Lead Character Artist (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Lead Character Artist (Gamedev): Leading and mentoring a team of artists to create high-quality characters and props for international AAA and AA projects with an accent on technical guidance, high-poly sculpting, and real-time optimization. Focus on developing realistic garments in Marvelous Designer, optimizing topology for Unreal Engine, and ensuring seamless integration with rigs.

Location: On-site/Hybrid in Katowice, Poland

Salary: 12 400 - 18 400 PLN gross

Company

hirify.global is a game development studio in Katowice with over 180 specialists focused on creating AAA and AA international projects.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of Character Artists and other digital artists, providing technical and artistic guidance.
• Manage production tasks, distribution, priority-setting, and performance reviews within the Character Art team.
• Model and sculpt characters, organic/hard-surface props, clothing, and accessories.
• Create high-quality realistic garments using Marvelous Designer.
• Develop textures and materials for Unreal Engine while optimizing characters for real-time performance.
• Collaborate with Art Directors, Concept Artists, and Animators to ensure cohesive storytelling.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience as a Lead or Principal Character Artist in AA or AAA game studios.
• Expert-level proficiency in ZBrush and Unreal Engine.
• Advanced proficiency in Substance Painter and foundational knowledge of Marvelous Designer.
• Proven experience in rigging and skinning within established rig frameworks.
• At least one shipped title in a Lead or Character Artist role.
• Communicative English (B2/C1 level).
• Willingness to work from the office in Katowice, Poland.

Nice to have

• Background in Character Design, Concept Art, or Art Direction.
• Traditional fine arts education in painting or sculpture.
• Experience in production planning or task estimation within a character art pipeline.
• Experience with gameplay abilities, perks, or in-engine implementation.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working hours with core hours from 10:00 to 15:00.
• Private health and life insurance.
• Co-financed Multisport card and English lessons.
• No crunch and no non-compete policy.
• Pet-friendly office environment.
• Co-financed participation in conferences and workshops.