Spark Unlimited

Art Tools Programmer

Spark is looking for veteran art tools programmer to create cutting edge tools for a 3rd Person Action/Adventure title in a high-profile science fiction franchise currently in development for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC markets. The Art Tools Programmer will play a key role in establishing and maintaining the production pipelines. The ideal candidate must collaborate with content development teams to bridge technical and artistic challenges throughout production. They should have excellent knowledge of extending Maya as a foundation, and strong foundations in MEL and preferably Python.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with content driven departments to ensure an efficient production based environment.
Specify and develop art production tools that meet artists' needs in order to establish, diagnose and correct content creation pipelines. Maintain pipeline efficiency from art source creation to in-game integration.
Coordinate with art and engineering departments overlap to ensure artists are following the latest best practices.
Identify ways to increase efficiencies in artist workflow and production pipelines. Design user-friendly solutions for a variety of technical challenges.
Keep abreast of latest tools technology and techniques and provide usability/feasibility analysis for the project's tools requirement.
Write well architected, robust, and maintainable code with good coding standards for all platforms with an eye towards usability for multiple games.
Communicate closely with engineers to seek review and input of code design and architecture.
Provide documentation and support of implemented tools that's easily understandable by non-technical personnel.
Be proactive at fixing issues that are discovered.

Requirements

5 or more years in game development.
3 or more console products' experience designing and troubleshooting art pipelines.
3 or more years as a Technical Artist or Engineer in a game company, having shipped at least one next generation console project.

Solid understanding of proper workmanship involved in creating 2D and 3D art for efficiency and aesthetics.
Must be an excellent and positive communicator.
Proficient in Maya with a deep knowledge of MEL script. Python knowledge a plus.
Demonstrated knowledge of good software programming practices.
A passion for well architected, robust, maintainable, and extensible code with good coding standards.
A belief that a well written and architected code saves time.
Must be comfortable working within, and enhancing, an established code framework
Ability to collaborate with engineers and content creators to develop and maintain robust and cutting-edge technology
Creative, focused, results-oriented, self-motivated, resourceful problem-solver with excellent debugging and strong communications skills
A good eye for intuitive user interface design.
Intermediate knowledge of programming software, Visual Studio.net

Preferred Skills

Experience with Unreal Engine 3.
Experience with Character Setup/pipelines.
Experience with world building toolsets.
Expertise in shader scripting knowledge
Experience working with various SQL databases.
Experience with Perforce or other game asset source control system.
Knowledge of AutoDesk FBX importer.
Experience in agile-based/SCRUM development

Applicants must be able to work at our Sherman Oaks, California studios and be authorized to work in the United States.
Email only. No visits or phone calls, please.
The Subject line of your email must reference the job title and your name, like this: Art Tools Programmer: Last name, First name
Include your resume and links to online portfolio as an email attachment, preferably as a PDF or in Word 2003 or later format. Include links to online portfolio if applicable.
Make sure your resume also includes your name, address, phone, and email.
Send email to art-jobA1820@sparkunlimited.com*

*principle applications only. no recruitment firms please.

Please note, all submitted materials will not be returned.

Download Spark Non-Disclosure Agreement