Lead Technical Artist

Company Description

The Molasses Flood is a CD PROJEKT game development studio located in the greater Boston area. We were founded by industry veterans in 2014, and since then have created The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow. We’re currently working on an ambitious and exciting new project set in The Witcher universe. We value every voice on the team, open communication and transparency, and run a studio based on mutual respect and kindness between all members and levels of the team. If this sounds like the type of team you’d like to be a part of, we encourage you to apply.

Job Description

The Molasses Flood is seeking a Lead Technical Artist to bridge the gap between art and technology on our latest project, an ambitious multiplayer game set within the world of The Witcher. In this role, you will oversee the development and optimization of art pipelines, tools, and workflows to ensure the seamless integration of assets into the game engine. Collaborating closely with artists, designers, and engineers, you will troubleshoot complex technical challenges and provide innovative solutions that empower the team to create stunning visuals and optimized performance. Our ideal candidate is a skilled leader, proactive problem solver with a deep understanding of Unreal Engine, a passion for cutting-edge tools and techniques, and a drive to push the boundaries of what's possible in game development.

The person in this role will report to the Art Director. This role may be performed at our office in the greater Boston area per our hybrid work model (relocation assistance is available), OR this role could also be performed remotely within the continental US, according to US East coast core hours. 

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Build and lead the Technical Art team to develop optimized, high-quality visual assets, tools, and pipeline solutions.

• Act as the direct manager for team members, conducting reviews, mentoring, and helping them achieve personal and professional growth.

• Cultivate a positive, collaborative team culture aligned with the company’s values and goals.

• Partner with the Production department to establish plans and ensure timely delivery of work.

• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring for the team.

Technical Vision & Execution

• Collaborate with artists and engineers to create tools, shaders, and workflows that support and enhance the stylized, artistic vision.

• Define and document technical art processes, tools, and best practices.

• Solve complex technical art challenges, ensuring the content creation pipeline is efficient and scalable.

• Work with Graphics Engineers and Artists to utilize and develop groundbreaking techniques.

• Maintain pipelines for asset creation, focusing on character creation, world building, and procedural workflows.

Pipeline Development & Problem Solving

• Lead the development of procedural content generation pipelines.

• Actively participate in solving performance and optimization challenges to ensure seamless gameplay experiences.

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other teams to pursue common goals and ensure smooth handoffs for assets.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in the video games industry, including at least one shipped AAA title.

• Expertise in Unreal Engine 4/5, including Blueprints and shaders.

• Proven experience as a Lead Technical Artist.

• A strong artistic eye with an emphasis on stylized aesthetics.

• Proficiency in procedural content tools such as Houdini, Blender, and Substance Designer.

• Experience crafting shaders and working with materials for expansive cityscapes.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

• Outstanding creativity and strong commitment to project goals.

• Curiosity, kindness, initiative, and a positive and professional can-do attitude.

Nice to Haves:

• Scripting proficiency in languages such as Python.

• Prior experience with AAA titles.

The expected salary range for this position is $140,000.00 to $179,999.00 USD, negotiable. Salary offered will be based upon a number of factors, including but not limited to: skill set, years and quality of experience, and suitability for the role.

Additional Information

What we offer (US hires):

• 100% company paid medical, dental, and vision plans available - for employees and dependents
• 401K with matching
• Company paid long & short term disability plans, and life insurance
• Profit sharing plan
• Unlimited PTO and flexible schedule
• Environmental company paid offset of employees’ carbon footprint via Wren.co
• Positions worked in office are hybrid: M/W/F work from home & T/Th work in office, with lunch provided on the in office days
• Dog friendly office
• Many opportunities for advancement as our team grows and takes on new challenges 

The Molasses Flood is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing and celebrating diverse thoughts and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment at The Molasses Flood is based on ability  – not an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

California Candidates: TMF abides by all policies set forth in the CCPA/CPRA.  For more information, please contact HR or visit the California Privacy Protection Agency website:

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.