Lead Technical Artist - Overwatch 2 | Irvine, CA at Activision-Blizzard

Irvine, California, United States

Activision-Blizzard Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Gaming, Video GamesIndustries

Requirements

  • 8+ years of experience in AAA Tech Art, ideally including multiplayer or team-based games
  • Proven track record, with shipped titles in a relevant role
  • Leadership experience managing technical artists in a studio environment
  • Comprehensive understanding of all major aspects of content creation in commercial game engines
  • Deep understanding of character kinematics, deformation, topology, and technical workflows for cosmetics
  • Expertise in Maya tool development, pipeline design, and Python or similar programming languages
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Experience generating cloth/hair rigs and art-directed simulations for cosmetic assets
  • Collaborative, team-oriented mindset, working effectively with all Overwatch departments
  • Ability to inspire others with enthusiasm for game development and skill improvement
  • Self-motivated leadership, driving initiatives and fostering innovation
  • Proven ability to pioneer practical, production-oriented art workflows for a live-service game

Responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and grow a team of technical artists focused on cosmetic rewards and character tech art, supporting talent development and best practices
  • Oversee the design, development, and optimization of cosmetic pipelines, including skinning, rigging, physics setup, and export readiness for skins, weapons, props, and reward items
  • Drive technical innovation and efficiency in cosmetic asset production, championing new workflows, automation, and process improvements
  • Collaborate across concept, VFX, animation, design, and engineering to deliver high-quality cosmetic assets aligned with game vision and player expectations
  • Set clear standards for art assets, lead performance optimization, and recommend/implement improvements to product quality and team productivity
  • Research, identify, and resolve technical challenges in production pipelines and processes, developing solutions and new tools as needed for Overwatch’s art production
  • Manage and maintain asset integration, files, pipelines, and processes for Overwatch’s art production
  • Partner with other leads and directors to meet Overwatch’s visual and technical standards and represent the team in leadership meetings

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

SkinningRiggingPhysics SetupAsset OptimizationPipeline DevelopmentAutomationTechnical ArtVFXAnimationGame CosmeticsCharacter Tech ArtWorkflow Optimization

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this a remote or hybrid role?

This role is anticipated to be a hybrid position, with work both on-site at the Irvine, CA studio and from home.

What is the salary range for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What experience and skills are required for this role?

Candidates need 8+ years of experience in AAA Tech Art, ideally including multiplayer or team-based games, a proven track record with shipped titles in a relevant role, leadership experience managing technical artists, and comprehensive understanding of all major aspects of content creation in commercial game engines.

What is the company culture like at Blizzard?

Blizzard nurtures creativity, empowers teams to push boundaries in game development, and fosters a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive environment.

What makes a strong candidate for this Lead Technical Artist role?

A strong candidate has 8+ years in AAA Tech Art with shipped titles, leadership experience managing technical artists, and expertise in cosmetic pipelines like skinning, rigging, physics, and optimization in a fast-paced studio environment.

Activision-Blizzard

Develops and publishes interactive video games

About Activision-Blizzard

Activision Blizzard develops and publishes video games, creating popular franchises like World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, and Candy Crush. Their games are available on various platforms and cater to a wide range of players, from casual mobile users to serious console and PC gamers. The company generates revenue through game sales, in-game purchases, subscriptions for games like World of Warcraft, and advertising through Activision Blizzard Media. They also profit from merchandise and esports events. What sets Activision Blizzard apart from competitors is its focus on high-quality gaming experiences that promote community and social interaction among players. The company's goal is to provide engaging and immersive entertainment that connects gamers worldwide.

Santa Monica, CaliforniaHeadquarters
1979Year Founded
$975MTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Entertainment, GamingIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
Mental Health Support
Wellness Program
Relocation Assistance

Risks

Employee morale issues due to layoffs could affect productivity and innovation.
Backlash from the Microsoft acquisition may impact game development and community trust.
Loss of key talent to competitors could weaken strategic capabilities.

Differentiation

Activision Blizzard boasts iconic franchises like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft.
The company excels in cross-platform play, enhancing player engagement and retention.
Activision Blizzard's esports division capitalizes on growing viewership and sponsorships.

Upsides

Microsoft's acquisition could provide resources for innovation and expansion.
Cloud gaming services offer a broader audience without high-end hardware needs.
Augmented reality gaming experiences present new opportunities for franchise expansion.

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