Technical Artist, Character Optimization Intern [Spring 2027]

Crystal Dynamics InternshipCrystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.Join us and help shape an amazing studio culture, where we're building award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider and more!Crystal Dynamics is now accepting applications for a remote spring internship, open to candidates across most U.S. states. As part of this 12-week program, you will take part in meaningful, hands-on work that contributes directly to active AAA projects. Throughout the program, you will step into a professional development environment where ongoing projects, experienced mentors, and collaborative teams give you a direct view into AAA game creation. This internship is designed to help you build industry ready skills, form strong professional relationships, and deepen your understanding of how world class games are made!Eligibility criteria include: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 hrs/week), during core business hours, for the duration of the program (February 1st – April 23rd, 2027), including the first week onsite at our studio in San Carlos, CA for onboarding.Legal eligibility to work in the United States.Submission of a complete application that includes a resume, cover letter, and a link to your portfolio or GitHub.What you will gain:Practical project involvement: Contribute to active game development efforts while learning production scope, workflows, and the advanced tools used across modern AAA pipelines.Professional mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals with deep industry knowledge.Skill development: Expand your skill set, establishing a solid foundation for your professional journey.Team collaboration: Work alongside our dedicated onsite and remote teams including fellow interns, building valuable professional relationships within the gaming industry.What you will do:Acquire essential skills using industry-standard tools, software and scripting languages such as Unreal Engine, Maya and Python.Participate in the technical art tools and pipeline workflow on a small, mentored project, moving from proposal and prototype through technical design documentation, implementation, iteration, and polish.Support mid, senior, and lead technical artists by building and refining tools or scripts, troubleshooting pipelines and DCC to engine integration issues, supporting character optimization workflows, reducing content debt through automation, and documenting fixes clearly.Enhance your understanding of advanced game development technology, with a focus on Unreal Engine, character optimization, and efficient asset performance.What makes you stand out:Portfolio demonstrating foundational tech art skills, including one or more of the following: Simple character rigs, skinning examples, and/or character optimization work. Maya or Unreal scripts, tools, or workflows that improve character performance and production efficiency.Industry involvement outside classroom curriculum such as game jams, personal projects and/or contributions to group projects that show going above and beyond.Exposure to industry-standard development software tools and engines.Willingness to tackle challenges, learn from feedback, and adapt to new tools or workflows.Ability to communicate your ideas with eagerness to learn and put feedback into action.Compensation for this internship is $21-24/hr. Compensation is location-based and will be aligned to the intern's confirmed work location during the program. Interns are also eligible for a medical, dental, and vision benefits package. Your recruiter can provide more information about total compensation.Internship pay rate (United States) $21 —$24 USDNot sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Crystal Dynamics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable laws. If you require any accommodations, please notify us at your earliest convenience during the interview process.By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics's Privacy Notice.