Lead Technical Artist

Aardvark Swift are working with AAA co-dev studio, d3t, as they look for a Lead Technical Artist.
D3t and their sister studio Coconut Lizard form part of the Keywords Studios Group and provide AAA co-development services to a roster of global clients. Notable recent projects include, EA Sports FC 24, Hogwarts Legacy, Sea of Thieves.
d3t’s award-winning studio is based Runcorn and proudly boasts the gamesindustry.biz listing as a Best Place to Work from 2019 - 2022. They offer an amazingly professional, fun, and supportive working environment with a zero-crunch ethos.
As a Lead Technical Artist at d3t you will lead, mentor, and manage the Tech Art team, fostering a culture of collaborative innovation. Your role will include developing and streamlining tools and processes to increase art efficiency and maintain project art pipelines, supporting the art and animation teams, and proactively resolving technical issues.
Your responsibilities will also include…

• Define required in-house toolsets, oversee their creation, integration, and promotion
• Define budgets, champion optimization, and ensure artwork adheres to guidelines
• Collaborate with artists, providing feedback on improving in-game asset performance while maintaining visual fidelity
• Take ownership of specific game features when needed
• Lead by example, staying updated with industry advancements, and share knowledge with the art team
• Create concise documentation of art pipeline processes and provide tutorials and technical guides for efficiency
• Maintain awareness of ongoing d3t tech artwork, regularly checking in with tech artists to ensure they have the necessary resources
• Adhere to schedules, communicate progress, and raise concerns regarding project aspects
• Establish work priorities, monitor output, and advise art leads and production of any resourcing risks
• Conduct inductions and probationary reviews for new starters, providing feedback to art leadership on employee performance
• Demonstrate responsibility for work quality and processes, contributing fresh ideas

The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role…

• 5 or more years of experience in game development
• Worked on 4 or more shipped titles
• Two or more full project cycles in a Senior Tech Art position
• Evidence of being an enthusiastic leader or role model in a Senior role
• Confident art leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Performance and quality-focused, embracing the technical challenges of real-time game art
• Dependable and committed with a hunger for continual learning and improvement
• Excellent knowledge of current game development practices and terminology
• Practical and methodical approach to technical and creative problem-solving
• Experience mentoring and sharing technical knowledge with junior team members
• Good leadership skills of positivity, enthusiasm, leading by example, and active listening
• Collaborative team player with a professional, flexible, and calm approachable manner
• Excellent time-management and organizational skills

Perks and benefits include…

• 25 days annual leave, plus public holidays and up to 5 days extra for length of service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance including dental and eye care
• Employee Share Scheme
• Income Protection and Life Assurance
• Annual bonus, be rewarded for great teamwork!
• Flexible working hours
• Tech and bike scheme
• Regular socials and events, and let’s not forget the on-site d3t BBQ area!
• Breakout areas filled with little extras such as games and snacks to suit all dietary preferences