3D Lead Technical Artist at Frontier (Cambridge, UK)

Are you an experienced technical artist and natural leader with a passion for solving complex technical challenges in game development? If you are searching for an incredible opportunity to guide talented creators, Frontier—an independent video game developer and publisher renowned worldwide for crafting immersive gaming experiences, fun gameplay, and unparalleled artistic quality—is actively looking for a dedicated Lead Technical Artist to join our dynamic team.

Based in our modern studio located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK), this role invites you to immerse yourself in iconic creative management simulation games that captivate millions of players globally. Whether you prefer working on a full in-studio basis or a hybrid model (requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in the studio), Frontier provides a supportive, creative environment. Furthermore, we offer a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to move to the UK.

Job Summary : Lead Technical Artist

About Frontier

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap. We love what we do, and we work hard to provide outstanding experiences for our players.

What’s the Role?

We’re looking for a Lead Technical Artist who will take ownership and responsibility for Technical Art on current and upcoming games. This will require extensive game development experience to help run efficient and successful game projects, as well as experience in tooling and performance. The Lead Technical Artist will also be responsible for fostering a high-performing team through effective mentorship, strategic hiring, performance management, and employee engagement. This includes guiding team members’ growth through making thoughtful decisions and cultivating a positive, inclusive, and motivational work environment.

Key Responsibilities & What You’ll Be Doing:

• Responsible for leading a game project’s Technical Art Team.
• Liaising between the project team and core teams within the studio.
• Defining and maintaining processes and guidelines that are easily usable by developers across multiple teams.
• Taking responsibility for the technical implementation of artwork, visuals, and assets.
• Working and collaborating as a peer with other Project Leads to develop effective workflows and solutions to problems.
• Working with Production and Game Direction to develop roadmaps and timelines for delivery.
• Making decisions and compromises based on technical constraints and looking for effective solutions for the wider team.
• Advocate direction and workflows to different teams who all have differing constraints.

What You’ll Bring (Requirements & Skills):

To thrive in this role, candidates must possess a strong foundational mix of technical mastery, leadership capabilities, and strategic vision:

• Proven track record of delivering solutions to complex technical challenges on game projects.
• Leadership experience, and ability to lead and manage a team of Technical Artists.
• Strong Technical Art skills, including but not limited to; Python development, Maya, asset management, and content creation best practices.
• Strategic experience with planning, pipeline improvements, asset management, and risk assessment.
• Highly collaborative and a confident communicator.
• Ability to take a holistic view of issues.
• Strong understanding of modern game engines.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling team motivation and conveying views and opinions effectively.
• Experience of full game production cycles.
• Experience working collaboratively as part of a cross-disciplinary team.

Bonus Skills & Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience working with proprietary game engines.
• Experience with other DCC tools.
• Experience with other programming languages.

What We Can Offer You

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop, or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative, and inclusive environment. We strive to create an environment where everyone can fully demonstrate their capability and potential.

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

• Competitive Salary & Financial Incentives: Includes a competitive salary package, a success-based annual bonus, and share option schemes.
• Health & Life Security: Private family healthcare, life assurance, and enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
• Workplace Flexibility: Flexitime working hours and a balanced hybrid or in-studio working setup.
• Wellbeing Support: Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people through dedicated activities, initiatives, and mental/physical health sessions.
• On-Site Perks: In-house subsidised catering, social activities, and events.
• Commuter & Eco Perks: Support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, and free bike servicing.

How to Apply & Reasonable Adjustments

If you need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative. For any questions or queries regarding this incredible lead technical art opportunity in Cambridge, please reach out directly via email at recruitment@frontier.co.uk.