Gaming Technical Artist Instructor

Who We Are

Founded in 2005, 2K Games is a global video game company, publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios are responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms. Include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building, and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire millions of players around the world! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including sports, shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, casual, and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers, marketers, artists, writers, data scientists, producers, problem solvers, and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K, BioShock, Borderlands, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, WWE 2K, and XCOM.

At 2K, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment, which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We are dedicated to diversity and inclusion and want our community of candidates to reflect this commitment. We encourage all qualified applicants to explore our global positions. 2K is headquartered in Novato, California, and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

What We Need:

Are you an experienced video game Tech Artist and teacher who is organized, creative, a strong communicator with an interest and ability in mentoring? Do you want to work in a lively, creative and constantly evolving environment? If so, look no further! 

Reporting into the Engineering & Tech Art Senior Manager, the Tech Art Instructor will be primarily responsible for the ongoing training and development of 10 junior Tech Artists who, as part of a Tech Art Graduate Program, will progress through a 21-month rotational program every 6 months.  This program operates out of two base locations (Novato and Dublin).  This program is designed to drive a constant influx of Tech Art talent into the 2K business.

This role will lead the technical training for the program, including being responsible for high-volume technical training, conducting in-depth reviews of each Tech Artists’ performance, providing performance feedback, collaborating with senior leadership in program management, identifying permanent career paths for our graduates, and shaping the annual recruitment process. 

The ideal candidate must thrive in an evolving environment. They must demonstrate inclusive behaviors, creativity, have program management expertise, be results-oriented and metric goal setting with a bias for action.

This is a full-time position. The working hours will require a high degree of coordination between the Novato and Dublin offices, with a significant investment in early working hours (07:00 am as the earliest). Hybrid working arrangements are available, but full-time onsite may be required during some periods (such as graduate orientation weeks). Some international travel will be required.

What You Will Do:

• Partner with our Talent Acquisition team to develop, implement and track creative recruitment strategies and processes to ensure we target and recruit the best candidates and enhance the company's diversity.

• Develop and continuously optimise the training syllabus for the 3-month Tech Art onboarding Training period.

• Support rotation scope to ensure actionable goals are set for each grad at the start of each rotation.

• Manage and proactively report on graduate performance and rotation experience  to ensure a positive rotation experience.

• Mentor graduates by providing timely and effective performance feedback and early career guidance.

• Coordinate and support engaging, high-quality, innovative, and timely development opportunities (training, speakers, events, workshops).

• Build relationships with partner teams, including Studio Partners, to ensure the successful delivery of the program.

• Demonstrate operational excellence.

Who We Think Will Be A Good Fit:

• Familiarity with real-time 3D pipelines and major content creation tools (e.g., Maya, Blender, Substance).

• Experience with Game Engines (e.g. Unreal, Unity, in-house)

• Foundational knowledge of Scripting languages (e.g., Python for tools) and their application in art pipelines.

• Familiarity with performance analysis and debugging tools to diagnose common art performance issues.

• Proven familiarity with 3D math (linear algebra) as it applies to shaders, rigging, and animation.

• Familiarity with various technical art specializations, including VFX, complex material authoring, and advanced rigging.

• Experience in designing, coordinating or executing high-quality technical training for junior Tech Artists.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, capable of breaking down complex technical topics.

• Proven ability to lead, develop and drive training programs from curriculum design to final delivery.

• Effective time management, ability to multitask and prioritize concurrent mentorship and instructional duties.

• Project management experience supporting programs developing early career talent and coordinating multi-month rotation schedules.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passionate video game enthusiast

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a relevant Tech or Art field such as Technical Art, Game Development, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, or 3D Art.

• A desire to stay current with learning and development best pratices to elevate the program experience. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need a reasonable accommodation.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.