Principal Technical Artist

Who We Are

2K is headquartered in Novato, California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). 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 responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms, include Visual Concepts, Firaxis, Hangar 13, CatDaddy, Cloud Chamber, 31st Union, HB Studios, and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan, building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 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, thinkers and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K,  renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises, TopSpin 2K25, as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K

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 encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions, even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role.  If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K, we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

A visionary architect and problem-solver to drive R&D pipelines across all art disciplines. You will partner with Engineers to design and scale user-friendly tools that reduce iteration time and eliminate creative friction, enabling artists to achieve next-gen fidelity with unprecedented speed.

What You'll Do

• Lead Pipeline Innovation: Design R&D tools for automated character rigging, environment world-building, and volumetric VFX.
• Optimize & Automate: Identify bottlenecks and implement predictive R&D models to eliminate repetitive tasks and maximize developer efficiency.
• Ensure Artistic Control: Design tool UI/UX that prioritizes manual fine-tuning, ensuring outputs meet exacting aesthetic standards.
• Define Aesthetic Targets: Collaborate with Directors to establish the "ground truth" data required to train R&D models.
• Scale & Mentor: Document and share production-ready R&D workflows across the broader 2K studio community.

What Will Make You a Great Fit

• AAA Pedigree: Shipped at least one AAA title as a Principal or Senior Technical Artist (UE5 and Console experience preferred).
• R&D/ML Expertise: Hands-on experience applying Machine Learning or Generative Systems to 3D content.
• Deep Technical Knowledge: Expert-level mastery of Unreal Engine’s rendering architecture, shaders, and materials.
• Pipeline Mastery: Proficiency in Python for tool development and experience in procedural or character pipelines.
• Innovation Focused: A passion for replacing legacy workflows with scalable, R&D-driven solutions.

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 reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $154,400 and $220,000 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.