Material Artist (12 month contract)

Job Title: Senior Materials Artist (12 month contract) 
Location: Surrey Region (Hybrid - One day per week ideally, flexible options available)
Contract Type: 12-month Fixed-Term Contract

Overview:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a talented Senior Materials Artist to join a renowned, award-winning game development studio that’s part of the PlayStation Studios family. Known for creating innovative and critically acclaimed games, this studio is now developing its next ambitious, stylized project. As a Senior Materials Artist, you’ll play a crucial role in bringing this project to life by creating high-quality, visually appealing materials that meet the unique aesthetic of the game.

Key Responsibilities:

• Material Creation: Use procedural techniques to develop complex and editable materials that align with the project’s stylized art direction. Create custom generators, smart materials, and brushes in Substance Designer to be used across the team.
• Pipeline Management: Build and maintain a streamlined materials pipeline, optimizing assets for performance and compatibility within the game engine.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the art team to ensure that materials are consistent with the game’s artistic vision and meet high-quality standards. Provide feedback and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to improve workflows and ensure efficient production.
• Tool Development: Develop custom tools in Substance Designer and create a seamless pipeline for exporting to other tools, enhancing team productivity.
• Documentation and Training: Produce documentation, tutorials, and training materials to share with the wider team, supporting best practices and knowledge sharing.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience: At least one full game production cycle in a similar role, with a portfolio showcasing a wide range of material styles and high-quality textures.
• Technical Skills: Extensive experience with Substance Designer and Substance Painter, with a strong understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) techniques.
• 3D Authoring: Proficiency with 3D authoring software, particularly Blender, for material creation and implementation.
• Attention to Detail: Excellent observational skills, with the ability to translate references into complex and visually engaging materials.
• Communication: Strong communication skills, with the ability to give and receive constructive feedback effectively. Experience working collaboratively within a cross-functional team is essential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of stylized materials and a demonstrated ability to work within unique, artistic styles.
• Experience creating procedural materials that are adaptable and optimized for use in real-time game engines.
• Familiarity with AAA game development pipelines and asset optimization best practices.

Other Considerations:

• Work Setup: This role is hybrid, with the expectation of being in the studio one day per week or at least once a month.
• Contract Structure: Candidates should be prepared to work as a limited company or sole trader throughout the contract.