Spark Unlimited, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned, independent developer based in Sherman Oaks, California, which is located in the southern area of the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Founded in August 2002, Spark develops high-quality, high-impact, multi-platform games. Spark's first game, 'Call of Duty: Finest Hour', was released to critical acclaim and exceptional market success. Spark went on to develop Turning Point and Legendary. Spark is currently developing its next project - a third person action adventure.
Spark Unlimited seeks to provide a home to highly creative, passionate, and self-motivated individuals who excel in a collaborative environment which offers the rewards and responsibilities of personal ownership, for both specific project tasks as well as for the Company in general.
Spark is an equal opportunity employer offering very competitive benefit packages which include: employee ownership stock plan; medical, dental, vision, and life insurances; 401K; Section 125 plans, including premiums and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts; Paid Time Off; Paid holidays; Employee Assistance Program, and core work hours for flexibility.
Spark is looking for an effects artist to design cutting edge content for a third person action game for next-gen consoles. He/she should have a thorough knowledge of the creation of effects within a game environment. The ideal candidate is both an outstanding artist and technically proficient in generating game-useable material. Prior working knowledge of Unreal’s Cascade system is highly desirable.
Responsibilities: • Create impressive in game effects utilizing 3d, 2d, and compositing skills in the unreal engine • Work with the project leads to shape the look and feel of the project • Work with the team to create effects for all departments • Implement effects into the game. • Build efficient particle systems to work within the boundaries of the engine
Requirements: • Comprehensive knowledge of effects and particle systems as demonstrated by a strong portfolio. • Passion for video games and broad knowledge of titles and industry standards. • Ability to paint their own texture maps. • Previous animation experience. • Comprehensive knowledge of shaders. • Shipped at least two games in the past five years as a full time FX artist. • Comprehensive knowledge of Maya and Photoshop. • Ability to provide realistic estimates to perform tasks. • Be proactive at fixing issues that are discovered. • Excellent communication skills are a must.
Preferred Skills: • Comprehensive knowledge of the Unreal Engine and particles systems (Cascade). • Strong traditional art background (B.A. or equivalent degree). • Third person action genre experience. • Experience working in an Agile/Scrum development environment.
How to Apply: • Email only. No visits or phone calls, please. • The Subject line of your email must reference the job title and your name, like this: Effects Artist: Last name, First name • Include your resume as an email attachment, preferably as a PDF or in Word 2003 or later format. • Include links to online portfolio or send demo reel materials to Spark Unlimited, Attn: Animation Dept, 15000 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 202, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403. No drop offs please. • Make sure your resume also includes your name, address, phone, and email. • Send email to resume9artenv@sparkunlimited.com
* Applicants must have a valid USA work permit and be able to work at our Sherman Oaks, California studios.
