Graphics Technical Artist

Halo Studios is building the future of the blockbuster Halo series of video games with Unreal Engine. As part of Xbox Game Studios, the Halo franchise encompasses games, novels, comics, licensed collectibles, apparel, and more with a shared vision of heroism, mystery, and wonder. With multiple projects in development, join our team as we forge the next generation of games and experiences in our award-winning sci-fi universe. 

Halo Studios is looking for an Graphics Technical Artist who is passionate about solving complex technical challenges, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to push the boundaries of what is visually possible in games. In this role, you will serve as a bridge between artists and engineers, leveraging your deep technical expertise in rendering and optimization to ensure our projects achieve the highest graphical standards. Roles at our studio are flexible, and you can work from home up to two days a week 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 

• • Analyze and optimize game GPU/CPU/streaming performance and memory usage 
  • Explore new techniques via proof-of-concept prototypes to identify better solutions and drive visual quality and content production productivity 
  • Advocate for and implement scalability solutions for cross-platform development, targeting both high-end and lower-spec hardware 
  • Serves as a liaison between Design/Art and Engineering teams by communicating artistic goals and technical practicalities to both audiences 
  • Defining and documenting technical standards and content specifications 
  • Embody our Culture  &  Values  

Required qualifications: 

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Technical Art, Game Design, or related field AND 2+ years technical art or industry-related design experience
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Digital Arts, Technical Art, Game Design, or related field
  • AND 3+ years technical art or industry-related design experience OR equivalent experience.
• 3+ years experience using related software and packages (e.g., Autodesk Maya, MotionBuilder, 3D Studio Max, Adobe Creative Suite, SideFX Houdini, Zbrush, Substance Suite).

Other Requirements:  

• Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements is  for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the following specialized security screenings: 

• Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be  to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter. 

Preferred qualifications: 

• Experience shipping 2+ games end to end. 

• Demonstrated record of success to working effectively with multiple teams and stakeholders, managing conflicting priorities.   

• Ability to learn skills ad hoc to support disciplines across the art/engineering teams.  

Technical Art IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $100,600 - $199,000 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 $131,400 - $215,400 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here

Microsoft will accept applications for the role until October 8, 2025.

 #gamingjobs #halo 

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.  We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.