Senior Graphics Engineer

Spark is looking for a Senior Graphics Engineer to join us in making a breakout hit based on an established console franchise. This is an opportunity for you to have a hand in creating a bold new take on 3rd Person Action/Horror. 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 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