Job Posting Title:

Lead Real Time Graphics Developer

Req ID:

10138959

Job Description:

This position is responsible for the creation, development and deployment of designs, animations, and real-time graphics directories at an advanced level of understanding and skill. The lead Real-Time Graphics Developer works on directory maintenance and new graphic builds independently or while leading a team. They communicate with teammates, partners, and end-users to help set expectations and ensure on-time delivery. They will help develop projects and department workflows and processes. This role is expected to deliver error-free graphics, independently research and provide technical support with high proficiency. They contribute to one or more specialty businesses supported by the Innovation team. They help administer and help maintain training and on-boarding programs. This is a creative role that requires the ability to innovate, learn quickly and collaborate with others under varying deadlines to maintain the quality of ESPN on-air product.

Responsibilities:

Primarily utilize Vizrt, Unreal Engine, or HTML in the process of graphics creation, development, and deployment of graphics for ESPN productionsPlan, build, maintain and update graphic directories independently or while collaborating with a team of developers, sometimes in a lead roleProvide ownership, direction, troubleshooting and support for events and/or studio directories implementing new, innovative approachesUtilize other graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After-Effects, Adobe Illustrator, and Cinema4D, to aid in the creation of designs and animationsUtilize and understand internal proprietary software and workflows Contribute to one or more specialty business segments such as touchscreen, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, augmented reality, etc.Work closely with management on deliverables to manage expectations with team-members and ensure effective and on-time deliveryIndependently research and answer technical questions with respect to design/animation techniques and workflowsCreate project-wide workflows, scripts, and processesCoordinate with management to provide feedback, improve processes, and apply best practices to all project workflowsAssist with hardware and/or software upgrades and new studio buildsTeach and assist co-workers and help with on-boarding and training other developersCollaborate within the ESPN Creative Studio to contribute to long-term initiativesTranslate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation, and layout solutionsPush creativity and software skills to higher levels, explore new technology, and actively communicate on all phases of a project to maintain the quality of ESPN’s on-air productAssist with special assignments such as in-house/off-site training and technical support for packagers, remote freelancers, and vendorsObserve graphic format deviations and enforce ESPN graphic lookPrepare image files for programsContribute innovative ideas, pushing designs to the next level, and learn new software to enhance individual versatility in the departmentAdhere to proper file management techniques to ensure efficient archiving and subsequent retrieval of projectsRecognize, report, and help troubleshoot equipment/software/work environment issuesAdhere to all administrative responsibilities, including time entry and daily reporting requirementsMaintain high standards of efficiency, consistency, accuracy, creativity, and timely delivery of all requestsTrack and report on value of contributions

Basic Requirements:

Minimum of 5 years of experience designing graphics for a live production setting at a major studio, network, or production companyAdvanced knowledge of a real-time graphics platform such as Vizrt, Ross Xpression, Unreal Engine or HTML and the workflows to implement graphics in an event or studio settingAdvanced 2D and 3D animation skills and excellent use of effective type layoutGood grasp of broadcast and television production technologyAptitude and drive to learn, create, and apply new concepts, techniques and software and the ability to share skills with peersDrive to contribute new and innovative ideas, displaying conceptualization skills and the ability to offer unique creative solutions at project and department-wide levelIn possession of excellent communication skills, setting expectations with stakeholders for on-time delivery while taking and giving direction wellDrive to contribute new and innovative ideas and successfully implement them at a project-wide levelAbility to plan and implement new hardware, software, and studio buildsKeen attention to detail, spelling, and grammarAbility and willingness to work flexible hours and occasionally travel and work in a live-TV setting Applicants must provide a link to their online portfolio/demo reel

Preferred Requirements:

Minimum of 8 years of live broadcast sport graphics experience encompassing event and/or studio workflowsAdvanced-level knowledge and understanding of Vizrt and Trio softwareExperience with or understanding graphics playout in a live settingUnderstanding 3D graphics, modeling, and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine, or other 3D animation programsAdvanced ability to write and troubleshoot Viz Scripting (visual basic), C#, JavaScript, C++, and/or other programming languagesStrong interest and knowledge of sports and sports cultureMust have reliable transportation to work

Required Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent 

Additional Information:

This role requires the person to be in the office

#ESPNMedia

Job Posting Segment:

ESPN Creative Studio

Job Posting Primary Business:

Edit, Animation, Graphics Innovation Playout & Creative Prod

Primary Job Posting Category:

Graphic Design & Motion Graphics Design - Sports

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Charlotte, NC, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

USA - CT - ESPN Building 13

Date Posted:

2025-12-23