Senior Technical Artist Art · Wakefield - Tileyard North

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 optimisation 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 people‑first studio with a clear focus on craft, clarity, and collaboration.
• A high‑trust team where experience is valued and voices are heard.
• A respectful, experienced team with a strong engineering culture.
• The opportunity to ship performance‑optimised, cross‑platform games you’re proud of.
• Projects that offer real variety. Different game engines, new challenges, constant growth.
• Creative surroundings at Tileyard North, with a supportive creative community.
• Competitive salary, flexible hours and professional development support.
• Opportunities to lead with clarity, autonomy, and real impact.
• No crunch. No egos. Just good code, good people and good games.

What to Expect / Key Benefits

• Start your day any time between 8:00am and 10:00am.
• 35 working hours per week with a 1-hour lunch break (with the opportunity to flex down to 30 minutes or up to 2 hours).
• 25 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday.
• 1 day leave for your birthday and 1 day leave if you’re moving house.
• Length of service increases are 1 day per year of service up to maximum of 8 additional days.
• Up to 8 days discretionary annual leave during our end of year break.
• Potential for annual performance bonus.
• Free breakfast options, juice, hot drinks and fruit.
• Employee referral bonus (up to £2000!).
• Group Life Assurance – 4 × annual salary payable to nominated beneficiaries through an expression of wishes form.
• Income Protection – covers you up for up to 50% of monthly salary for 2 years (after a 26‑week deferred period, i.e. when SSP runs out).
• Critical Illness Cover – lump sum of 1 × annual salary on diagnosis of a critical illness.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• EV & Hybrid Car Scheme.
• Tech Purchase Scheme – split the cost of Tech or Home electronics through salary deduction, interest free.
• Healthcare Cash plan – claim back the cost of everyday healthcare, dental, physio, chiropractor, opticians, podiatry etc.
• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality.
• Reward Gateway with cashback and discounts on 900+ retailers.
• Employee Assistance Programme including Virtual GP service.
• Wellbeing Centre based on Mind, Move, Munch and Money.