Lead, Unreal Engine Projects and Initiatives

Position Overview:

The Lead, Unreal Engine Projects and Initiatives is a dynamic role that combines hands-on operational expertise in a virtual production environment with technical artistry, and an opportunity to share this knowledge with learners. This individual is responsible for both creating and modifying assets and managing the technical aspects of the smart stage during shooting. On set, you must efficiently handle a multitude of requests, ensuring seamless integration of virtual elements with live action. This role demands a unique combination of artistic talent, technical expertise, and the ability to perform effectively under the dynamic conditions of a live production set and in an instructional setting with secondary and post-secondary students. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for virtual production and a commitment to excellence in asset creation on-set operations, knowledge sharing, and community building.

Key Responsibilities:

Content Development (Unreal Engine):

• Design environments using Unreal Engine optimized for real-time playback on LED volumes.
• Support UEFN-based interactive projects from concept to delivery.
• Stay current with Unreal Engines evolving toolsets and best practices.

Stage & Tech Operations:

• Operate and maintain LED stage including 3D camera tracking, motion capture (e.g. Rokoko, Faceware), and DMX lighting.
• Collaborate with creatives to bring stories to life using real-time tools.
• Troubleshoot tech issues during live shoots.
• Maintain clean project files, backups, and naming conventions.

Mentorship & Training:

• Act as Unreal Engine lead on in-studio LED productions.
• Delivers training sessions/workshops, presentations, demonstrations and tours.
• Develop and deliver curriculum.

Community & Representation:

• Represent New Media Manitoba at meetups, conferences, jams, career fairs and other public-facing events.
• Share knowledge, build relationships, and support local talent development.
• Help tell our story and grow our impact on the Interactive Digital Media industry.
• Contribute to the delivery of New Media Manitoba hosted events as required.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor of Computer Science or related technical discipline, or equivalent experience as a 3D Artist, knowing Unreal Engine best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of Unreal Engine (latest versions).
• Experience with LED volume production or real-time stage work.
• Creates, lights and optimizes 3D environments for performance and quality
• Understands the virtual production pipeline and collaborative storytelling.
• Experience being a mentor and trainer would be an advantage.
• Continuously learns; actively keeps pace with emerging tools, trends, and technologies.
• Strong communication, collaboration and community building skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and provide direct support to team members.
• Problem solver with technical trouble-shooting experience.
• Works efficiently under pressure, adapts to changing requirements, and meets deadlines.
• Adopts new tools and technologies quickly and effectively.
• Additional assets would be:
• Familiarity with Digital Content Creators. (Blender, Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter).
• Comfort with Blueprint scripting, version control. (Perforce)
• VFX/post-production pipeline experience.

Required with Resume:

• A portfolio showing experience in 3D environments, virtual production, or real-time workflows.
• A cover letter

About New Media Manitoba’s StudioLab xR facility:

StudioLab xR is New Media Manitoba’s 5500 sq ft virtual production studio and Unreal Authorized Training Centre. Its mandate is to support workforce development and innovation in emerging fields of Extended Reality (xR).

About New Media Manitoba

New Media Manitoba a non-profit industry association and Sector Council Partner dedicated to supporting Manitoba’s Interactive Digital Media (IDM) industry.

NMM fosters growth in the IDM industry through education and skills training, creating IDM workforce awareness through collaboration with K12 through post-secondary, business development and market access support, emerging talent and employment diversity programs, networking and expert-led events, and government advocacy work

Apply by email, by August 11,2025, with cover letter, portfolio and resume to: taralee@newmediamanitoba.com

New Media Manitoba is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment. We are dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by provincial or federal law. We encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.