Lead 3D Character Artist

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is looking for a Lead 3d Character Artist to become a creative force behind character creation for Project Sirius -  an original video game combining beloved aspects of The Witcher world with immersive multiplayer gameplay.

You will oversee the modeling, texturing, and implementation of characters while leading a team of creatives. Leveraging your expertise in character artistry and Unreal Engine, you will collaborate with the art director, animators, and designers to ensure characters align with the project’s artistic vision and gameplay needs. 

The person in this role will report to the Art Director for project Sirius. 

This position will require remote cooperation with Sirius team based in Boston office (from any location that is within 3 hours away of the UTC +2 time zone). 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Management

• Build and lead the Character Art team to deliver high-quality, stylized character assets.
• Act as the direct manager for team members, conducting reviews, mentoring, and helping them achieve personal and professional growth.
• Cultivate a positive, collaborative team culture aligned with the company’s values and goals.
• Partner with the Production department to establish plans and ensure timely delivery of work.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring for the team.

Artistic Vision & Execution

• Collaborate closely with the Art Director to maintain the game’s artistic consistency and ensure the characters align with the core vision.
• Participate in creating concepts and plans for unique, game-defining character designs.
• Oversee and deliver the final polish of character assets, ensuring seamless integration into the game engine.
• Partner with Animators, Tech Animators, and Tech Artists to ensure character models are ready for dynamic performance.
• Work with Graphics Coders and Tech Artists to utilize and develop groundbreaking techniques.

Pipeline Development & Technical Problem Solving

• Investigate, develop, and refine workflows for character modeling, texturing, and material creation in collaboration with the Tech Art team.
• Ensure optimized performance by understanding and addressing trade-offs in assets and technologies.
• Actively participate in solving technical and aesthetic challenges related to character creation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in the video games industry, including at least one shipped AAA title.
• Proven experience as a Lead Character Artist.
• Experience with stylized character art and maintaining visual consistency.
• Proficiency in modeling tools (3ds Max, Maya, Blender, etc.), sculpting tools (ZBrush, etc.), and PBR texturing software (Substance Painter/Designer, Photoshop, etc.).
• Expertise in Unreal Engine 4/5.
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, form, proportions, clothing, and material design.
• Solid understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) workflows.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Curiosity, kindness, initiative, and a positive and professional can-do attitude.

NICE TO HAVE

• Knowledge of procedural content creation tools (e.g., Marvelous Designer, Houdini).
• Strong traditional art foundation and a keen eye for detail.
• Understanding of rigging and skinning processes, as well as facial animation setups.

Additional Information

Artists should include portfolio to their application. 

For this role you can choose between a remote-first or office-first working mode.

Health & Well-being

• Company paid medical healthcare (dental vision & mental).
• Paid Leave — 20 days of holiday for every team member per year (26 days after two years).
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.
• 401K with employer matching.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement.

Perks & Professional Growth

• Flexible working hours.
• Trainings, lectures and courses — internal workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• Merch — gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!
• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.

Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.

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