Criticalmass

This role involves supervising the entire 3D production pipeline, from CAD/intake to high-fidelity 3D renders. The role demands expertise in various 3D platforms and in-depth knowledge of Unreal Engine visual development tracks and technical capabilities, enabling production optimization. The Lead 3D Artist must navigate the technical complexities of 3D development and real-time high-end cinematic rendering, necessitating regular collaboration with the creative team, 3D Artists, UE Artists, and UE Developers. Additionally, the role entails conducting technical and quality audits of the 3D production process, focusing on high-end photorealistic renderings.

The primary responsibilities include articulating creative and art direction, overseeing 3D Visual Development, and conducting technical and quality audits throughout the 3D production process. The main objective is supervising and delivering exceptional, photorealistic, high-end cinematic renderings. Collaboration between 3D and Art Directors is crucial for shaping initial concepts and ideas to align with client objectives. This role plays a key part in real-time production sessions.

Please note this is a contract role that runs until 12/31/25 and is not a mechanical engineer or computer science role.

You will:

• Intake and process complex CAD and/or FBX files for final use in Unreal Engine
• Scope and direct 3D ingest efforts when preparing files for Unreal Engine
• Identify and correct geometry and texture mapping issues
• Optimize textures and material attributes to perform in multiple lighting scenarios
• Model, texture and animate elements in Unreal Engine
• Ideate, plan and execute environment templates
• Blueprint complex rigging and animations in Unreal Engine
• Manage complex product and/or environment variations
• Animate and blueprint virtual cameras
• Complete fidelity evaluations in a variety of content publishing platforms
• Perform internal checks on rendered images, animations, and interactive components
• Communicate concise and constructive feedback to 3D artists
• Eliminate technical constraints to achieve goals
• Continuously optimize 3D pipeline
• Direct creative ideation and real-time production sessions with creatives

You have:

• Fluency in English (minimum B2+ reading, writing, and conversation)
• Proficient experience in Unreal Engine 4 (And working experience with Maya, Cinema 4D, SolidWorks, Rhino, or AutoCAD)
• Work with high-end rendering pipelines (Arnold - preferably Redshift)
• Strong knowledge of film, real-time development, and virtual production process
• Proficiency with post-production and VFX pipelines
• In-depth knowledge of the latest 3D and Unreal Engine best practices
• Experience leading teams focused on 3D projects.
• BS in Computer Science or related technical discipline; or equivalent strong experience as Software Development Lead in exact areas of expertise required for CM (Digital Agencies projects, Web development projects, SCRUM/Agile software projects).
• Environments for automotive a plus

Critical Mass is an equal opportunity employer.

The Critical Mass Talent Acquisition team will only communicate from email addresses that use the URLs criticalmass.com and us.greenhouse-mail.io. We will not use apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Google Hangouts for communicating with you. We will never ask you to send us money, technology, or anything else to work for our company. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, please review your local government consumer protections guidance and reach out to them directly.

If U.S. based: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams#avoid

If Canada based: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/consumer-affairs.html

If U.K. based: https://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights

If Costa Rica based: https://www.consumo.go.cr/educacion_consumidor/consejos_practicos.aspx