Animation Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS

Founded in 2015 by industry veterans Andy Kipling and Russell Nelson, we are a Seattle based game developer and co-dev studio who were recently acquired by Keywords Studios in 2023. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive and do their best work in a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment that values them. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and building equity throughout the organization. At Hardsuit Labs, we are respectful and inclusive, we are problem solvers and efficiency champions, we are curious and collaborative, we are flexible and adaptable and most of all we are always looking to deliver excellence in the experiences and products that we craft!

As a studio we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine focused development house, working in a multitude of genres and games, from support work and work for hire to original development. We have long-standing relationships with some of the largest gaming companies in the industry and are a certified developer across all major platforms.

We are seeking a talented and versatile Mid to Senior Technical Artist to bridge the gap between our artistic vision and technical execution. In this role, you will collaborate closely with artists, designers, and engineers to optimize workflows, establish high-quality pipelines, and push the visual boundaries of our projects in Unreal Engine 5.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the 3D art pipeline, a strong grasp of 3D math, and the ability to maintain peak performance across multiple platforms—from high-end AAA environments to optimized mobile devices.

• Pipeline & Workflow Optimization: Define, build, and enforce technical and quality standards for all in-game art assets. Author comprehensive pipeline documentation to guide and support the art team.
• Visual Development & Shaders: Develop advanced, optimized materials via node graphs using 3D/vector math. Create stunning real-time visual effects using Niagara FX.
• Terrain & Procedural Workflows: Author complex, performant landscape and terrain materials (utilizing Runtime Virtual Texturing and layered shader workflows). Implement and leverage procedural generation systems (such as UE5’s PCG framework) to streamline world-building and environment art pipelines.
• Performance & Rendering: Balance cutting-edge UE5 features (Lumen, Nanite) for AAA experiences while ensuring strict performance optimization and calibration for lower-end and mobile platforms.
• Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Act as the primary technical liaison between art, design, and engineering to ensure seamless asset integration and clear communication.

• Artistic Foundation: Strong understanding of lighting, color theory, composition, visual balance, and PBR rendering standards/calibration.
• Software Proficiency: Proven experience authoring high-quality textures using Photoshop and the Substance Suite for games.
• Technical Scripting: Strong knowledge of object-oriented programming (OOP) using UE5 Blueprint scripting, functions, and data-driven systems.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: Detail-oriented with a natural talent for troubleshooting, profiling, and debugging complex technical art issues.
• Autonomy & Communication: Ability to work independently through complex challenges while remaining highly collaborative, approachable, and professional.

Bonus Points (Preferred Qualifications)

• Tooling: Experience designing, developing, and deploying custom toolsets to
• improve artist workflows.
• Automation & UI: Proficiency with Python scripting for DCCs (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) and Unreal Engine, as well as experience with Editor Utility Widgets (EUW) and UMG UI systems.
• Shipped Titles: Track record of delivering results on previously published or shipped game titles.
• Hybrid Experience: Past professional experience working directly as a production artist, game designer, or software engineer.

Job Details

• Job Title: Technical Artist
• Reports to: Studio Art & Animation Director
• Department: Art
• Work Location: Fully Remote
• Employment status: Full Time
• FLSA: Salaried, Exempt
• Benefits: Generous PTO, Health, Dental, & Vision coverage; Healthcare and Daycare FSAs, 401k with company match; Life and Disability insurance, Technology Stipend, Paid Sick leave, commuter benefits, paid company holidays and office closures

This position is currently open to candidates residing in the following U.S. states only:

Arizona (AZ), Connecticut (CT), Florida (FL), lowa (IA), Illinois (IL), Massachusetts (MA), Maine (ME), Michigan (MI), Minnesota (MN), New Hampshire (NH), Nevada (NV), Ohio (OH), Oregon (OR), South Carolina (SC), Tennessee (TN), Texas (TX), Virginia (VA), Wisconsin (WI), Montana (MT), Alabama (AL), Georgia (GA), Indiana (IN), Louisiana (LA), North Carolina (NC), New Jersey (NJ), Oklahoma (OK), Washington (WA), Pennsylvania (PA), Colorado (CO), New York (NY), Nebraska (NE), Kansas (KS), Idaho (ID) and Utah (UT).

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and reside in one of the eligible states listed above.

Salary Range: $66,000 to $95,000 USD

Primary working language: English

ABOUT HARDSUIT LABS

We are an independent game developer founded in 2015 in Seattle, Washington. We believe that great games can only be built with great people and that great people thrive and do their best work in a healthy, collaborative, and positive work environment that values them. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace and building equity throughout the organization. At Hardsuit Labs, we are respectful and inclusive, we are problem solvers and efficiency champions, we are curious and collaborative, we are flexible and adaptable, and most of all, we are always looking to deliver excellence in the experiences and products that we craft!

As a studio, we have built a reputation as an Unreal Engine-focused development house, working in a multitude of genres and games, from support work and engagement for hire to the development of original in-house projects. We have long standing relationships with some of the largest gaming companies in the industry and are certified developers across all major platforms.

Hardsuit Labs is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Hardsuit Labs is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HR@Hardsuitlabs.com

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

By providing your information in this application, you understand that we will collect and process your information in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Notice. For more information, please see our Applicant Privacy Notice at  https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice.

E-Verify Notification

This Organization Participates in E-Verify

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Role Information: EN

Studio: Hardsuit Labs

Location: Americas

Area of Work: Game Development

Service: Create

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Remote