communication, or similar
DEI COMMITMENT:
Our studio is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive work environment that ensures that all applicants and team members are treated with dignity and respect. We will not tolerate any type of discrimination or harassment directed at any applicant or employee because of their sex, gender, gender identity, race, religion, age, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, veteran, family or parental status or any other protected group characteristic. This equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
Prohibiting discrimination and harassment is only one part of the equation. “Diversity makes us strong” is more than just something we say. We value diversity in all forms because it is essential to our success, and we want every member of our team to feel their best creative self. Our development environment and social culture are based on welcoming, respecting, and celebrating differences among our team members and our players. We rely on each person to add their own unique skills and perspective to our culture. Every member of our team is responsible for making the studio as inclusive and equitable as possible.