Senior Technical Artist (Graphics)

Interested? Let’s talk about what we’re hiring for:

SkyBox Labs is looking for a graphics-focused Senior Technical Artist to join our team on an ambitious AAA co-development project set within a highly anticipated universe.

Working closely with our partner studio, you’ll help develop shaders and materials, optimize rendering performance, and build tools and workflows in Unreal Engine 5. You’ll use your expertise in real-time rendering and GPU profiling to achieve high visual quality while meeting performance targets.

We’re looking for an experienced, proactive technical artist who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, working independently, and collaborating across art and engineering teams to find practical solutions.

This is a hybrid role based at our Burnaby, BC studio, with three days per week in the office.

A snapshot of your role:

• Shaders & Materials: Develop and optimize master materials, custom shaders, and PBR material libraries to support visual quality and performance.
• Rendering Performance: Profile GPU performance, identify rendering bottlenecks, and work with art and engineering teams to improve performance.
• Asset Optimization: Identify and resolve performance issues related to shaders, overdraw, textures, meshes, collision, and UVs.
• Renderer Debugging & Profiling: Utilize GPU profiling tools like Unreal Insights, RenderDoc, or PIX to analyze and optimize render passes, overdraw, and overall performance.
• Tools & Automation: Build tools and scripts using Python and Unreal Engine editor utilities to automate technical workflows and support asset validation.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with rendering engineers, technical directors, and artists to establish material standards, share best practices, and resolve technical challenges.
• Problem-Solving & Ownership: Take ownership of open-ended technical challenges, communicate proactively, and deliver effective solutions that balance visual quality and performance.

Sound like you? This is what we're looking for:

• 7+ years of professional game development experience in technical art, with a focus on real-time graphics, materials, shaders, and rendering performance, including at least one shipped AAA title.
• Unreal Engine & PBR Expertise: Strong knowledge of UE5’s next-gen rendering pipeline including Lumen, Megalights, Grooms, Substrate, Nanite, Virtual Shadow Maps, ISMs, and GPU particle systems.
• Shader Development: Experience creating, debugging, and optimizing custom shaders and complex material networks, with a solid understanding of real-time rendering.
• Performance Profiling: Hands-on experience using tools such as Unreal Insights, RenderDoc, PIX, or GPU vendor profilers to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks.
• Scripting & Automation: Proficiency in Python and experience building editor tools or scripts to automate workflows and validate asset performance.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with artists and engineers, explain technical concepts, and help teams resolve challenges.
• Independent Problem-Solving: A self-motivated approach to tackling open-ended challenges, exploring solutions, and driving work forward with minimal direction.

Nice-to-haves:

• DCC Pipeline Experience: Experience building or improving workflows between Unreal Engine and tools such as Autodesk Maya and Substance Painter/Designer.
• Console Optimization: Experience profiling and optimizing performance for current-generation consoles, including PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.

And here is why we think you'll love working at SkyBox:

• Annual bonus and up to 3% RRSP matching available
• Comprehensive health benefits, along with a supportive Maternity and Parental Leave policy
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements: leverage our beautiful studio spaces as needed and have the ability to work from home on certain projects
• Take care of your mental health with our Employee Assistance Program, 3 weeks of vacation leave, and our free gym at our Burnaby Studio
• We relentlessly support your growth and development! Level up your C++ skills at SkyBox University, explore other disciplines through our Guild Program, and expand your game dev knowledge with Lunch & Learns. You’ll join a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and personal growth.
• Social events! Have fun with the team at trivia nights, karaoke nights, movie nights, and various group activities. Join our soccer team, game jams, or a board game sesh after work. You name it, we’ve got it!
• Get involved with our diverse community through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that champion Diversity, Equity & Inclusion initiatives and promote a supportive environment
• You’ll contribute to industry-leading titles!