Blizzard Entertainment is seeking an enthusiastic shader development expert / programmer 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) shorts 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 bleeding edge industry technology.

Our primary rendering tool is Renderman, accompanied by our own in house lighting tool.  Our main content authoring packages are Maya and Nuke.  The team also uses Houdini, 3ds Max and a suite of smaller custom tools.   Our principal scripting language is Python, however, our code base includes C, C++, JavaScript / CoffeeScript, and domain specific languages such as MEL and MAXScript.  UI’s are typically done in (PY) QT and / or HTML5.   Platform support is split between Windows and Linux.

The shader development lead will work with a small team to develop amazing, cutting edge shaders to be consumed primarily by our look dev, and lighting / composting departments.  This position will lead their team in researching techniques, developing shaders, and working with TD’s and artists to implement, and support these shaders in production.  They will work with relevant department, and technology leads to develop an artist friendly, efficient shader pipeline.  This position will be responsible in achieving the creative look required by each project’s art direction, while delivering technology that is efficient and easy to use.  There will be an equal emphasis placed on the artistic and technological requirements of each project.  Beyond project specific goals, the shader team lead will be expected to stay abreast of, and ahead of current industry technologies, and practices.

Requirements

• In depth knowledge of Renderman Shading Language and Renderman
  
• In depth knowledge of Arnold renderer
  
• In depth knowledge of VRay renderer
  
• In depth knowledge of CG / VFX pipeline construction
  
• A minimum of 10 years’ of experience, and a proven track record of VFX / CG shader development
  
• Film industry experience
  
• Fluent in Python and C / C++
  
• Strong debugging skills
  
• Passion for creating bleeding edge looks using custom technology
  
• Strong communicator, and extremely resourceful
  
• Able to bring teams together on consensus
  

Applicants must submit (i) a cover letter, (ii) a resume, and (iii) a demo or sample

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliated companies is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer

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