Senior/Expert Technical Artist - Characters (Game Development)

TL;DR

Senior/Expert Technical Artist - Characters (Game Development): Contributing to the visual and technical development of characters within an ambitious AAA universe with an accent on defining final character looks, designing robust technical solutions, and developing tools/pipelines. Focus on engine integration, real-time performance tuning, advanced shading features, and workflow optimizations for next-generation games.

Location: Office-based in Paris, France

Company

hirify.global is a global leader in gaming, creating original and memorable gaming experiences with teams worldwide, and its pioneering Paris studio is the largest in France, working on major titles and unannounced projects.

What you will do

• Contribute to all aspects of technical character setup, including engine integration and real-time performance tuning.
• Design, write, and maintain character shaders for various effects (skin, fabrics, wetness, dirt).
• Develop and evolve advanced shading features and rendering effects aligned with artistic direction.
• Actively participate in the development of tools and pipelines for character creation, focusing on stability and efficiency.
• Identify and propose workflow optimizations to enhance character pipeline productivity.
• Collaborate closely with programmers, animators, character artists, and other Technical Artists.
• Support content teams in debugging technical issues related to tools, assets, or performance.
• Document and maintain clean, scalable technical solutions and code for long-term sustainability.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in creating, integrating, and optimizing 3D characters within a game engine.
• Excellent command of real-time shaders and rendering principles applied to characters.
• Strong Python scripting skills, particularly for Houdini, Maya, or 3ds Max.
• Solid understanding of character art pipelines and their technical constraints.
• Proficiency with Substance Designer, Substance Painter, Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender.
• Proven experience in character rigging, including close collaboration with animation and deformation systems.
• Ability to analyze, solve, and debug complex technical problems autonomously.
• A strong artistic sensibility and keen attention to visual quality and final polish.
• Excellent communication skills, with a collaborative and proactive mindset.

Nice to have

• Additional experience or knowledge of Houdini and ZBrush.

Culture & Benefits

• Access to an internal e-learning platform for skill development.
• Opportunity to borrow latest hirify.global titles, competitor games, consoles, and board games from the game library.
• Discounts on various shows, movie theaters, concerts, gyms, and amusement parks through the Works Council (CSE).
• Defined career and development plan with clear objectives after one year.
• Access to various clubs (choir, yoga, tennis, lightsaber fencing) or the option to create your own.
• Enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch break with access to an on-site gym or bikes for rides in Bois de Vincennes.
• Opportunities to participate in organized surf/yoga or ski weekends.
• Access to internal clearance sales for hirify.global goodies and games.

Hiring process

• Phone interview with a Talent Acquisition Specialist (~30 minutes).
• Video interview with the Character Director (~1 hour).
• Video interview with two other team members (~1 hour).