Sr. Technical Artist, Tools

Come join Nightdive Studios, the developer behind classic games including System Shock Remake, Turok, and The Thing: Remastered. We are looking for talented individuals to grow our team.

Our team is growing. Our backgrounds are diverse, but we share a real passion for all things retro gaming. We believe that if you’re looking for a tight-knit crew that celebrates self-expression and embraces collaboration, we might be a great fit for you. We offer flexible work arrangements and are open to full-time employees based in the U.S., as well as contract opportunities for individuals located internationally.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Tools / Technical Artist to bridge the gap between art and engineering. This role will design and maintain the technical foundation that empowers artists to work faster and more creatively. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable writing Python and C++ scripts as they are experimenting with shaders, asset pipelines, and in-engine implementation. You’ll play a key part in ensuring our games look and feel great, while keeping the art workflow efficient and scalable.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Write tools and scripts in Python and C++ to support and optimize artist workflows, primarily in Blender and Photoshop.
• Maintain and improve the automated asset pipeline, ensuring smooth integration of art assets into the game.
• Bridge the gap between the art and programming teams by implementing features, troubleshooting issues, and delivering technical solutions that empower creativity.
• Work closely with artists, designers, and programmers to support both technical art and gameplay implementation.
• Stay flexible in learning new engines and pipelines as projects evolve.
• Respond well to feedback and iterate quickly on tools and systems to meet the needs of the team.
• Contribute to a collaborative, “indie dev” mindset—comfortable stepping in where needed and helping colleagues succeed.
• Collaborate with other team members and provide timely and constructive criticism to submissions from colleagues.
• Self-motivated and highly adaptable to new workflows and processes while willing to learn new skills and insert themselves into gaps within the team structure. We are looking for that “Indie dev” mindset.
• Responds well to feedback and constructive criticism to their submissions and workflows and willingness to iterate on assets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ego-free, highly motivated, action-oriented, curious learn-it-all with a growth mindset
• Professional experience as a Technical Artist, Tools Engineer, or related role in game development.
• Proficiency with Blender and Photoshop for asset workflows.
• Strong scripting and programming ability in Python and C++.
• Proven track record of developing tools that enhance productivity for art teams.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with both artists and engineers
• Experience with SFX / particle effects creation and optimization.
• Knowledge of animation and rigging workflows.
• Background as a generalist artist, with hands-on understanding of multiple art disciplines.
• Eagerness to learn new technologies and adapt pipelines to project needs.
• Ability to translate between creative and technical perspectives.

REPORT STRUCTURE:

• This role reports directly to Art Director
• Compensation: $60k - $75k depending on experience
• We offer flexible work arrangements and are open to full-time employees based in the U.S., as well as contract opportunities for individuals located internationally.

• Free Video Games: Employees get access to our library of games. Everyone is encouraged to play and enjoy our games on PC or console of their choice (where available).
• Mission-Driven: We’re a team of passionate and creative people, driven by a love for what we do.
• Collaborative Environment: Working at Nightdive is a collaborative, multiplayer experience on a fun and creative team. 
• Level Up Your Skills: As a growing company, no two days are the same. We give our teams the freedom to experiment, challenge themselves, and grow.
• Paid Time Off: We believe in striking a balance between work and play as a core to creating great work. 
• Holiday Closure: We close for a week around the holidays each year to give the team a rest. 
• Prioritizing Diversity: We want our team to be as diverse as the amazing world of video game and retro fans. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Competitive Benefits: 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance.