Project Art Director

Pipeworks Studios is seeking an experienced and collaborative Project Art Director to lead and guide the visual development of an unannounced game project. The ideal candidate has shipped shooter titles, recent AAA games, demonstrated experience leading teams, and a strong grasp of both creative vision and production realities. This role bridges artistic direction, team management, and cross-disciplinary collaboration—ensuring that the visual identity and execution of each project meet both client expectations and studio standards. This is a full-time temporary role with the possibility of extension or conversion to regular full-time employment after six months. Our studio is based in Eugene, Oregon, and the role may be performed remotely, in a hybrid arrangement, or in the office. Day To Day Responsibilities • Own the overall art vision and quality for one project from concept to completion. • Develop and maintain an Art Direction Document outlining visual style, tone, and production rules for the project. • Concept or direct concept artists to establish visual direction and stylistic cohesion. • Collaborate with the Studio Art Director to organize and plan project kickoffs, aligning goals and deliverables. • Ensure consistent application of the project’s art direction across all disciplines and assets. • Direct and manage internal artists as well as external partners and outsourced assets. • Work within an existing IP or develop a new visual identity from scratch. • Actively contribute hands-on art support in at least two areas of art (2D, 3D, UI, etc.) when needed. • Push the overall art quality within project constraints, maintaining balance between creative excellence and production realities. • Collaborate with production to estimate workloads, identify dependencies, and forecast schedules by soliciting input from the team. • Coordinate with other disciplines to ensure the art vision aligns with gameplay, design, and technical requirements. Skills Knowledge and Expertise Must Haves • Strong understanding of Unreal Engine (required); Unity proficiency is a strong plus and/or internal engines. • Understanding of Maya and/or 3ds Max. • Ability to estimate and plan project art tasks in collaboration with production. • Managing the Jira art tickets both for input and for progress. • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and client-facing communication. • Ability to handle stress constructively and resolve challenges through positive solutions. • Strong ability to mentor and motivate artists, recognizing areas for training and growth. • Strong passion for games and game art production. Nice-To-Have Skills • Ability to concept and create inspirational art for project direction. • Comfort creating marketing or social media assets as needed. Education & Experience Requirements • 8+ years of experience in game development with several recent titles shipped in an Art Lead or Art Director role. Shooter/action game experience a huge plus. • Strong understanding of game art pipelines, production methods, and visual storytelling as well as advanced processes for current AAA production. • Previous experience managing or directing teams within a dispersed multi-studio collaboration while maintaining the lead role. What We Can Offer You A Flexible Working Environment Almost all of our roles allow for your choice of work location. We're happy to support our team no matter where they prefer to work: remote, in office, or hybrid. Benefits Medical, Dental, and Vision 401K with employer match Employer Paid Life Insurance Policy Generous Paid Time Off 20 Paid Company Holidays Relocation Paid Parental Leave Employee Assistance Program Fitness Club Discounts Sports Team Sponsorship Annual Company Events Project Wrap Parties A Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Pipeworks Studios recognizes the importance of creating an environment where all of our employees feel included and empowered to bring ideas to the the table. We value each employee's unique experiences and perspectives and recognize that it is both the smart and right thing to foster diversity, equity and inclusion within our organization. By diversifying our workforce, increasing equity, and ensuring that our individual differences are valued, we are better able to deliver an experience that reflects, inspires, and connects with our audience... because games are for everyone! Pipeworks provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. Go to Pipeworks.com to see some of our continued efforts and our latest Diversity Report. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in a job description. Our top priority is finding the best candidate for the job and if you are interested in the position, we would encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications above.