Life at
wicked workshop

We're looking for several experienced Senior Game Programmers who are eager to help us deliver the consistent level of quality and service our Wicked Workshop business is renowned for across the globe.

You will join our growing team of developers and work on building various game features within Wicked Workshop.

Key responsibilities:

• Working closely with producers, game designers and artists to implement game features using C++
• Testing, debugging, refining, optimising and maintaining game functionality on console and PC platforms.
• Staying up to date with new technologies and architectures
• Following Wicked-Witch standards and best practices
• Assisting and mentoring other programmers in your areas of expertise

Skills, Abilities

• Excellent programming skills in C++ with seven years or more experience
• Unreal Engine, Custom Engine experience
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in at least one game related discipline (e.g., 3D Maths, AI, Physics, UI, etc.)
• Ability to write clear, maintainable code
• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver to deadlines
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills and pleasant personality
• Ability to ramp up quickly with unfamiliar code bases or technical skills.
• A genuine enthusiasm and passion for the games industry

Please note, we are currently only able to consider Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents, and relevant unrestricted work visa holders. This is a hybrid work opportunity based in Melbourne, Victoria. We do not currently offer sponsorship or relocation. 

Having recently relocated to Box Hill to a new more modern studio complete with pin ball machines, pool table, and a sanctuary (quiet room), our preference is for a more hybrid work model. 

We're looking for several experienced Mid Career Game Programmers who are eager to help us deliver the consistent level of quality and service our Wicked Workshop business is renowned for across the globe.

We primarily work on downloadable content for major titles, as well as game ports. Some of our clients include Microsoft, Riot, Warner Brothers and 2K! Our Engineering team is now over 40 talent professionals and growing. This is a hybrid work environment with our studio based in Box Hill, two minute walk from the train station. 

Key responsibilities:

• Working closely with producers, game designers and artists to implement game features using C++ and Unreal Engine.
• Testing, debugging, refining, optimising and maintaining game functionality on console and PC platforms.
• Staying up to date with new technologies and architectures.
• Following Wicked-Witch standards and best practices.
• Assisting and mentoring other programmers in your areas of expertise.

Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Excellent programming skills in our preferred language of  C++ coupled with Unreal or Custom Engine experience
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in at least one game related discipline (e.g., 3D Maths, AI, Physics, UI, etc.)
• Ability to write clear, maintainable code.
• Demonstrated ability to create and deliver to deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and pleasant personality.
• Ability to ramp up quickly with unfamiliar code bases or technical skills.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science/Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• A genuine enthusiasm and passion for the games industry.

What do we do when we we're not delivering projects for our clients?

• Bi-monthly E-sport competition between studios, departments, and teams
• Fortnightly board game nights
• Regular face to face networking events from Lawn Bowls, Fortress and more
• Team Lunches, BBQ on the Balcony

PLEASE APPLY here if you have not seen a current vacancy listed on our careers site. 

Keywords Studios Australia are always seeking experienced Triple A professionals across the following disciplines:

• Engineering (C++ and Unreal)
• Art (3D, 2D, Technical Art, Animation) Please include portfolio
• Quality Assurance
• Production
• Game Design
• UIUX 

Our preference when considering applications are for those with a minimum of three years experience, having delivered games across either PC, Console or Nintendo. 

Unfortunately if you have no prior experience and/or are not studying in the field,  we are unable to consider your application at this time. 

The vast majority of positions are hybrid. Depending on the role, we are happy to negotiate what that might look like for you. For more senior roles, we also consider fully remote (Within State or Australia) work preferences, although we still encourage people to get into the office where possible. Therefor, we are only considering those individuals with valid working rights to work in Australia and are either already residing in Australia, or relocating to Australia. 

We are also very focused on being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable employer of choice. With this being said, and you require accommodations to be made during the application process, please let us know. 

What type of people are successful at Keywords? We have found that those people who are accountable, work collaboratively, are humble, have empathy, and are genuinely interested and passionate in what they do and the people surrounding them are successful in our business. 

The Senior Artist (zbrush sculptor) plays a crucial role within the art team. This role will be heavily across the ornate and organic art assets.

They will require strong art fundamentals, a good eye when interpolating concepts and reference into stunning 3D assets. As well as technical strength in creating efficient pipelines, game ready topology and implementation of assets and material. 

Their responsibilities go beyond the act of crafting art, encompassing tasks such as  conducting initial artistic checks on the work completed by other artists, addressing troubleshooting needs and providing support to Art Leads in work estimation.

• Analyze and interpret client briefs and specifications to gain a comprehensive understanding of work requirements.
• Assist in estimating efforts for new projects.
• Contribute to pre-production tasks by gathering relevant references, creating
• checklists, and formulating queries for clients.
• Aid in establishing clarity in the asset creation workflow by crafting sample assets and production guidelines
• Produce high-quality, art assets in accordance with art director's specifications 
• Provide direction and guidance to the team of artists. Conduct first-level checks of their work to ensure adherence to artistic and technical requirements (if required).
• Assist in troubleshooting issues on the project.
• Actively participate in team meetings, offering ideas and suggestions to contribute
• to project success. Identify and raise red flags for potential risks accordingly.
• Regularly and clearly communicate the status of their work, as well as that of any artists under their supervision, to the Lead and Project Manager.
• Ensure that the work is accomplished within the budgeted effort, both for oneself and for the artists under their supervision

The Senior Art Director reports to the Head of Art at Wicked Workshop. The position will see your supervise a large, thriving and talented art team, establish direction, consistency and quality. Your effective, and considered communication style will provide continual feedback, execution standards to help guide the artistic vision for our clients games. As Senior Director, you will ensure that assets are on time, at client and our quality bar, whilst performant in engine. 

• Managing dedicated art teams across geographies or studios, emphasizing overall quality, productivity, and continuous team development.  
• Engages in interactions at a higher level, handling crucial project kick-offs, communications, and escalations, with a focus on meeting and exceeding client expectations.  
• Focuses on guiding art teams across multiple studios to achieve broader project goals and maintain high-quality standards.  
• Play a key role in project planning and execution at a higher level, potentially handling multiple projects simultaneously, with a focus on achieving timelines, quality benchmarks, and budgetary allocations.  
• Engages in comprehensive artistic mentorship, leading and managing dedicated art teams across various domains or studios, contributing to the overall artistic direction.  
• Anticipate future project challenges, spearhead solutions, and set high-level goals for the team.
• Actively support, mentor, and manage the Art leads, Associate Art Directors, and their direct reports by communicating department initiatives, sharing best practices, elevating leadership, and contributing as a community member.
• An impeccable eye for aesthetic quality, visual excellence and a high attention to detail demonstrated through an impressive art portfolio.
• Highly proficient in current development tools and software including Unreal, Unity, Maya/ 3DS Max/Blender, Zbrush and Substance.
• A confident art leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will have the ability to articulate visual ideas with clarity and conviction and provide clear feedback and guidance.
• Good understanding of fundamental art principles; colour and lighting theory, composition and staging techniques.