Unreal Engine Artist, CNN Design

This is a Full Time Job

The Sr New Media Designer/Unreal Engine Artist position is a subject matter expert at creating stunning visuals and effects within Unreal Engine.

This position will focus on the visual artist role of our XR Team, defining the vision and setting high quality standards for CNN's Unreal offerings. The ideal candidate is passionate about making spectacular, jaw-droppingly realistic designs in Unreal Engine; relentlessly optimizing to get the best quality in a real-time production environment.

You have a rich 3D modeling and VFX background, adept at integrating elements from traditional 3D programs, Adobe products, and third-party products. You thrive in team environments and are comfortable working with Creative Directors, Technical Artists, and clients to create groundbreaking mixed reality storytelling tools.

Your Role Accountabilities:

• The Sr New Media Designer/Unreal Engine Artist will be expected to play a hands-on production role developing 3D elements, motion graphics, environmental and particle effects for the Unreal Engine. He/she will be an expert in creation for Unreal Engine and efficiently utilizing collateral 2D/3D design applications to integrate into Unreal Engine. The ideal candidate is well versed with 3D Modeling and texturing in traditional programs and experienced at optimizing assets for real-time use.

• Sr New Media Designer/Unreal Engine Artist is part of a unique and specialized unit within the CNN Design Team; partnering with Creative Directors, Technical Artists, Broadcast Production teams and clients to define the vision and execution of CNN's mixed reality experiences. You have a keen sense of how each Team contributes to the success of the visual product, sets a high bar for excellence and inspires these traits in others.

• You will be a leading voice on the CNN Design Team for all things related to the Unreal Engine design pipeline. Sr New Media Designer/Unreal Engine Artist are well-versed with the newest industry trends and techniques and apply new-found knowledge to current work. You will be a leader in implementing this knowledge base to the Design group and XR Team for all to utilize.

• The Sr New Media Designer/Unreal Engine Artist is relentless about quality control and optimization. You will assist other team members in keeping the product technically sound for real-time playback and will provide consultation when required. Comfortable guiding other 3D modelers on best practices for Unreal Engine.

• It is crucial that the Sr New Media Designer/Unreal Engine Artist has excellent communication and collaborative skills. You will be expected to develop effective creative working relationships with our partners and co-workers both internal and external. Setting expectations during pre-production and production, generating comps and proof of concepts, as well as follow-up to projects is key to developing and maintaining these relationships.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 3+ years experience working professionally with Unreal Engine in gaming, broadcast or VFX capacity. Experience developing and optimizing for real-time production environments.

• 3+ years experience working professionally as a 3D artist, with a rich background in 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, particles and motion design.

• Portfolio Reel required. Demonstrated ability at producing world-class design aesthetic in color/material choices, composition, motion and producing realism. Demonstrated ability of bridging traditional 3D workflows with Unreal Engine in a real-time capacity. Must be prepared to highlight case studies and discuss individual role on projects.

• Degree from accredited art program with emphasis in game development, 3d animation, VFX, or equivalent work experience.

• Expert level in Unreal Engine, Cinema 4D, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects)

• Ability to collaborate with Technical Artists including firm understanding of using Blueprints and C++ scripting to unlock full potential of Unreal.

• Displays outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with other teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent computer, organizational skills required. Ability and willingness to follow defined file management and prescribed organizational workflow processes.

• Embraces working in a diverse, collaborative environment and is willing to train and assist other designers on various levels. Actively contribute to the overall positive and creative atmosphere of the department.

• Excellent time management and multitasking skills.