News

Jobs in California

 

NCsoft's California based offices include locations in Santa Monica and Orange County. The Santa Monica office is home to a concept art and design studio. The office in Orange County is NCsoft's newest studio where game developers are working on yet another groundbreaking NCsoft product.

We are always interested in hearing from the best and brightest applicants with experience in cutting edge game development and support. Resumes and online portfolios should be submitted to:    

jobs-la@ncsoft.com

Demo reels on DVD can be submitted to:

NCsoft Corporation
Attn: Recruiting
6801 Capital of TX Hwy
Bldg 1
Austin, TX 78731

Current Openings :
Orange County
Senior Sound Programmer

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented Senior Sound Programmer to work on upcoming PC MMO at their Orange County, CA studio.

This individual will be primarily responsible for designing, building, testing and documenting tools for the creation and insertion of sound assets, as well as creating and maintaining the sound code for the game.  As well, this person is expected to work closely with musicians and audio designers and, as a senior programmer, will also be responsible for general game system code, as needed during development.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years programming experience using C++, preferably using MS VC++
  • Experience with DirectSound or sound middleware a plus
  • Familiarity with the STL
  • Desire/ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with teammates
  • Minimum 2 shipped titles or equivalent experience
  • Previous MMO development experience or avid MMO gaming experience desirable

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Senior Tools Programmer

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented Senior Tools Programmer to work on upcoming PC MMO at their Orange County, CA studio.

This individual will be primarily responsible for designing, building, testing and documenting tools for the creation and insertion of assets into the game.  The position requires extensive knowledge of art and data pipelines and the methodologies of content creation.  This individual will work closely with artists and level designers and will also be responsible for general game system code, as needed during development.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years programming experience using C++, preferably using MS VC++
  • 3+ years experience with DirectX-enabled PC games
  • Familiarity with client/server programming
  • Familiarity with the STL
  • Desire/ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with teammates
  • Minimum 2 shipped titles or equivalent experience
  • Previous MMO development experience or avid MMO gaming experience desirable

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Senior System Programmer

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented Senior System Programmer to work on upcoming PC MMO at their Orange County, CA studio.

This individual will be primarily responsible for designing, building, testing and documenting major game systems and will need to communicate effectively with artists and designers.  Problem solving skills and independent thinking are the hallmark of the ideal candidate.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years programming experience using C++, preferably using MS VC++
  • 3+ years experience with DirectX-enabled PC games
  • Familiarity with client/server programming
  • Familiarity with the STL
  • Desire/ability to work in a team environment
  • Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with teammates
  • Minimum 2 shipped titles or equivalent experience
  • Previous MMO development experience or avid MMO gaming experience desirable

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Senior Technical Artist

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented, experienced Senior Technical Artist to work on upcoming PC MMO at their Orange County, CA studio.

This individual will be primarily responsible for generating tools, technologies and workflow enhancements for the team’s content creators.  As well, this individual will have the vision and experience to help us build and tune a state-of-the-art graphics pipeline and act as a liaison between the artists and programmers

Qualifications
  • At least 5 years of industry experience, with 2 published titles
  • Experience with art-development pipelines and potential bottlenecks
  • Experience in MEL, C/C++ or other programming languages
  • Strong knowledge of current 3D graphics techniques
  • Softimage XSI knowledge a plus
  • Strong knowledge of particle systems, animation systems, level editors, lighting and dynamics
  • Strong technical problem solving skills
  • Ability to understand technical limits dictated by programming staff or project leads
  • Excellent communication and team skills
  • Must be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic
  • Must possess a passion for creating and playing video games

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

UI Artist

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented User Interface Artist/Designer to work closely with the game designer team and art director to design and execute a User Interface vision/strategy which supports game design goals and enhances the player emersion experience.

This individual will be primarily responsible for generating tools, technologies and workflow enhancements for the team’s content creators.  As well, this individual will have the vision and experience to help us build and tune a state-of-the-art graphics pipeline and act as a liaison between the artists and programmers.

Qualifications
  • 2-3 years of professional or related educational experience working as an interface designer in computer gaming or a related field
  • PC or console game experience, relevant undergraduate degree and/or equivalent experience preferred
  • A portfolio demonstrating outstanding illustration, layout and graphic design skills
  • Basic scripting experience
  • Should have experience in one or more of the following: Photoshop, Painter, Illustrator, Flash and AfterEffects
  • Extensive knowledge of games in all genres across all platforms; MMO game playing experience a plus
  • Demonstrated ability to work self-directed when necessary
  • Excellent organization, communication and interpersonal skills
  • Must be receptive to art and design direction and perform well within a collaborative team environment in order to create unique design solutions

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Weapons/Armor Artist

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented Weapons/Armor Artist. 

This individual will be responsible for modeling, painting highly-stylized “hand” painted texture maps, and UV mapping for weapons and armor.  They will create a wide variety of weapons and armor ranging from simple cloth to complex metal.  For this position, we are more interested in creativity and passion than years of experience.

Qualifications
  • Solid familiarity with significant 3D content creation tools (Maya, SDSMax, Softimage XSI), Photoshop and other core tools
  • Zbrush and Mudbox knowledge
  • Must be able to work within an established art style
  • Strong traditional and digital art skills
  • Excellent communication and team skills
  • Self-motivated, with a strong work ethic
  • A passion for creating and playing video games
  • An understanding of MMO itemization is a plus

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Prop Artist

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking a talented Prop Artist. 

This individual will be responsible for modeling, painting highly-stylized “hand” painted texture maps, and UV mapping for props.  They will create a wide variety of constructed objects as well as natural organic objects.  For this position, we are more interested in creativity and passion than years of experience.

Qualifications
  • Solid familiarity with significant 3D content creation tools (Maya, SDSMax, Softimage XSI), Photoshop and other core tools
  • Zbrush and Mudbox knowledge a plus
  • Must be able to work within an established art style
  • Strong traditional and digital art skills
  • Excellent communication and team skills
  • Self-motivated, with a strong work ethic
  • A passion for creating and playing video games

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Lead Level Designer

NCsoft North America, the U.S. branch of NCsoft, the world’s largest independent developer and publisher of online computer games is seeking Lead Level Designer candidates with strong design sense and a demonstrated ability on the creation, implementation, and tuning of compelling game spaces for an upcoming MMO. 

Qualifications
  • Experience shipping games in a level design capacity
  • Familiarity with 3D tools used to create and tune game levels
  • Passion for and broad knowledge of various genres and games and an ability to critically analyze them
  • A willingness and ability to contribute to a highly creative environment, to design unique levels and provide solutions to issues which may arise
  • Ability to clearly and concisely define game areas and feature sets
  • The ability to understand and adapt to new technologies, including various scripting languages and proprietary tools
  • Willingness to take the initiative to learn new skills, and contribute wherever needed in the product development process
  • Ability to work closely with artists and other designers and be responsive to feedback
  • Has a passion for playing / creating quality video games particularly MMO and RPGs
  • Must be able to prioritize tasks and assign resources effectively
  • Project management, process management and strong creative problem solving skills
  • Able to fit in well within an informal environment and to provide hands-on management
  • Experience using 3D modeling packages (Maya, 3D Studio, XSI)
  • Experience writing or implementing game objectives using a scripting language (Java, Python, LUA)
  • Solid writing skills

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary are all part of the package.  For consideration, please email your resume and salary requirements to jobs-oc@ncsoft.com  EOE

 

Santa Monica
Senior Environment Concept Artists

The Los Angeles Visual Studio (LAVS), located in beautiful Santa Monica, just steps from the beach and on the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, is looking for an amazing Senior Environment Concept Artist to join our industry leading team. LAVS is a unique studio that focuses solely on concept development for many of NCsoft’s highly acclaimed products. The Senior Environment Concept Artist will work with the visual studio Art Director along with a variety of product Art Directors around the world, creating believable and visually compelling environments.

Required Skills:
  • Industry leading, highly creative, passionate, driven concept artist
  • Industry leading fundamental Illustration skills including; Composition, Perspective, Value structure, and Color Theory
  • Intimate knowledge of the properties of light and its interaction with a variety of forms, materials, and textures.
  • Industry leading Environment Design skills with the ability to create organic/inorganic exterior and interior environments in a variety of styles.
  • Outstanding traditional illustration skills with a mastery of a variety of mediums
  • Outstanding digital illustration skills with a mastery of Photoshop and/or Painter
  • Experience in illustrating a broad variety of styles and genres
  • Excellent visual storytelling skills with an ability to see design from the detailed micro level to the big picture macro level.
  • Solid grasp of the human figure and anatomy with an ability to exaggerate as needed while maintaining realistic proportions and overall believability
  • Strong Industrial Design skills with the ability to design with function and form.
  • Must be able to rapidly illustrate concepts based on verbal and written directives
  • Must be able to produce large quantities of high caliber illustrations in a variety of formats, from prototype level thumbnails to finished color illustrations.
  • Minimum 5 years game industry/film experience and/or minimum 3 shipped titles
  • Excellent communication skills with an ability to set studio standards in discipline and lead team towards art goals.
Preferred Skills:
  • Solid grasp and understanding of animal anatomy with an ability to exaggerate as needed while maintaining realistic proportions and overall believability.
  • Solid 3D modeling skills and familiarity with industry standard software including Maya, 3D Max, Zbrush, Sketchup, Mudbox etc.
  • Solid Graphic Design and layout skills
  • Strong Storyboarding and Staging skills.
Portfolio Requirements:
  • Industry leading Environment Concept paintings and drawings that demonstrates an ability to execute on a variety of subject matter.
  • Industry leading matte paintings that integrate photo plates, 3D renders, and hand painted elements effectively and seamlessly.
  • Concept paintings that illustrate a location from multiple points of view and with a variety of lighting solutions and color palettes.
  • Concept paintings that illustrate not only a location but, a key game play or cinematic moment incorporating multiple elements including vehicles, characters, and creature designs.
  • A solid set of Environment Designs demonstrating an ability to infuse personality and emotion into designs as well as proficiency to render a variety of textures and/or materials.
  • A solid set of Industrial Designs including; vehicles, machinery, and props.
  • Samples should demonstrate a variety of styles and levels of finish; from loose sketches to highly rendered realism.

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits suite and competitive salary are all part of the package.  Qualified candidates should send resume, salary history and URL or online portfolio to:  jobs-la@ncsoft.com   EOE

Senior Character/Creature Concept Artists

The Los Angeles Visual Studio (LAVS), located in beautiful Santa Monica, just steps from the beach and on the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, is looking for an amazing Senior Character/Creature Concept Artist to join our industry leading team. LAVS is a unique studio that focuses solely on concept development for many of NCsoft’s highly acclaimed products. The Senior Character/Creature Concept Artist will work with the visual studio Art Director along with a variety of product Art Directors around the world, creating believable and visually compelling creatures and characters.

Required Skills:
  • Industry leading, highly creative, passionate, driven concept artist
  • Industry leading grasp of the human figure and anatomy with an exceptional ability to exaggerate as needed while maintaining realistic proportions and overall believability
  • Industry leading grasp and understanding of animal anatomy with an exceptional ability to exaggerate as needed while maintaining realistic proportions and overall believability
  • Industry leading fundamental Illustration skills including; Composition, Perspective, Value structure, and Color Theory
  • Intimate knowledge of the properties of light and its interaction with a variety of forms, materials, and textures
  • Outstanding traditional illustration skills with a mastery of a variety of mediums
  • Outstanding digital illustration skills with a mastery of Photoshop and/or Painter
  • Experience in illustrating a broad variety of styles and genres
  • Strong Industrial Design skills with the ability to design with function and form
  • Must be able to rapidly illustrate concepts based on verbal and written directives
  • Must be able to produce large quantities of high caliber illustrations in a variety of formats, from prototype level thumbnails to finished color illustrations
  • Minimum 5 years game industry/film experience and/or minimum 3 shipped titles
  • Excellent communication skills with an ability to set studio standards in discipline and lead team towards art goals
PreferRed Skills:
  • Solid Environment Design skills with the ability to create organic/inorganic exterior and interior environments in a variety of styles
  • Solid foundation in and understanding of animation in a variety of forms with an ability to design characters and creatures with the consideration of the correct properties of movement
  • Solid 3D modeling skills and familiarity with industry standard software including Maya, 3D Max, Zbrush, Sketchup, Mudbox etc.
  • Solid Graphic Design and layout skills
  • Strong Storyboarding and Staging skills
Portfolio Requirements:
  • Industry leading set of Character Designs demonstrating an ability to infuse personality and emotion into characters as well as proficiency to render a variety of costumes and/or materials
  • Industry leading set of Creature Designs demonstrating an ability to infuse personality and emotion into designs as well as proficiency to render a variety of textures and/or materials
  • Concept paintings that illustrate not only a character but, a key game play or cinematic moment incorporating multiple elements including vehicles, environments, and creature designs
  • A solid set of Industrial Designs including; vehicles, machinery, and props.
  • Samples should demonstrate a variety of styles and levels of finish; from loose sketches to highly rendered realism
  • Accurate Clean Line work and isometric drawings to be used as modeling guides for creation of production assets

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits suite and competitive salary are all part of the package.  Qualified candidates should send resume, salary history and URL or online portfolio to:  jobs-la@ncsoft.com   EOE

Character/Creature Concept Artist

The Los Angeles Visual Studio (LAVS), located in beautiful Santa Monica, just steps from the beach and on the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, is looking for an amazing Creature/Character Concept Artist to join our industry leading team. LAVS is a unique studio that focuses solely on concept development for many of NCsoft’s highly acclaimed products. The Character/Creature Concept Artist will work with the visual studio Art Director along with a variety of product Art Directors around the world, creating believable and visually compelling creatures and characters.

Required Skills:
  • Highly creative, passionate, driven concept artist
  • Outstanding grasp of the human figure and anatomy with an exceptional ability to exaggerate as needed while maintaining realistic proportions and overall believability.
  • Outstanding grasp and understanding of animal anatomy with an exceptional ability to exaggerate as needed while maintaining realistic proportions and overall believability
  • Outstanding traditional illustration skills with a mastery of a variety of mediums
  • Excellent digital illustration skills with a mastery of Photoshop and/or Painter
  • Excellent fundamental Illustration skills including; Composition, Perspective, and Color Theory.
  • Experience in illustrating a broad variety of styles and genres
  • Must be able to rapidly illustrate concepts based on verbal and written directives
  • Excellent visual storytelling skills.
  • Must be able to produce large quantities of high caliber illustrations in a variety of formats, from prototype level thumbnails to finished color illustrations.
  • Minimum 3 years game industry/film experience and/or minimum 2 shipped titles
  • Solid interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to cooperate on a team level.
PREferRed Skills:
  • Strong Industrial Design skills with the ability to design with function and form.
  • Basic 3D modeling and animation skills.
  • Strong Environment Design skills with the ability to create organic/inorganic exterior and interior environments in a variety of styles.
  • Solid Graphic Design skills.
  • Strong Storyboarding and Staging skills.
Portfolio Requirements:
  • A solid set of Character Designs demonstrating an ability to infuse personality and emotion into characters as well as proficiency to render a variety of costumes and/or materials.
  • A solid set Creature Designs demonstrating an ability to infuse personality and emotion into designs as well as proficiency to render a variety of textures and/or materials.
  • Samples should demonstrate a variety of styles and levels of finish; from loose sketches to highly rendered realism
  • Finished, highly polished illustrations demonstrating an ability to render subject matter in an environment with real world properties
  • Clean Line work and isometric drawings to be used as modeling guides for creation of production assets.

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits suite and competitive salary are all part of the package.  Qualified candidates should send resume, salary history and URL or online portfolio to:  jobs-la@ncsoft.com   EOE

Environment Concept Artists

The Los Angeles Visual Studio (LAVS), located in beautiful Santa Monica, just steps from the beach and on the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade, is looking for an amazing Environment Concept Artist to join our industry leading team. LAVS is a unique studio that focuses solely on concept development for many of NCsoft’s highly acclaimed products. The Environment Concept Artist will work with the visual studio Art Director along with a variety of product Art Directors around the world, creating believable and visually compelling environments.

Required Skills:
  • Highly creative, passionate, driven concept artist
  • Outstanding fundamental Illustration skills including; Composition, Perspective, Value structure, and Color Theory
  • Solid knowledge of the properties of light and its interaction with a variety of forms, materials, and textures.
  • Outstanding Environment Design skills with the ability to create organic/inorganic exterior and interior environments in a variety of styles.
  • Outstanding traditional illustration skills with a mastery of a variety of mediums
  • Excellent digital illustration skills with a mastery of Photoshop and/or Painter
  • Experience in illustrating a broad variety of styles and genres
  • Solid grasp of the human figure and anatomy.
  • Strong Industrial Design skills with the ability to design with function and form.
  • Must be able to rapidly illustrate concepts based on verbal and written directives
  • Must be able to produce large quantities of high caliber illustrations in a variety of formats, from prototype level thumbnails to finished color illustrations.
  • Minimum 3 years game industry/film experience and/or minimum 2 shipped titles
  • Solid interpersonal and communications skills with the ability to cooperate on a team level.
PREferRed Skills:
  • Solid grasp and understanding of animal anatomy.
  • Basic 3D modeling and animation skills.
  • Solid Graphic Design and layout skills
  • Strong Storyboarding and Staging skills.
Portfolio Requirements:
  • A solid set of Environment Concept paintings and drawings that demonstrates an ability to execute on a variety of subject matter.
  • A solid set of matte paintings that integrate photo plates, 3D renders, and hand painted elements effectively and seamlessly.
  • Concept paintings that illustrate a location from multiple points of view and with a variety of lighting solutions and color palettes.
  • Concept paintings that illustrate not only a location but, a key game play or cinematic moment incorporating multiple elements including vehicles, characters, and creature designs.
  • A solid set of Industrial Designs including; vehicles, machinery, and props.
  • Samples should demonstrate a variety of styles and levels of finish; from loose sketches to highly rendered realism.

A casual work environment, comprehensive benefits suite and competitive salary are all part of the package.  Qualified candidates should send resume, salary history and URL or online portfolio to:  jobs-la@ncsoft.com   EOE