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343 Industries is the developer of the blockbuster Halo series of video games. As part of Xbox Game Studios, the Halo franchise encompasses games, television series, novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel and more. We are looking for new Spartans to join our team to build the next generation of games and experiences in our award-winning sci-fi universe. Do you understand modern console/PC games and have experience with live service games? Do you closely collaborate with teams to drive inspiring, cohesive gameplay experiences? Are you interested in Halo and want to preserve what makes it unique—while brimming with ideas to evolve an experience that millions of players love? If so, the Halo team would love to speak with you about becoming our next Senior Concept Artist!

The Senior Concept Artist is essential to establishing the overall vision of the Halo universe. As a Senior Concept Artist, you will collaborate with the Art Director, the Lead Concept Artist, and our partner departments to create imagery that will communicate the visual target and intended experience to the team. You’ll offer a first-class comprehension of composition and color, an exceptional ability to render exciting character/industrial/environment/graphic design and key art, a thorough understanding of and enthusiasm for science fiction aesthetics, and a firm grasp of the practical aspects of content creation to assist the team in bringing that vision to life.

In this role, you’d provide insight on how to improve processes to their senior team members wherever appropriate and share the benefit of their knowledge and experience with junior team members whenever possible. Our concept artists have a deep appreciation for the Halo legacy and, perhaps most importantly, a keen interest in helping our universe grow. Roles at our studio are flexible, and you can work from home up to two days a week (Thursday and Friday) in this role.

Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Art Director, Lead Concept Artist, and the Concept team to define the look of the project - from the general vision to specific designs. 

• Develop and maintain a solid understanding of the game universe and the constraints of the technology. 

• Actively seek out and incorporate feedback from leads and peers in the Concept team and provide feedback in kind.

• Create illustrations of scenes, environments, props, characters, vehicles, and weapons with an emphasis on compelling composition, atmosphere, lighting, and material.

• Create key artwork and vision pieces, leveraging existing designs and turning them into world-class illustrations.

• Assist the Art Director, Lead Concept Artist and other Senior Concept Artists in providing team and studio feedback during the course of production. 

• Provide guidance and mentorship to Junior Artists and assist in providing direction to external partners as necessary.

• Participate in creative discussions, brainstorms, and reviews across teams to facilitate and strengthen cross-disciplinary collaboration.

• This role requires 60% (Mon-Wed) onsite work.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or Certificate in Design, Fine Arts, Human Computer Interaction, Visual Communications or related art field AND 4+ years experience in art design or a related art field working on computer games or entertainment

• OR equivalent experience.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

Additional or Preferred qualifications:

• An impressive grasp of anatomy, industrial/architectural/graphic design coupled with solid art fundamentals. 

• A collaborative growth mindset, open to giving and receiving constructive criticism on a daily basis.

• 5+ years of experience in the entertainment industry

• 2+ AAA titles shipped

• 4+ years experience using related software and packages (e.g., Photoshop, Blender, Unreal Engine, Maya, Substance Designer/Painter/Zbrush, SideFX Houdini, After Effects).

Art IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $112,000 - $218,400 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $145,800 - $238,600 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here: https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/us-corporate-pay.html)

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until May 29th, 2024.

#gamingjobs #halo

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations (https://careers.microsoft.com/v2/global/en/accessibility.html) .