3D Video Game – Technical Artist (Unity, C#, Shaders, VFX) – Volunteer Role

Job Position(s): 3D Video Game – Technical Artist (Unity, C#, Shaders, VFX) - Volunteer Role

 

3D Video Game – Technical Artist (Unity, C#, Shaders, VFX)

The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)

Department: Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)

Location: Remote

Position Type: Volunteer Role

Reports To: Lead Developer / Art Manager / Game Development Leadership

Position Overview

The 3D Technical Artist is responsible for bridging the gap between art and programming by implementing, optimizing, and supporting visual elements within Unity.

This role ensures that art assets, shaders, and visual effects are integrated effectively while maintaining performance and technical quality.

Operating at the intersection of art, engineering, and real-time rendering, this role is critical to delivering visually compelling and technically optimized game experiences.

Key Responsibilities

1. Asset Integration & Implementation
   • Import and integrate 3D assets into Unity
   • Configure materials, lighting, and scene setup
   • Ensure assets function correctly in the engine

1. Shader Development & Optimization
   • Create and modify shaders using:
   • Shader Graph
   • HLSL (as applicable)
   • Optimize shaders for performance and visual quality

1. Visual Effects (VFX) Implementation
   • Create and implement VFX using:
   • Unity VFX Graph
   • Particle systems
   • Ensure effects enhance gameplay and visuals

1. Performance Optimization
   • Optimize rendering performance by:
   • Reducing draw calls
   • Managing textures and materials
   • Improving frame rate
   • Balance visual quality with performance

1. Tool & Pipeline Support
   • Develop or support tools and workflows for artists
   • Improve asset pipelines and integration processes
   • Ensure efficient production workflows

1. Collaboration with Artists & Developers
   • Work with:
   • Artists (asset preparation and optimization)
   • Developers (system integration)
   • Ensure assets meet both artistic and technical requirements

1. Debugging & Issue Resolution
   • Identify and resolve:
   • Rendering issues
   • Shader problems
   • Performance bottlenecks
   • Maintain stability of visual systems

1. Lighting & Rendering Support
   • Assist with lighting setup and optimization
   • Ensure scenes are visually consistent and performant

1. Documentation & Standards
   • Document:
   • Shader setups
   • Asset guidelines
   • Technical workflows
   • Maintain consistency across the project

1. Code & Scripting Support
   • Use C# for:
   • Tooling
   • Visual system support
   • Assist with technical implementation of visual features

1. Problem-Solving & Constraints
   • Adapt visual solutions based on:
   • Technical limitations
   • Performance constraints
   • Balance artistic vision with feasibility

1. Continuous Improvement
   • Stay current with:
   • Unity rendering features
   • Shader techniques
   • VFX tools
   • Improve workflows and visual quality

Volunteer Commitment Expectations

• • Estimated Commitment: 10-15 hours per week
  • Flexible schedule
  • Participation in game development meetings required
  • Fully remote

Minimum Qualifications

• • 2–4 years of experience in:
  • Technical art
  • Game development
  • Real-time rendering
  • Experience with:
  • Unity
  • Shaders and VFX tools
  • Basic scripting experience in C#

Preferred Qualifications

• • Experience with:
  • Shader Graph, VFX Graph, or HLSL
  • 3D asset pipelines and optimization
  • Experience working on game projects (indie or professional)
  • Experience in collaborative or remote teams

Core Competencies

Technical Art & Integration

• • Bridges art and engineering
  • Implements assets effectively

Shaders & VFX

• • Creates and optimizes visual effects
  • Enhances visual quality

Performance Optimization

• • Improves rendering efficiency
  • Maintains performance standards

Problem Solving

• • Resolves visual and technical issues
  • Adapts to constraints

Collaboration

• • Works across art and development teams
  • Aligns visual and technical goals

Attention to Detail

• • Ensures accuracy in visual implementation
  • Maintains consistency

Work Environment

• • Fully remote
  • Collaborative game development environment
  • Technical and creative workflow

Important Disclaimer

This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.

We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.

Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.