Technical Artist, Character Optimization Intern

Crystal Dynamics

. Participate in a 12-week remote spring internship contributing to active AAA game development projects .

Posted 10/22/2026internshipSan Carlos • California • United StatesEntry Level💰 $21 - $24 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates foundational technical art skills, including proficiency in Unreal Engine, Maya, and Python for tool development and character optimization. Collaborates effectively with teams while adapting to feedback and new workflows.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Unreal EngineMayaPython ScriptingCharacter OptimizationTechnical Art

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Character RiggingSkinningAsset Performance OptimizationDCC-to-Engine IntegrationAutomation

Soft Skills

CommunicationAdaptabilityCollaborationFeedback Reception

Tools & Technologies

Game Development ToolsAAA Game PipelinesDocumentation Tools

Industry Keywords

AnimationGame ArtGame DesignGame DevelopmentEngineering

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonSpringUnreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Participate in a 12-week remote spring internship contributing to active AAA game development projects
Learn production scope, workflows, and advanced tools used in modern AAA pipelines
Work on a small, mentored technical art tools and pipeline project from proposal and prototype through documentation, implementation, iteration, and polish
Build and refine tools or scripts using Unreal Engine, Maya, and Python
Troubleshoot pipelines and DCC-to-engine integration issues
Support character optimization workflows and reduce content debt through automation
Document fixes clearly
Develop understanding of Unreal Engine, character optimization, and efficient asset performance
Collaborate with onsite and remote teams, fellow interns, and experienced mentors

Requirements

What you’ll need

Graduated from a college or university program in 2026 (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter)
Degree in Animation, Art, Game Art, Technical Art, Game Design, Game Development, Engineering, or related fields
Availability to work full-time, 40 hours per week, during core business hours from February 1 through April 23, 2027
Availability for the first week onsite at the studio in San Carlos, California, for onboarding
Legal eligibility to work in the United States
Complete application including a resume, cover letter, and portfolio or GitHub link
Portfolio demonstrating foundational technical art skills, such as simple character rigs, skinning, character optimization work, or Maya/Unreal scripts, tools, or workflows
Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum, such as game jams, personal projects, or group-project contributions
Exposure to industry-standard development software tools and engines
Willingness to learn from feedback and adapt to new tools or workflows
Ability to communicate ideas and put feedback into action

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision benefits package
Professional development environment and mentorship
Practical project involvement on active AAA projects
Skill development and industry-ready experience
Collaboration with onsite and remote teams
Company-paid holidays, additional paid days in December, and accruable paid time off (listed for regular full-time positions, not specifically guaranteed for this internship)