Character Art Intern (Game Art)

TL;DR

Character Art Intern (Game Art): Contribute to active AAA game development by acquiring essential skills in industry-standard tools and participating in various aspects of the character pipeline with an accent on sculpting, texturing, and engine integration. Focus on polishing existing character assets, providing feedback, and enhancing understanding of advanced game development technology like Unreal Engine.

Location: Hybrid work based out of the Crystal San Carlos studio in San Carlos, CA. Must be able to work onsite for the first 1-2 weeks for onboarding. Legal eligibility to work in the United States is required.

Salary: $21-25 per hour, plus a stipend.

Company

hirify.global is a game development studio with over 30 years of legacy, known for creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider.

What you will do

• Acquire essential skills using industry-standard tools such as Unreal Engine, ZBrush, Maya, and Substance Painter/Designer.
• Participate in various aspects of game development for the character pipeline, including sculpting, in-game mesh, UV layout, texturing, material creation, and engine integration.
• Support mid, senior, and lead artists by polishing existing character assets, providing feedback to vendors, and helping fix issues.
• Enhance your understanding of advanced game development technology, focusing on Unreal Engine.

Requirements

• Enrolled as a college Junior or Senior (graduating Fall/Winter 2025 or Spring 2026).
• Pursuing a degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or related fields.
• Availability to work full-time (40 hrs / week) for the duration of the 12-week program (June 1st – August 21st, 2026).
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• Submission of a complete application that includes a resume, cover letter, and a link to your portfolio.
• Portfolio demonstrating foundational Character Art skills, including understanding of anatomy, proportions, material/texture use, and PBR.

Nice to have

• Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum (e.g., game jams, personal projects).
• Exposure to industry-standard development tools and engines.
• Willingness to tackle challenges, learn from feedback, and adapt to new tools or workflows.

Culture & Benefits

• Meaningful, hands-on work on active AAA projects.
• Professional mentorship from experienced industry professionals.
• Opportunity to expand your skill set and build a solid foundation for your professional journey.
• Collaboration with dedicated onsite and remote teams, including fellow interns.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits package provided for interns.