Announcements - We’re Hiring! - Forum

Grinding Gear Games is looking to hire talented artists, programmers, animators, and quality assurance to support the ongoing development of Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2 in our head office in Auckland, New Zealand. We’re offering relocation assistance for the right candidates. These are full-time roles in Henderson, Auckland. Please only apply if you currently reside in New Zealand/Auckland or are willing to relocate. We can assist with applying for work visas for these roles. To apply for a role, please email your resume, portfolio/code samples and a cover letter to jobs@grindinggear.com with your name and the role you are applying for in the subject line. Location: On-site in Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand Relocation assistance (for the right candidate, if needed) Full time positions - 40 hours a week Artists Concept Artists We’re looking to hire Concept Artists to design items and microtransactions for Path of Exile. The position includes the following duties Research and create concept designs in a variety of mediums specific to the brief such as 2D drawings or 3D renders. Tasks include but not limited to characters, props, micro-transactions and other elements for the project. Collaborate with other departments to brainstorm and interpret the project brief, working closely with directors, leads and concept team members to establish the overall visual style and ideas. Participate in feedback consultations and self manage project timelines/schedules and report any issues to the team lead. We are seeking someone with: 2+ years experience as a game concept artist A strong understanding of Path of Exile, its gameplay and themes, or similar ARPG games A superior eye for lighting, value, colour, texture and details A firm grasp of composition and anatomy as it relates to games Passion and ability for creating realistic, ‘dark and gritty’ visually appealing item, character and cosmetic designs An ability to take direction and work well within a team environment Problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate time requirements A proactive and self-reliant approach to working Excellent communications skills, and able to work within a team environment Portfolio, and/or reel demonstrating relevant artistic skills required. Must be willing to complete an art test if requested to do so. 3D Artists - Microtransactions We’re seeking 3D Artists to work on armour sets, weapons and other microtransactions for Path of Exile. The position includes the following duties Work side-by-side with artists in our microtransaction pipeline, under the direction of the Directors to create the highest quality artwork and maintain artistic consistency and expectations set by the studio. Collaborate with concept artists to review design, give feedback and achieve goals. Coordinate and provide thorough and consistent feedback with our outsourcing artists. We are seeking someone with: 3+ years of professional experience in real-time graphics and 3D pipeline Experience with modelling items/props, weapons, armours and character Strong proficiency with Maya, Zbrush, Marvelous Designer, Photoshop, and Substance Painter. 3D Studio Max is a plus Experience working with external outsourcing artists Solid understanding of kit-bashing models, topology, materials, textures , and optimization Great communication, organisation and management skills with the ability to assist with in-house mentorship An ability to identify any risks and issues in the outsourcing pipeline and proactively seek solutions A strong artistic vision to translate a concept art to game-ready asset An ability to perform under pressure to meet deadlines An ability to embrace and provide constructive artistic feedback Pluses: Experience working in the game industry is highly regarded Portfolio, and/or reel demonstrating relevant artistic skills required. Must be willing to complete an art test if requested to do so. 3D Artists - Asset Handling We are seeking a 3D Artist primarily focused in outsource coordination to help create and handle art assets in Path of Exile. This is a role that could benefit a graduate or junior 3D Artist looking to explore the pipeline of outsource to implementation. The position includes the following duties: Work with 3d artists, internal departments, freelancers and outsource studios to create the highest quality artwork and maintain artistic consistency and expectations set by the studio. Critique, manage and prepare other artists’ work to ensure functionality with our in-house tools and pipeline. Secondarily: Create, improve and maintain the aesthetic of objects, characters and creatures for Path of Exile. As a central 3D role, help communicate information, and facilitate needs between various departments, i.e. concept art, rigging, effects, animation, producers, game design. We are seeking someone with: Good general knowledge of Maya when it comes to modelling, texturing and basic rigging Experience analyzing historical/ancient reference, and natural history, for sculptural and material details Good understanding of import/export processes using .obj/.fbx file formats Confidence and curiosity while learning from others, complex, proprietary engine tools, and systems Proficiency in Zbrush, Substance painter, Maya and Photoshop Experience using one or more game engines Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate time requirements Proactive and self-reliant Excellent written and verbal English communication skills Fluent in art and design language, ability to communicate this verbally and visually Ability to work within a team environment Experience creatively reusing assets efficiently, and planning/designing modular, versatile assets Pluses: A deep understanding of our games Experience working in the game industry Personal projects related to 3D modeling Experience scripting in Maya, or code/text editors, eg. Python or Mel Experience with node graph based materials Experience rendering 3D to 2D, ie Keyshot, Marmoset toolbag, etc Portfolio, and also examples/demonstration of non-artistic, technical and\or communication skills relating to asset production required. For example: annotated paintovers, articulate artistic/technical feedback/critique, planning modular assets, kitbash. Rigging Artists We are seeking Rigging Artists to join our team. The position includes the following duties: Provide 3D artistic rigging and animation skills for various assets throughout Path of Exile Use artistic and technical skills to rig and modify digital characters, props and sets maintaining a consistent aesthetic across your work Create high-quality work using a variety of software programs Be aware of project/task schedules and be capable of delivering work to deadlines Take direction from the rigging leads and engage with Producers We are seeking someone with: 2 years experience in rigging for games/media OR a relevant Bachelors Degree in video game, film, or media art Intermediate to advanced knowledge of rigging using the Maya rigging tools Ability to create clear, non-destructive, user-friendly rigs Knowledge in proper anatomy and body mechanics Good general knowledge of Maya with regards to modelling and texturing At least one year of character rigging experience in a professional studio Excellent written and verbal English communication skills Good self-management, with a positive attitude and ability to receive and provide constructive and objective feedback Portfolio, and/or reel demonstrating relevant skills required. Must be willing to complete a rigging test if requested to do so. Programmers Senior / Principal C++ Gameplay Programmers We’re seeking Senior / Principal C++ Gameplay Programmers to join our team, implementing gameplay elements to Path of Exile using modern C++ and mentoring our team. The position includes the following duties: Provide software development services Design gameplay elements of Path of Exile using modern C++ Plan, maintain, analyse and review implementations of programming code Maintain consistent communication with directors and colleagues Mentor other team members Work to strict deadlines and schedules We are seeking someone with: Strong knowledge of modern C++ Excellent communication skills At least 5 to 8 years of commercial game programming experience in a professional studio for Senior roles / 8+ years for Principal roles Bachelor's degree in IT, Software Engineering or Game Development Must be able to pass our technical C++ programming test (approximately one hour long) C++ Gameplay/UI Programmers We’re seeking C++ Gameplay/UI Programmers to join our team, implementing gameplay/UI elements to Path of Exile using modern C++. The position includes the following duties: Provide software development services Design gameplay / UI elements of Path of Exile using modern C++ Plan, maintain, analyse and review implementations of programming code Maintain consistent communication with directors and colleagues Work to strict deadlines and schedules We are seeking someone with: Strong knowledge of modern C++ At least 3 years of software engineering/development or game programming experience Excellent communication skills Code samples/portfolio showcasing custom C++ required. Must be able to pass our technical C++ programming test (approximately one hour long) C++ Engine Programmers We seek a Senior C++ Engine Programmer to work on our in-house engine and tools. Our engine is specific to Path of Exile and attempts to solve the problems uniquely generated by the dynamic gameplay that we support while taking advantage of the opportunities granted by our fixed camera perspective. The position includes the following duties: Development work on our in-house engine and tools Maintain consistent communication with directors and colleagues Collaborate with designers and artists to create tools that allow them to get great results Ability to work to deadlines and schedules We are seeking someone with: Extremely strong knowledge of modern C++ Extremely strong knowledge of at least one modern graphics API Three or more years of commercial game engine/graphics programming experience A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or equivalent Pluses: Experience with development on multiple graphics APIs and platforms Code samples/portfolio showcasing custom C++ required. Must be able to pass our technical C++ programming test (approximately one hour long) C++ macOS/iOS Engine Programmers We seek Engine Programmers with Metal API experience to join our team. The position includes the following duties: Integrate and maintain the Metal API within our custom engine Solve Metal API specific issues across macOS/iOS platforms Communicate consistently with directors and colleagues Work within a multiskilled team environment to deadlines and schedules You could be working on: Debugging shader bugs using Metal Shading Language (MSL) Fixing any MacOS/iOS crashes/issues during live-ops patching Optimising Metal build iteration time Improve engine diagnostics to improve reliability We are seeking someone with: Strong knowledge of modern C++ & the metal-cpp Library MacOS/iOS engine performance optimization experience Excellent communication skills 3+ years of engine programming experience in a professional studio 1 or more successfully-published cross-platform titles, including Mac/iOS Pluses: Experience with our game, Path of Exile Code samples/portfolio showcasing custom C++ and metal-cpp required. Must be able to pass our technical C++ programming test (approximately one hour long) Miscellaneous Roles Senior Animator We are seeking a talented Senior Animator to join our studio. In this role, you will work closely with the directors, designers, rigging artists and of course the animation team, to craft dynamic and compelling in-game and cinematic animations. Your work will bring to life a diverse range of characters, including bipedal figures, creatures, monsters, and microtransaction assets throughout Wraeclast! The position includes the following duties: Create quality 3D animations for Path of Exile under the direction of the Animation Lead for both gameplay and cinematics Use your initiative, be proactive and share innovative ideas within the team Be aware of project/task schedules and deliver work to deadlines Be able to receive and provide constructive feedback We are seeking someone who has: A minimum of 5 years of animation experience, including at least 1 year in a professional game studio environment A strong ability to execute animations that truly understand and respect the importance of core gameplay mechanics and character performance Solid knowledge of body mechanics, with experience animating general locomotion, melee, and magic combat for both bipedal characters and creatures/monsters The ability to maintain a professional attitude, accept constructive feedback, and work both independently and collaboratively within a team Proficiency in Maya A self-motivated team player with excellent communication skills Ability to perform in-character acting in front of a camera to support animation reference Pluses: A sense of humor An applicant must have examples of hand-keyed combat and gameplay animation for both bipedal characters and creatures in their portfolio, and be willing to complete a short animation test if requested. Quality Assurance We seek Quality Assurance Testers to join our team! If you have a deep understanding of Path of Exile, we’d love to hear from you. The position includes the following duties: Testing new Path of Exile content and features to find issues. Communicating these problems to the development team through our issue tracking software. Following up on the state of these problems and working with developers to resolve them. Checking candidate builds of content updates and patches for problems by going through checklists. Scripting automated test-cases and improving our testing tools. We are seeking someone with: At least 1000 hours of experience collectively with our games, Path of Exile and Path of Exile 2. Our games are complicated and members of our quality assurance team require vast experience with all aspects of the game. While there is some training, it is vital that you already fully understand the game itself in order to apply for this role. Pluses A qualification in Computer Science, Software Engineering, game design or equivalent. At least three months of work experience performing quality assurance for computer games, or other team-based work experience. Customer Support Based in West Auckland, Grinding Gear Games is searching for full time Customer Support staff to handle a wide variety of customer service-related tasks. Please only apply if you currently reside in New Zealand or Australia and are either a New Zealand Citizen, Resident or Australian Citizen. The position includes the following duties: Moderating in-game chat and our forums Assisting customers via email, private message, and live chat We are seeking someone with: Exceptional communication skills A high level of written and spoken English Organisation skills and a hard working attitude The ability to multitask and prioritise work when required Excellent computer and technical skills An interest in a long term position Experience with online games We encourage everyone to get in touch with us if you think you have the talent we're looking for. We do typically have a criteria on what we're looking for in specific roles we have advertised; which may include experience in similar roles or qualifications we'd like applicants to have. Despite this, our teams have the seniority to help you thrive in a new role if you know you have the skill set we're after. Never be discouraged to apply if you find yourself intrigued by a role we have available!
Posted by Natalia_GGG on Feb 2, 2026, 2:04:34 PM Grinding Gear Games
Shame customer support is not a remote work from any country :(	Posted by Kopawyjebe#6224 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:14:24 PM Quote this Post
Too bad I'm not fit for the job :(	Posted by Rem0797#4019 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:17:07 PM Quote this Post
Finally you decided to hire more animators! Combat can't thrive without good animations! Delay Swords until you found the right one You should open a position for VFX artist too, one that value screen and combat clarity Bullish on GGG, let's go! EDIT: " A minimum of 5 years of animation experience, including at least 1 year in a professional game studio environment A strong ability to execute animations that truly understand and respect the importance of core gameplay mechanics and character performance Solid knowledge of body mechanics, with experience animating general locomotion, melee, and magic combat for both bipedal characters and creatures/monsters The ability to maintain a professional attitude, accept constructive feedback, and work both independently and collaboratively within a team With this generic requirements you'll attract mobile grad animators.. Raise your standards GGG, you'll have hiring problem Last edited by ryuukk33#4998 on Feb 2, 2026, 3:51:34 PM	Posted by ryuukk33#4998 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:39:57 PM Quote this Post
Damn, still not hiring someone with brokerage experience. Put me in coach, let me leave my country. Please!	Posted by Zac89#2781 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:40:13 PM Quote this Post
Maybe now PoE 1 and PoE 2 will have separate,dedicated dev teams for each game.	Posted by Toforto#2372 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:46:58 PM Quote this Post
It sounds like a promising future not only for GGG, but also for young professionals. That’s something we fully support!	Posted by Deinos#1026 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:53:05 PM Quote this Post
" Kopawyjebe#6224 wrote: Shame customer support is not a remote work from any country :( My thought exactly, would have applied right away. You stand before the gates of the Lord's Labyrinth. Within these walls, the Lady of Justice doth preside. Last edited by SkalicFin#0667 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:58:02 PM	Posted by SkalicFin#0667 on Feb 2, 2026, 2:53:32 PM Quote this Post
What's the TC for `Senior / Principal C++ Gameplay Programmers`?	Posted by VoidVoidVoidVoid#3350 on Feb 2, 2026, 3:00:59 PM Quote this Post
Hmm... I'm an experienced software developer, with a game programming bachelor's degree, with experience in C++ and have made my own game engine with OpenGL and C++ And I recently entered the market for a new job. If it wasn't for the relocation, this would be mighty tempting! Hard for someone in their 30's on the other side of the world to just leave everything behind, though. Though on the plus side, if I lived in New Zealand I could meet my old teacher Simon again!	Posted by MarsAstro#7928 on Feb 2, 2026, 3:17:33 PM Quote this Post