Senior Graphics Engineer

Spark is looking for a Senior Graphics Engineer to join us in making a breakout hit, based on the established console franchise Ninja Gaiden, called Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z. This is an opportunity for you to have a hand in creating a bold new take on 3rd person action slasher with horror elements. With input from team engineers, artists, designers, the Senior Graphics Engineer will implement cutting edge graphics technology within the Unreal 3 engine, as well as ensure proper usage of the graphics pipeline throughout production.

Responsibilities

• Implement innovative graphics technology within the Unreal 3 engine framework, consulting with team engineers and content creators.
• Work with the content team to ensure proper usage of the graphics pipeline. Provide analysis and optimization solution for performance bottlenecks.
• Provide technical expertise and keep up to date with latest changes in regards to Unreal Engine 3 graphics rendering.
• Keep abreast of the latest graphics technology and techniques and provide usability/feasibility analysis for the project's graphics requirement.
• Write well architected, robust and maintainable code that meet the coding standards for all platforms with an eye towards usability for multiple games.
• Maintain code performance through profiling and optimization.
• Participate in the development of core disciplines (gameplay, UI, AI, graphics, etc).
• Contribute innovative and original ideas towards all aspects of game production and development.
• Provide user support in all aspects of the engine and its tools.
• Willingness to assist in all areas of game development.
• Work collaboratively with all levels of the development team, including active participation in Spark’s agile-development process. Cultivate a positive team dynamic, and exhibit a professional attitude by demonstrating a good balance between creativity and practical flexibility.

Requirements

• 4+ years industry experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Relevant published game credits.
• C/C++ proficiency and design skills.
• Strong understanding of 3D graphics principles, techniques, and hardware.
• Experience writing shaders (HLSL/Cg) with strong understanding of low level shader architecture.
• Must be comfortable working within, and enhancing, an established code framework.
• Experience with memory management, multi-threading, cross-platform development and a working knowledge of 3D math.
• Ability to openly discuss and review technical proposals, requirements, designs, algorithms, source code, and reference documents with engineers, content creators and managers.
• Creative, focused, results-oriented, self-motivated, resourceful problem-solver with excellent debugging and strong communications skills.
• Excellent communication, time-management and organizational skills. A strong ability to work across multiple disciplines to gather feedback and address cross-functional issues. Penchant for practical innovation and the ability to bring new ideas to the table.
• Passionate player of games with an ability to analyze competitive products for their strengths and weaknesses. Broad knowledge of titles and mechanics.

Preferred Skills

• Senior-level Graphics Engineer experience on a current generation product strongly preferred.
• Unreal Engine 3 experience or similar experience strongly preferred (i.e. maintaining/extending an existing graphics Renderer).
• Designed and implemented (or maintained) a full featured Renderer for a published AAA game.
• PC (DirectX 9 & 11), Xbox360, PS3 , Wii development experience.
• Strong understanding of PS3 hardware architecture with low level programming experience, especially with SPU programming and SPURS job.
• Agile development methodologies experience strongly preferred (SCRUM, RUP, XP, etc.).

• Applicants must be able to work at our Sherman Oaks, California studios.
• Email only. No visits or phone calls, please.
• The Subject line of your email must reference the job title and your name, like this: Senior Graphics Engineer: Last name, First name
• Include your resume 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 eng-jobc0251@sparkunlimited.com

Download Spark Non-Disclosure Agreement