Senior Surfacing / Materials Artist

343 Industries is the developer of the blockbuster Halo series of video games. As part of Xbox Game Studios, the Halo franchise encompasses games, television series, novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. We are looking for new Spartans to join our team to build the next generation of games and experiences in our award-winning sci-fi universe. Do you understand modern console/PC games and have experience with live service games? Do you closely collaborate with teams to drive inspiring, cohesive gameplay experiences? Are you interested in Halo and want to preserve what makes it unique-while brimming with ideas to evolve an experience that millions of players love? If so, the Halo team would love to speak with you about becoming our next Senior Surfacing / Materials Artist.

This role will specialize in creating exceptional quality PBR Shaders, Materials and Texture maps for our Characters, Weapons, Vehicles, Props and Environments. The ideal candidate will have superior eye and execution skills for color, composition, surface and material qualities. Additionally, you will have a deep understanding of lighting and physically based rendering techniques. You are knowledgeable and up to date on modern trends in real time shaders and materials and be well versed in creating texture maps with maximum visual impact that are also highly optimized. Roles at our studio are flexible, and you can work from home up to two days a week in this role.

Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

Help drive the delivery and creation of Best-in-Class Shaders, Materials and Texture maps for real time character, weapons, vehicle and environments.

• Work with a team of talented multi-disciplinary artists, working across a variety of gameplay assets, maps and content.

• Work closely with the Directors and Leads, ensuring that surfacing quality and consistency is maintained across all gameplay content.

• Actively seek out, incorporate, and provide feedback to and from peers, both internal and external

• Proactively identify and advocate for the team's needs

• Help with planning and scheduling to deliver production needs on time

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or Certificate in Design, Fine Arts, Human Computer Interaction, Visual Communications or related art field AND 4+ years' experience in art design or a related art field working on computer games or entertainment

• OR equivalent experience.

• 4+ years of environment or character art production experience for console or PC games.

• 4+ years specializing in the creation real time materials, shaders and textures with an emphasis on tiled materials.

• Shipped at least one game in a senior role, helping to drive art through all phases of development at scale.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Preferred qualifications:

• Shipped at least one game across multiple SKUs (PC, Xbox One/PS4, Xbox Series X/PS5)

• Deep understanding of physically based rendering especially with regards to textures and materials

• Expertise in Substance Designer and Substance Painter

• Highly proficient with industry standard software such as Maya, 3D Studio Max, Zbrush, Blender, and Photoshop

Art IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $112,000 - $218,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $145,800 - $238,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: ~~~

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until May 20, 2024.

#gamingjobs #halo

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (~~~) .