Senior Technical Artist

Who We Are

At Cast Iron Games, we build technically ambitious games in a calm, focused environment, where every team member has a voice. Based in Tileyard North, we collaborate with high quality partners on high-quality projects, guided by clarity, consistency, and mutual respect.

We’re a young and growing studio, but our team is made up of experienced developers who’ve worked across AAA and independent titles. Together, we’re building a supportive, balanced environment where great work happens without crunch.

The Role

As a Senior Technical Artist, you’ll develop new and existing pipelines, tools, and workflows that keep our art teams moving smoothly. You’ll help ensure our games not only look great but run efficiently across platforms, balancing visual ambition with technical performance.

You’ll collaborate closely with engineers, solving complex problems, optimising content, and empowering the team to create beautiful, technically sound results. This is a hands-on, problem-solving role where curiosity, clarity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration really matter.

Responsibilities

• Develop, update and maintain the technical pipelines, tools and workflows for artists and projects across the studio; from specification through implementation to ongoing support.
• Identify and create methods to improve art pipelines and visual quality.
• Profile and implement solutions for improving performance and optimization of art assets without compromising artistic vision or performance budgets.
• Proactively identify new technologies and techniques that will improve the game
• Create detailed, easy to read documentation of toolsets and workflows that the team can rely on.
• Support the Art, Engineering and Design Teams, helping to resolve technical difficulties.
• Mentor team members, instil and promote best practices across pipeline and toolchain.
• Oversee the implementation of new techniques.
• Willing and able to take on responsibilities outside of core specialism in line with the needs of the studio requirements.

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• Significant experience as a Technical Artist or similar role, with at least one shipped console or PC title.
• Strong understanding of current and next-gen art pipelines and optimisation techniques.
• Skilled in Python and/or C# scripting, particularly for DCC tools like Maya or Substance.
• Solid knowledge of Unreal Engine (materials, Blueprints) or Unity toolchains.
• Experience with shader development (HLSL), PBR materials, and performance profiling.
• Familiarity with lighting, VFX, and post-processing workflows.
• Strong communication skills — able to translate technical needs for non-technical teammates.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset — always looking for better, cleaner ways to achieve results.

Bonus Points

• Experience optimising for multiple platforms (e.g. PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC).
• Experience working within or alongside Agile production workflows.
• A portfolio or breakdowns demonstrating your technical artistry (tools, shaders, pipelines, or optimisation work).
• Interest in mentoring others and improving cross-discipline collaboration.

Why Cast Iron Games

• A respectful, experienced team who care about the work and each other.
• Meaningful ownership over your craft — from tools to pipelines and in-game performance.
• Located in Tileyard North, alongside musicians, artists, and other creative studios.
• Competitive salary, flexible hours, and ongoing professional development support.
• No crunch. No egos. Just focused, collaborative game development.

What to Expect/Key Benefits

• Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am
• 35-hour work week with flexible 1-hour lunch break
• 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• 1 day off for your birthday and 1 day off if you’re moving house
• Additional leave increases with length of service (up to +8 days)
• Up to 8 discretionary days off during the end-of-year break
• Performance bonus potential
• Free breakfast, hot drinks, fruit, and team lunches
• £2,000 referral bonus
• Group Life Assurance, Income Protection, and Critical Illness CoverCycle to Work, EV & Hybrid Car, and Tech Purchase schemes
• Private Medical Insurance and Healthcare Cash Plan
• Reward Gateway discounts across 900+ retailers
• Employee Assistance Programme, Virtual GP, and wellbeing initiatives
• Located within a creative community hub — with no crunch and no nonsense.