Graduate / Junior Technical Artist

A Junior/Graduate Technical Artist role at Cast Iron Games supporting game development pipelines, tools, and real-time 3D content optimisation in a collaborative studio environment.

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 Junior / Graduate Technical Artist, you’ll support the development and maintenance of art pipelines, tools, and workflows that help our teams create and optimise game content efficiently.

You’ll work closely with experienced Technical Artists, Programmers, and Artists, gaining hands-on experience across real production challenges while gradually building ownership of smaller tools and systems.

This is a learning-focused role designed for someone early in their career who is excited by the intersection of art and technology, enjoys problem-solving, and wants to grow into a strong Technical Artist.

Responsibilities

• Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of art pipelines, tools, and workflows under guidance from senior team members

• Assist in creating small tools and scripts to improve artist workflows

• Help identify and resolve basic performance or asset-related issues

• Learn and apply optimisation techniques for real-time assets (materials, textures, meshes, lighting)

• Support Art and Engineering teams with day-to-day technical tasks

• Document workflows and tools in a clear and accessible way

• Participate in problem-solving discussions and contribute ideas for improvements

• Build understanding of engine workflows, production pipelines, and best practices

• Take feedback constructively and apply it to improve technical and creative skills

What We’re Looking For

Experience

• A strong interest in Technical Art, game development pipelines, or real-time 3D content creation

• A relevant degree, diploma, or equivalent self-taught experience in games, VFX, computer science, or digital art

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine

• Some scripting experience (Python, C#, or similar)

• Exposure to 3D tools such as Maya, Blender, or Substance suite

• Interest in optimisation, shaders, or real-time rendering workflows

• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn

• Good communication skills and ability to work in a team

Bonus Points

• Small personal projects involving tools, scripts, or game prototypes

• Basic understanding of shaders or material systems

• Familiarity with version control (Git or Perforce)

• Awareness of performance constraints in games (frame rate, memory, draw calls)

• Portfolio or examples showing technical curiosity

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 youʼre 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 youʼre 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 x 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 x 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