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Blizzard Entertainment is seeking an enthusiastic shader development expert / software engineer to join the Cinematics team. This position reports directly to the technology team but will interface equally with the artists in helping to create animated computer generated (CG) cinematics for all development teams. We are seeking team members who are passionate about developing shaders that deliver new, cutting edge looks for our cinematics with state-of-the-art industry technology.

Our diverse productions leverage multiple renderers ranging from offline renderers including RenderMan and Redshift to real-time proprietary game engines. Our small team of shader writers architect and implement shaders and look development workflows using lighting tool and renderer APIs, OSL, GLSL, and Python. They work with relevant department and technology leads to develop artist friendly and efficient shader pipelines. This position will be responsible for achieving the creative look required by each project’s art direction, while delivering technology that is efficient and easy to use. There will be is an equal emphasis placed on the artistic and technological requirements of each project.

They will work closely with supervisors, TDs, and artists to ensure our ability to hit artistic targets and produce the highest quality images.

Ideally this position will work onsite in our Irvine Offices, however we are open to Remote workers.

Requirements

  • Strong knowledge of current shading and rendering technologies

  • Strong knowledge of physically based lighting and rendering techniques

  • Expert level experience with a shading language/shader API (Prman, Redshift, Arnold, Mantra, etc)

  • Expert level experience with a shading language such as OSL, GLSL, HLSL

  • Fluent in Python and C / C++

  • In depth knowledge of CG / VFX pipeline construction

  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience, and a proven track record of VFX / CG shader development

  • Strong working knowledge of Katana

  • Strong debugging skills

  • Passion for creating cutting edge looks using custom technology

  • Strong communicator and extremely resourceful

  • Ability to promote consensus among teams

Highly Desirable Qualifications

  • Katana production look development experience, scripting, and API knowledge

  • Experience with volumetric shading and rendering in RenderMan

  • Redshift production experience

  • Experience with programming in lua

  • Degree in Computer Science, Engineering or Applied Mathematics equivalent

Submission / Portfolio Requirements

  • Resume (PDF of your resume please!)

  • Cover letter

  • Demo / sample

COVID-19 Hiring Update: We’ve transitioned to a work-from-home model and we’re continuing to interview and hire during this time. This role is expected to begin as a remote position. We understand each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore possible interim options. We anticipate returning to the Office at some point and will expect this role to work inside our Irvine Offices when that time comes.

Blizzard Entertainment is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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