Technical Art Graduate Program – (Novato)

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, 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 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, problem solvers, and doers, are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K, Battleborn, BioShock, Borderlands, PGA TOUR 2K, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization, 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.

What is Technical Art?

Technical Art is the critical bridge between art and code. As a Technical Artist, you'll build robust tools and pipelines that help artists work faster and smarter within game engines. You'll be a creative problem solver with both artistic and technical expertise.

Program Overview

This 21-month intensive program (July 2026 – March 2028) combines structured learning with hands-on studio experience:

• Months 1-3: Core training in scripting, shader development, and art pipeline optimization
• Months 4-21: Three studio rotations working directly on 2K's AAA game titles with partners including Hangar 13, HB Studios, Visual Concepts, Firaxis, and Gearbox

You'll work from either our Novato, California or Dublin, Ireland offices, with potential opportunities to visit other studios during your rotations.

What You'll Do

Core Training (Months 1-3)

• Master essential technical art skills using industry tools (Unreal Engine, Maya, Houdini)
• Complete instructor-led projects with professional guidance
• Develop soft skills for seamless studio transition

Studio Rotation 1 (Months 4-9): Into the Mix

• Actively contribute to live game development
• Implement complex shaders, visual effects, and pipeline tools
• Apply core training skills in a fast-paced studio environment

Studio Rotations 2 & 3 (Months 10-21): Career Acceleration

• Expand expertise across multiple studios and specializations
• Gain experience on cutting-edge AAA titles
• Build a diverse portfolio of technical art achievements

What We're Looking For

Education & Technical Skills:

• 2:1 or above (or equivalent) Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Technical Art, Game Development, Computer Graphics, Computer Science, 3D Art, or related field
• Proficiency in 3D software (Maya) with understanding of asset pipelines, rigging, animation, or modeling
• Basic scripting/programming skills (Python, C++, or C#)
• Familiarity with HLSL language
• Experience with game engines (Unreal Engine or Unity preferred) including material/shader creation, lighting, or real-time asset optimization

Personal Qualities:

• Excellent attention to detail
• Proactive mindset and quick learner
• Confident tackling new challenges
• Passion and curiosity for game development
• Understanding of art and technical constraints in game development

Recent Graduates: Applicants who graduated within 2 years of July 2026 are encouraged to apply.

Note: We encourage ALL applicants to apply even if you don't meet every requirement. Your passion and potential matter!

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive salary 
• Private medical and dental insurance
• Pension scheme
• Monthly fitness allowance
• Work phone
• Wellness schemes and additional benefits

How to Apply

Applications Open: December 2025
Applications Reviewed: Rolling basis

Submit your application with:

• Resume/CV
• Full academic history
• Portfolio, GitHub, ArtStation, or other links showcasing your work

The pay range for this position in Novato, California at the start of employment is expected to be between $71,400 and $105,660 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.

#LI-Onsite

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, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need a reasonable accommodation.

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