Character 3D Artist Mid Snr Lead - Unreal Engine Mocap Virtual Production Gaming
Online Gaming, Broadcast, Cinematics, Virtual Production
Currently operating in stealth mode
Prahran studio for Artists & Clayton Mocap studio
Full-time permanent long-term hires (not contract or short term)
Hybrid mix 3 days onsite, 2 days work from home.
Salaries negotiable on experience
Australian & NZ candidates only.
Small but growing team so opportunity for advancement.
3D iGaming studio powered by Unreal Engine (UE), redefining what is possible in digital entertainment based in Melbourne, Australia. Crafting fully immersive 3D worlds that transform classic gaming experiences and pioneer entirely new genres like racing, action-adventure, and combat games and with access to major household franchises such as Netflix, Warner Bros, FIFA, Universal Studios, and many others, bringing iconic characters and stories to life in new and innovative ways.
Character 3D Artist Mid or Lead - $90,000 – $110,000 AUD per annum (Super inclusive) for mid, $120K+ for Lead
Position Overview
As a 3D Character Artist, you will work at the intersection of concept, art, and technology. You will be responsible for building and maintaining character asset pipelines from concept through to final integration in Unreal Engine 5. This includes modeling, sculpting, UVs, and materials, and working with our Technical Artists and Frontend Devs for rigging, skinning, UE integration, and real-time mocap implementation. You will collaborate with character concept artists, Unreal developers, and mocap supervisors to ensure characters meet the technical and artistic goals of our games.
For the Lead Character Artist role, you will also supervise two other character artists, allocate tasks, mentor & provide feedback as well as hands-on 3D art.
Key Responsibilities
- Model, retopologize, and UV map high-quality characters, clothing, and accessories.
- Sculpt high-poly cinematic models and create optimized game-ready assets.
- Develop PBR textures, shaders, materials, and FX relevant for real-time rendering.
- Improve and adapt existing assets to match evolving quality and style targets.
- Set up efficient pipelines for stylized and realistic characters, ensuring clean topology and engine optimization.
- Identify and resolve performance, compatibility, and quality issues across the character pipeline.
- Collaborate with the Concept Art Lead to accurately translate designs into 3D.
- Work with the Character Technical Artist to ensure rig readiness and leverage UE5 tools (Control Rig, MetaHumans, Blueprints).
- Work directly with Unreal Engine 5 developers to ensure seamless integration of character assets into runtime environments and correct material / shader setup.
- Oversee external vendors to maintain internal quality and style standards.
- Mentor junior artists and document pipeline best practices within the broader team.
Skills and Experience Required
- 5+ years experience in a Character Art or equivalent role in game development.
- Expert in high-poly sculpting (ZBrush), retopology, PBR workflows (Substance Painter/Designer), and UV mapping.
- Advanced understanding of the end-to-end character pipeline (concept, modeling, rigging, skinning, shading, integration, physics, etc.).
- Expert proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 and related character tools.
- Expert-level skills in DCCs like Maya, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Adobe Photoshop, etc.
- Understanding of physics systems for cloth, hair, and soft bodies in real-time environments.
- Outstanding problem-solving skills regarding creative, technical, and production issues, while keeping a professional, calm, and composed demeanor.
- Understanding of anime, stylized, and realistic character productions.
- Knowledge of LODs, poly budgets, texture memory, and deformation for rigging/animation.
- Robust eye for anatomy, form, proportions, and silhouette.
- Passion for character design, storytelling, and game development.
Preferred:
- Experience with animals and monster production.
- Experience with hard-surface modeling (vehicles, props, etc.).
- Experience with Marvelous Designer or cloth simulation workflows.
- Previous work on live service or igaming titles.
Qualifications
- No formal degree required, but practical experience is essential.
- Certifications in Game Development and/or Virtual Production are highly valued.
- Must submit a professional portfolio with examples of character breakdowns, process, and style examples.
- Demonstrated ownership of shipped projects or systems highly regarded.
- Directly report to Creative Director.
- Full-time, hybrid-based role located in Melbourne, Australia.
- This position can be remote for the first 6 months, with mandatory relocation to Melbourne, Australia after the probation period.
- 38-hour work week, Monday through Friday.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
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📌 Character 3D Artist Mid Snr Lead -Unreal Engine Mocap VIrtual Production Gaming - Australian & [...]
🏢 Conkerberry
📍 Melbourne