Real Time Graphics Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a versatile, highly skilled, and leadership-oriented Real Time Graphic Artist Manager, Sports with significant experience in Sports and Entertainment to join our team. This hybrid "player-coach" role combines the creative mastery of a 3D Generalist and the technical precision of a Vizrt and Unreal Engine Technical Artist with the ability to lead and inspire a team of creators. You will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of high-fidelity visual assets, their implementation into real-time environments, and the management of the artists executing these projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Strategy
• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of real-time artists. Conduct regular 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and career development planning.
• Resource Allocation & Capacity: Work closely with our real-time graphics producers to task assignments using project management tools (e.g., Airtable/Jira).
• Creative Direction & Quality Control: Provide actionable feedback and art direction to ensure all output meets high visual standards. Facilitate adherence to established "best practice" standards for the team regarding real-time constraints.
• Recruitment & Onboarding: Collaborate with Versant's leadership and recruitment teams to assist with technical interviews with new talent. Assist with onboarding and training of new team members.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Project Managers, Developers, and Live Production leadership to translate creative concepts into technical realities.
• Technical Art & Implementation
• High-Fidelity Modeling: Design and build complex 3D models (environments, props, and architectural elements) with a focus on both aesthetic excellence and real-time efficiency.
• Texturing & Shading: Develop sophisticated PBR materials and textures utilizing the Adobe Substance Suite and custom shader development within Unreal Engine and Vizrt.
• Loading & Composition: Create cinematic lighting setups for real-time environments, managing both baked and dynamic lighting solutions to achieve high-end visual impact.
• Vizrt and Unreal Engine Integration: Serve as the primary architect for real-time scenes, ensuring all assets are correctly imported, rigged, and optimized within the engine.
• 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

• Experience: 8+ years of experience in 3D and real-time production, with at least 4 years focused on the sports and entertainment markets.
• Leadership: 1+ years of experience in a lead, supervisory, or mentorship role within a creative studio or production environment.
• Real-Time: Vizrt, Unreal Engine.
• DCC: Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, 3Ds Max, Cinema 4D, related design tools.
• Texturing: Substance Painter/Designer and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Scripting: Advanced scripting knowledge within the Vizrt ecosystem (VB Script, HTML5, JavaScript, TypeScript).
• Rendering: Deep understanding of real-time rendering pipelines and GPU optimization.
• Templating: VB Script, HTML5, Java Script, Type Script.
• Visual Excellence: A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of real-time graphics skills, including self-serve graphics, interactivity, and hyper photorealistic compositions.
• Problem Solving: Exceptional ability to troubleshoot technical hurdles under the pressure of live production timelines.
• Communication: Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and provide constructive, creative critiques to direct reports.
• Planning: Establish project timelines and coordinate rollouts in partnership with Producers, Project Managers, Developers, and Art Directors to ensure aligned execution.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with other real-time broadcast tools (e.g., Ross Xpression, Pixotope, or Zero Density).
• Knowledge of Python or C++ for engine-side customization.
• Experience with version control systems (Perforce, Git).
• Understanding of large-scale display technologies (LED Video Walls, Projection Mapping).