Senior 3D Character Modeller

We are Grinding Gear Games, creators of the award-winning dark fantasy Action RPG Path of Exile. We're a studio of 165 world-class developers based in Auckland, New Zealand and we're currently expanding the Path of Exile 2 development team.

We seek a Senior 3D Character Modeller to help create character and creature models for Path of Exile. 

        Location: On-site in Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand
        *Relocation assistance (for the right candidate if needed)
        Full time position - 40 hours a week

The position includes the following duties:

• Work side-by-side with artists on the character team, under the direction of the Art Director to create the highest quality artwork and maintain artistic consistency and expectations set by the studio
• Collaborate with Lead Character Artist, Character Animator, and Character Rigger to review topology, design, rig feedback, and character goals
• Work with fellow artists to establish and maintain an art pipeline for the character creation process
• Assist with mentorship of other team members within the team
• Coordinate with outsource artists and provide thorough and consistent feedback to our outsource team
• Attend regular team meetings, providing updated status and progress of your deliverables.

Requirements:

We are seeking someone who has:

• 5+ years of professional experience in a Character Artist role.
• Experience with one or more outsource management project in game or film industry
• Solid understanding of topology, materials, textures, proportion, and anatomy + animation and game limitations
• Strong proficiency with Maya, Zbrush, Marvelous Designer, Photoshop, and Substance Painter
• Great communication, organisation and management skills with the ability to help mentor your colleagues
• An ability to identify any risks and issues in the out-source pipeline and proactively seek solutions
• An understanding of game art production process and pipeline and a passion for games
• A strong artistic vision to translate both organic and hard surface characters from concept to game-ready assets
• Solid knowledge of high-poly modelling and digital sculpting, An exceptional understanding of human anatomy, and a strong understanding of form, shape, structure, and silhouette in regard to modelling
• A superior eye for value, colour, and detail in creating textures - combined with a strong understanding of PBR
• An ability to perform under pressure to meet deadlines
• An ability to embrace and provide constructive artistic feedback

We may also need you to complete an art test.

Pluses:

• An avid gamer with a deep understanding of our game, Path of Exile
• Experience working in the game industry highly regarded
• Experience leading and/or mentoring
• Ability to light and render 3D objects
• A traditional arts background and/or a BA/Diploma in Fine Art or 3D/Game Art 
• TD skills

How to apply:
If you meet the above requirements, email us your CV, portfolio and a cover letter to jobs@grindinggear.com with your name + role you are applying for in the subject line.

No phone calls or agencies, please.

Grinding Gear Games
2020  Winner - BAFTA Best Expanding Game
2013  Winner - GameSpot's PC Game of the Year