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Cloud Chamber | Senior Rendering Programmer, Canada

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At Cloud Chamber, we are dedicated to crafting the next entry in the legendary BioShock franchise. Our goal is to create evocative, immersive, and deeply meaningful experiences that resonate with players long after the screen goes dark. We believe that the foundation of a great game is a culture of open collaboration, where every developer is empowered to take ownership and push the boundaries of what is technically possible. We are seeking a Senior Rendering Programmer to join our Montréal studio. This is a rare opportunity to be at the forefront of visual innovation, helping us push Unreal Engine 5 to its absolute limits. You will be a key architect of the visual experience, translating high-level art direction into the cutting-edge shaders, systems, and rendering code that will define the atmosphere of the next BioShock. Job Summary Category Details Company Name Cloud Chamber (A 2K Studio) Position Title Senior Rendering Programmer Location Montréal, Quebec, Canada Project The next BioShock Employment Type Full-time, Permanent Experience Level Senior (5+ Years) Salary Range $120,000 – $165,000 CAD per year (Commensurate with experience & technical expertise) Language Requirements Proficiency in French and English (for Quebec-based candidates) The Role: Engineering the Visual Frontier As a Senior Rendering Programmer, you aren’t just writing code; you are a visual storyteller using the language of mathematics and low-level APIs. You will work in lockstep with our Lead Rendering Programmer, Art Directors, and Technical Artists to bridge the gap between creative concept and real-time performance. Your expertise will be vital in modifying core engine shaders, developing bespoke rendering technologies, and integrating complex third-party solutions. You will be the “go-to” expert for solving rendering-based challenges and ensuring that our game maintains peak performance without compromising its rich, stylized aesthetic. Core Responsibilities 1. Technical Vision & Execution Shader Development: Modify and extend core shaders to achieve the unique visual signature of the BioShock universe. System Architecture: Design and develop new rendering technologies and systems within the Unreal Engine 5 framework. Translation of Art: Take abstract concepts from concept art and Art Direction and translate them into efficient, high-performance rendering code. 2. Optimization & Debugging Performance Profiling: Utilize graphics debugging tools to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks. Visual Fidelity: Debug complex visual issues, ensuring that lighting, shadows, and post-processing effects behave predictably across all supported platforms. Hardware Efficiency: Work with low-level graphics APIs to squeeze every bit of power out of the latest generation of gaming consoles and PC hardware. 3. Tooling & Pipeline Innovation Content Production: Create and maintain tools and efficient pipelines that empower artists to produce high-quality assets with minimal technical friction. Integration: Evaluate and integrate third-party solutions to enhance our rendering capabilities. 4. Leadership & Mentorship Team Growth: Act as a mentor to junior and mid-level programmers, sharing your knowledge of graphics programming best practices and industry trends. Collaborative Problem Solving: Effectively communicate with the Art and Design teams to find performant solutions to creative requests. Skills & Experiences: The Technical Blueprint Professional Background Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline. Industry Tenure: 5+ years of experience in game development or a related field. Track Record: Must have shipped at least one AAA title on Console and/or PC. Seniority: Previous experience in a senior role focused specifically on Graphics or Rendering. Technical Expertise Language Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of C and C++. Math Mastery: Strong foundation in 3D Mathematics (Linear Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry). API Mastery: Deep experience with modern GPUs and low-level graphics APIs (DirectX 12, Vulkan, or platform-specific APIs) on the latest generation of platforms. Engine Knowledge: Strong familiarity with Unreal Engine technology is highly desired, particularly regarding its rendering pipeline. Profiling Tools: Expert use of tools like Pix, RenderDoc, Nsight, or internal engine profilers. The “Bonus” Toolkit Pipeline Exposure: Familiarity with how tools like Houdini, Substance Painter, and Z-Brush interact with a modern graphics pipeline. Who You Are: A Cultural Force Multiplier At Cloud Chamber, we value how you work as much as what you build. A Positive Force: You are a reliable teammate who looks for opportunities to integrate work across disciplines. An Expert Communicator: You can explain complex rendering concepts to a non-technical audience and deliver difficult feedback with empathy. Resilient & Proactive: You are a self-motivated individual who stays effective under pressure and adapts quickly to changing priorities. An Active Listener: You build trust-based relationships and are highly open to feedback and direction. A Technical Owner: You drive your tasks forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization. Why Join Cloud Chamber Montréal? The Studio Culture Cloud Chamber are a “learn through play” studio. We believe that the best innovation happens when teams feel safe to experiment, fail fast, and try again. We push ourselves to be better every day, but we never lose sight of the fact that we are making games for players to enjoy. Life in Montréal Montréal is a global epicenter for game development. Our studio is located in a city that blends European charm with North American innovation. You will be part of a thriving creative ecosystem with access to world-class culture, cuisine, and technology. The Perks & Benefits World-Class Project: Contribute to the return of one of the most prestigious franchises in gaming history. Comprehensive Health Care: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Retirement Planning: Competitive RRSP matching to help you secure your future. Work-Life Integration: Flexible hours and a commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Professional Development: Budget for conferences, courses, and certifications to keep your rendering skills at the cutting edge. Application Process Cloud Chamber want to see your technical artistry. Submit your Resume: Highlighting your AAA shipping experience and specific contributions to rendering systems. Provide Code Samples or Portfolio: If possible, show us your shaders, performance optimizations, or rendering tech demos. Language Check: For candidates in Quebec, please ensure your application demonstrates proficiency in both French and English. Cloud Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, … Read more

Cloud Chamber hiring Senior Character Concept Artist, Canada

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At Cloud Chamber, we are not just making a game; we are continuing a legacy. Our mission is to create BioShock experiences that move people—evocative, immersive, and deeply meaningful stories that resonate long after the credits have finished rolling. We believe that great games are the result of radical collaboration and a culture that empowers artists to do their best work. We are looking for a Senior Character Concept Artist to join our Montréal-based team. In this role, you will be a visionary architect of the “look and feel” of the next BioShock universe. You will be responsible for ideating and defining the stunning, stylized characters that will inhabit our world, pushing the boundaries of visual art direction while ensuring every design serves the narrative and gameplay goals. Job Summary Category Details Company Name Cloud Chamber (A 2K Studio) Position Title Senior Character Concept Artist Location Montréal, Quebec, Canada (Hybrid Options) Project The next BioShock Employment Type Full-time, Permanent Experience Level Senior (5+ Years) Salary Range $95,000 – $135,000 CAD per year (Based on seniority and industry benchmarks) Language Requirements Dual proficiency in French and English What You’ll Do: From Spark to Specification As a Senior artist, your role is a blend of pure creative exploration and technical precision. You are the bridge between a writer’s description and a 3D modeler’s mesh. 1. High-Fidelity Conceptualization You will create detailed, stylized character art concepts that define the visual identity of our world. Your deliverables must provide sufficient clarity and detail to serve as the definitive reference for the Character Art team, ensuring there is no ambiguity during the 3D production phase. 2. Iteration and Visual Problem Solving The BioShock aesthetic is complex and unique. You will: Quickly iterate on detailed line art designs to find the perfect silhouette and costume. Sketch explorative thumbnails in both 2D and 3D to test various proportions and vibes. Create detailed paintovers for 3D visualizations to help the modeling team push the limits of the character’s design in a real-time environment. 3. Narrative and Gameplay Integration Character design at Cloud Chamber is never “just for show.” You will: Partner with the Narrative team to ensure characters reflect the world’s history and themes. Collaborate with the Design team to explore how character silhouettes and proportions impact gameplay pacing and player readability. Storyboard key character interactions or pitches to help the wider team visualize emotional beats and action sequences. 4. Supporting the Pipeline Beyond the character sheet, you will: Assist in creating marketing art and high-end 2D assets for in-game use. Proactively identify visual or pipeline bottlenecks before they affect the production schedule. Continuously propose visual innovations that evolve the Art Direction within the project’s technical constraints. What We’ll Do Together We are champions of progress. At Cloud Chamber, you will work in a constructive environment where Design, Art, Narrative, and Engineering meet. We will bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical limitations by staying current on the latest industry technologies. Together, we will ensure that every environmental and character concept supports the “BioShock feel” while remaining functional for a world-class AAA game. Skills & Experiences: The DNA of our Artists The Essentials Education: A Degree in Fine Art or equivalent professional experience. Industry Tenure: 5+ years of professional experience in game development, with at least one shipped AAA title in a Concept Art role. Anatomical Mastery: Excellent fundamentals in human and animal anatomy, even when applying stylized proportions. Stylistic Versatility: The ability to faithfully recreate popular and commercial art styles from multiple historical eras while innovating fresh, new ideas. Software Proficiency: Expertise in 2D illustration packages, specifically Photoshop and Illustrator. AAA Pipeline Knowledge: A deep understanding of how concept art feeds into the larger production pipeline, specifically for 3D character modeling and rigging. The Bonus Points 3D Skills: Proficiency in 3D modeling packages (Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, etc.) to help block out concepts or create 3D thumbnails. Animation Knowledge: An understanding of how character designs will eventually move and deform. Who You Are: A Force Multiplier We aren’t just looking for a portfolio; we are looking for a teammate. A Solid Communicator: You can articulate complex visual ideas clearly and deliver constructive, empathetic feedback to your peers. A Positive Force: You seek opportunities to integrate your work across disciplines, contributing to a supportive and healthy team environment. Resilient and Adaptable: You maintain high standards of quality even under pressure or when priorities shift in a fast-paced development cycle. An Active Listener: You build trust-based relationships and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence. A Proactive Owner: You drive your tasks forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization. Language & Location Requirements Cloud Chamber Montréal is a multicultural hub. To ensure success: French Proficiency: Required for local collaboration and integration within the Quebec-based studio environment. English Proficiency: Required to effectively collaborate with our partner teams based in the United States and other global offices. Why Join Cloud Chamber? The Project of a Lifetime: Work on one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed franchises in gaming history. Creative Freedom: Join a studio that values “learning through play” and encourages artistic risk-taking. Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, and retirement plans through the 2K network. A Culture of Ownership: Every artist at Cloud Chamber is an owner of the project’s quality and success. The Montréal Life: Work in a city known for its world-class gaming ecosystem, incredible food, and vibrant cultural scene. How to Apply We want to see your vision. Please submit: A Portfolio: Showcasing your stylized character designs, line art iterations, and high-fidelity concept pieces. A Resume: Highlighting your AAA experience and technical skills. A Brief Cover Letter: Telling us why BioShock inspires you and how you contribute to a positive team culture. Cloud Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, or disability status.

Senior Technical Animator at Cloud Chamber, USA

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Cloud Chamber, a premier studio under the 2K (Take-Two Interactive) umbrella, is seeking a “technical wizard” with a keen artistic eye to join our world-class development team in Novato, California. In this role, you will help shape the advanced animation systems and runtime character performance that will define the next entry in the legendary BioShock franchise. We are looking for a Technical Animator who thrives on understanding the “why” behind the “how.” You will collaborate with a passionate group of developers to build scalable technical solutions and animation workflows that support immersive gameplay, ensuring that our richly imagined worlds are both believable and highly performant. Job Overview: Senior Technical Animator Category Details Company Name Cloud Chamber (A 2K / Take-Two Studio) Position Senior Technical Animator Location Novato, California, USA Job Type Full-Time, Regular Employee Primary Project The Next BioShock (Unannounced) Salary Range (Est.) $135,000 – $195,000+ USD Annual Primary Tech Unreal Engine (Anim Blueprints / Motion Matching) Compensation & Salary Benchmarks At Cloud Chamber, we recognize that Novato is a high-cost-of-living area within the San Francisco Bay Area ecosystem. Our compensation reflects the specialized nature of technical animation and the experience required for AAA development. Role Level Experience Estimated Annual Salary (USD) Senior Technical Animator 6 – 10 Years $135,000 – $175,000 Lead / Principal Tech Anim 10+ Years $180,000 – $215,000+ Note: Final offers are based on specific factors including relevant experience, performance, and technical depth. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees are eligible for incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits suite. Role Responsibilities: Engineering High-Fidelity Performance As a Senior Technical Animator, your mission is to bridge the gap between creative ambition and technical reality. 1. Core Implementation & Systems In-Engine Setup: Implement and set up high-quality assets directly within the game engine. Blueprint Architecture: Author and maintain complex Animation Blueprints, State Machines, and Blend Trees. Procedural Systems: Author and maintain procedural animation solutions, including IK (Inverse Kinematics), Cloth physics, Retargeting, and Ragdoll systems. Motion Matching: Tune and troubleshoot Motion Matching locomotion to ensure seamless, believable character movement. 2. Workflow Optimization & Troubleshooting Performance Budgeting: Ensure all animation assets and systems are highly optimized for runtime performance. Pipeline Scripting: Proficiently use Python, MEL, or other scripting languages to streamline workflows and automate repetitive tasks. Technical Support: Act as the primary troubleshoot expert for animation-related issues in both Maya and the game engine. Structure & Organization: Take an active role in the organization and performance of animation systems within the editor to maintain high standards of quality. 3. Leadership & Knowledge Sharing Mentorship: Take pride in teaching and mentoring others on tool usage, technical workflows, and best practices. Documentation: Create written or video documentation to aid in studio-wide information sharing and knowledge retention. Collaboration: Work closely and constructively across design, art, engineering, and audio teams to realize our creative ambitions. Detailed Requirements & Candidate Profile Skills & Experiences AAA Pedigree: Previous experience in games development, preferably with at least one shipped AAA title. Engine Mastery: Thorough knowledge of Animation Graphs, Blend Trees, Sequencer, and State Machine maintenance. Systemic Understanding: Deep knowledge of procedural runtime solutions such as IK, Ragdoll, Cloth, and Motion Matching. Technical Prowess: Proficient in scripting (Python/MEL) to improve the animation pipeline. Artistic Principles: A firm understanding of how to apply animation principles (weight, timing, anticipation) to combined motions for maximum believability. Key Attributes: Who You Are The Force Multiplier: You are a reliable, positive influence who seeks opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy team environment. Expert Communicator: You possess excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and deliver feedback with empathy. Proactive Mindset: You are self-motivated, persistent, and able to maintain effectiveness under the pressure of fast-changing priorities. Continuous Learner: You possess a desire to learn new skills and are highly open to feedback and direction. Who We Are: The Cloud Chamber Mission At Cloud Chamber, we strive to make BioShock games that move people—evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with players long after they’ve rolled the credits. Our studio culture is built on: Collaboration: Great games are born from great partnerships. Ownership: We take pride in our tasks and drive our work forward autonomously. Inclusive Excellence: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. How to Apply To be considered for the Senior Technical Animator role in Novato, your application must include: Professional Resume: Highlighting your AAA experience and technical contributions. Technical Portfolio / Reel: Showcasing examples of Animation Blueprints, scripting (Python/MEL), and procedural implementation (IK/Cloth/Motion Matching). Work Breakdown: A clear description of your specific role in the work presented in your reel. Cloud Chamber Novato is dedicated to upholding a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence. We look forward to seeing your work!

Cloud Chamber hiring Senior Technical Animator, Canada

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Cloud Chamber, a premier studio under the 2K (Take-Two Interactive) umbrella, is looking for a “technical wizard” to join our world-class development team in Montréal, Quebec. As we craft the next entry in the iconic BioShock series, we need a Senior Technical Animator who can bridge the gap between artistic intent and systemic execution. This role is centered on shaping advanced animation systems and perfecting runtime character performance. You will be a key contributor to building scalable technical solutions and animation workflows that support deeply immersive gameplay. We are looking for a mentor and a problem-solver who thrives on understanding the “why” behind the “how,” ensuring that the richly imagined worlds we create feel alive, responsive, and believable. Job Overview: Senior Technical Animator Category Details Company Name Cloud Chamber (A 2K / Take-Two Studio) Position Senior Technical Animator Location Montréal, Quebec, Canada Job Type Full-Time, Regular Employee Primary Project The Next BioShock (Unannounced Title) Work Model Hybrid / Studio-Based Primary Tech Unreal Engine (Animation Blueprints / Motion Matching) Compensation & Strategic Benefits Cloud Chamber provides a “Total Rewards” package designed to attract and retain the industry’s best talent in the competitive Montréal gaming hub. Financial Rewards Annual Salary Range: For a Senior-level Technical Animator in Montréal, the base pay typically scales with experience and technical mastery. Incentive Programs: Eligibility for annual performance-based bonuses and 2K/Take-Two incentive structures. Role Level Experience Estimated Annual Salary (CAD) Senior Technical Animator 6 – 10 Years $105,000 – $145,000 Lead / Principal Tech Anim 10+ Years $150,000 – $185,000+ Comprehensive Wellness & Perks Health & Family: Premium medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents. Retirement: RRSP matching programs to support long-term financial health. Time Off: Generous vacation allowance, paid holidays, and sick leave to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Studio Culture: A culture that “learns through play,” encouraging autonomy, ownership, and constant professional growth. Role Responsibilities: Engineering Immersion As a Senior Technical Animator, you are the architect of character believability. Your work ensures that every movement feels seamless and grounded within the game world. 1. System Architecture & Implementation Runtime Performance: Author and maintain complex Animation Blueprints, Blend Trees, State Machines, and Sequencer assets within the game engine. Procedural Innovation: Develop and maintain procedural runtime solutions, including IK (Inverse Kinematics), Retargeting, Ragdoll physics, and Cloth simulation. Locomotion Excellence: Tune and troubleshoot Motion Matching systems to ensure fluid, high-fidelity character movement that responds dynamically to player input. 2. Workflow & Optimization Pipeline Streamlining: Use Python or MEL to script tools that automate repetitive tasks and reduce the manual workload for the animation team. Performance Budgeting: Ensure all animation assets and systems are highly optimized for runtime performance without sacrificing visual quality. Troubleshooting: Act as the primary point of contact for resolving complex animation issues in both Maya and the game engine. 3. Mentorship & Documentation Knowledge Sharing: Take pride in mentoring junior and mid-level animators on technical workflows, tool usage, and industry best practices. Standardization: Create high-quality written or video documentation to aid in information sharing across the studio. Active Leadership: Take an active role in the structure and organization of animation systems within the editor to maintain a clean and efficient project hierarchy. Detailed Requirements & Qualifications We are seeking a candidate who balances a “proactive mindset” with deep technical proficiency. Technical Prerequisites AAA Track Record: Previous experience in professional game development, with at least one shipped AAA title in a technical animation or character TD capacity. Graph Mastery: Thorough knowledge of implementation and maintenance for Animation Graphs and State Machines. Systemic Understanding: Deep knowledge of procedural solutions like Motion Matching, Distance Matching, and real-time physics integration. Scripting Prowess: Proficient in Python or MEL to aid in pipeline automation and tool development. Artistic Sensibility: An understanding of fundamental animation principles (timing, weight, anticipation) and how to apply them to systemic, blended motions. The “Cloud Chamber” Persona The Force Multiplier: You are a reliable, positive influence who actively seeks opportunities to integrate work across disciplines (Art, Design, Audio, and Code). The Communicator: Ability to articulate complex technical ideas clearly to diverse audiences and deliver constructive feedback with empathy. The Self-Starter: You take strong ownership of your tasks and can navigate ambiguity or fast-changing priorities with a critical eye for detail. The Lifelong Learner: Highly open to feedback and direction, with a genuine desire to learn new skills and produce quick, quality revisions. Who We Are: The Cloud Chamber Mission At Cloud Chamber, we strive to make BioShock games that move people—evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with players long after the credits roll. We believe that great games are born from great collaborations. Our studio culture is built on: Open Collaboration: Working constructively across all departments to realize creative ambitions. High Standards: Pushing for progress and staying current on technological advancements. Inclusive Excellence: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability status. Application & Submission Requirements Ready to help us bring the next BioShock to life? Please submit the following: Professional Resume: Detail your industry experience, shipped titles, and specific technical contributions. Portfolio / Demo Reel: Show us your technical wizardry. We are looking for: Examples of in-engine animation setups (Blueprints/State Machines). Tool/Scripting showcases (Python/MEL). Implementation of procedural systems (IK, Cloth, Motion Matching). Work Breakdown: A brief explanation of the “how” and “why” behind the pieces in your reel. Cloud Chamber Montréal is committed to building a supportive and respectful company culture. We look forward to seeing how you can help us push the boundaries of what is possible in interactive entertainment.