Freelance Software Engineer Jobs in Ridgewood, NJ

We are seeking a versatile, highly skilled, and leadership-oriented Freelance Real-Time Graphics Designer with significant experience in media to join our team. This role combines creativity and technical precision while working with Vizrt and Unreal Engine. You will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of high-fidelity visual assets and their implementation into real-time environments. The ideal candidate possesses an eye for visual storytelling and the technical depth to optimize complex scenes for live production.

Responsibilities:

• Vizrt and Unreal Engine Integration: Build real-time scenes in Vizrt Artist. Ensure all assets are correctly imported, rigged, and optimized within the engine, and prescribed architecture is followed.
• Collaborate with producers and broadcast teams to create real environments and work with data driven templates.
• Template scenes for Content Pilot playout and for Viz Trio.
• Troubleshooting of software templates for in game and real time graphics and streaming broadcasts.
• Real-Time Visual Fidelity: Create immersive environments with high-fidelity models, custom PBR shading, and dynamic lighting solutions, ensuring a balance between high-end visual impact and strict performance efficiency within the Vizrt and Unreal Engine ecosystems.
• Blueprinting & Scripting: Build interactive logic and procedural systems using Vizrt scripts and Unreal Engine Blueprints to support live data integration and real-time graphics triggers.
• Optimization & Profiling: Conduct rigorous performance profiling to ensure consistent frame rates (60fps+) for live broadcast and large-scale video wall playback.
• Pipeline Development: Establish and maintain robust workflows between DCC tools (Maya/C4D/Blender) and real-time engines to streamline production.
• R&D: Stay at the forefront of real-time technology, exploring new features (Lumen, Nanite, PCG) to enhance our production capabilities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• 4+ years of experience in 3D and real-time production, with at least 2 years focused on the sports and entertainment markets.
• Proficiency with Real-Time tools: Vizrt, Viz Trio, Viz Director, Unreal Engine.
• Basic scripting knowledge within the Vizrt ecosystem (VB Script, HTML5, JavaScript, TypeScript).
• Experience with DCC tools: Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, 3Ds Max, Cinema 4D, related design tools.
• Experience with texturing: Substance Painter/Designer and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Deep understanding of real-time rendering pipelines and GPU optimization.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of real-time graphics skills, including self-serve graphics, interactivity, and hyper photorealistic compositions.
• Exceptional ability to troubleshoot technical hurdles under the pressure of live production timelines.
• Familiarity with external data providers (SportRadar, Oasis, SMT, MLB Stats API, etc.) a plus.
• Experience with other real-time broadcast tools (e.g., Ross Xpression, Pixotope, or Zero Density) a plus.
• Understanding large-scale display technologies (LED Video Walls, Projection Mapping) a plus.
• Ability to work extended or non-business hours as production requires.
• Must possess excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Prompt and regular attendance at an assigned work location.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Digital Media, Computer Graphics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Position Reports to:

• Sr. Director, Creative Design

Pay Range: $37/hr

As a candidate for this position, your salary and related aspects of compensation will be contingent upon your work experience, education, skills, and any other factors MLB Network considers relevant to the hiring decision. In addition to your salary, MLB Network believes in providing a competitive benefits package for its employees. 

Top MLB Network Perks & Benefits:

• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage 
• Company Contributed 401K Plan 
• Paid Sick Time
• Commuter Benefits
• Discounts at MLB Store | MLBShop.com
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

Why MLB Network?

MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans, with studios located in Secaucus, N.J., just minutes from New York City. Featuring live regular season games, original programming, highlights, insights and analysis from the best in the business, MLB Network produces baseball content for delivery to multiple media platforms. Cutting-edge technology is used to create MLB Network's Emmy Award-winning programming via roles in live studio and remote production, operations, engineering, media management, creative services, social media and others.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please email us at MLBNHR@mlb.com. Requests received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Are you ready to Step Up to the Plate? Apply below!