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Senior 3D Software Engineer

Columbia, SC

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never-before-seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.  The Nuclear Company (TNC) is at the forefront of America's nuclear renaissance, delivering the abundant, clean, reliable energy necessary for our nation to remain the world's leader. We're not just building nuclear plants – we're revolutionizing how they're built. 

Our Strategic Advantage: Nuclear OS will be built by the team that will use it. No other effort in the industry is embedding its technology staff alongside the engineering, procurement and construction teams responsible for execution. Others attempt to build software from the outside, disconnected from the realities of nuclear deployment. The Nuclear Company is building a system designed from the inside — ensuring Nuclear OS will address the challenges that have stalled nuclear projects for decades.

3D Developer - Unreal Engine & VFX Specialist

About the Role

We are seeking a talented 3D developer with expertise in Unreal Engine to join our creative team. The ideal candidate will combine strong 3D modeling skills with technical proficiency in real-time VFX and particle systems, bringing stunning visual experiences to life in Unreal Engine.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create high-quality 3D models, textures, and materials optimized for real-time rendering in Unreal Engine
  • Develop and implement complex visual effects using Unreal Engine's Niagara particle system
  • Model, texture, and optimize assets in Blender for seamless integration into Unreal Engine pipelines
  • Collaborate with technical artists, designers, and developers to achieve visual and performance targets
  • Design and iterate on particle effects including fire, smoke, magic effects, environmental atmospherics, and stylized FX
  • Maintain organized asset libraries and ensure all work follows technical specifications and performance budgets
  • Troubleshoot and optimize VFX performance without sacrificing visual quality
  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging techniques in real-time rendering and VFX

Required Qualifications

  • professional experience as a 3D Artist in games, film, or interactive media
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating 3D modeling skills and real-time VFX work
  • Proficiency in Blender for 3D modeling, UV mapping, and texturing
  • Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine's Niagara particle system
  • Solid understanding of PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows and material creation
  • Knowledge of optimization techniques for real-time 3D environments
  • Strong sense of timing, motion, color theory, and visual composition
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and accept constructive feedback
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with Substance Painter/Designer for texture creation
  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine's Blueprint visual scripting
  • Knowledge of traditional VFX principles and animation fundamentals
  • Experience with version control systems (Git, Perforce)
  • Understanding of shader development and material graphs in Unreal Engine
  • Background in technical art or pipeline development
  • Experience shipping titles or projects using Unreal Engine

Technical Skills

  • 3D Software: Blender (expert level)
  • Game Engine: Unreal Engine 4/5
  • VFX Systems: Niagara Particle System
  • Texturing Tools: Substance Painter, Photoshop, or equivalent
  • Additional Tools: ZBrush, Marvelous Designer (plus)

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation packages
  • 401k with company match
  • Medical, dental, vision plans
  • Generous vacation policy, plus holidays
  • Annual company retreats

Estimated Starting Salary Range: 

The estimated starting salary range for this role is $126000 - $182000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a semi-monthly basis.  The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement:

The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.  

 

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