ESPN is hiring: Real Time Graphics Developer I in Bristol

Overview

ESPN Creative Studio leverages the combined talents of our in‑house storytelling, animation, production design, real‑time graphics and edit teams to elevate ESPN content for fans and advertisers.

This position is responsible for the creation, development, and deployment of designs, animations, and real‑time graphics directories. The role requires a strong creative vision, the ability to innovate, learn quickly, and collaborate with others under varying deadlines to maintain the quality of ESPN’s on‑air product.

Responsibilities

• Primarily utilize Vizrt, Ross Xpression, or Unreal Engine in graphics creation, development, and deployment for ESPN productions.
• Collaborate with teammates to plan, build, maintain, and update graphic directories.
• Translate project details and creative direction into custom design, animation, and layout solutions.
• Help troubleshoot and support event and studio directories.
• Utilize additional graphics software (Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, Cinema4D) to aid in creation of designs and animations.
• Understand and use internal proprietary software and workflows.
• Explore specialty business segments such as touchscreen, interactive, virtual studio, data visualization, and augmented reality.
• Work closely with leaders and peers to manage expectations and ensure on‑time delivery.
• Research and answer technical questions about design/animation techniques and workflows.
• Adhere to project workflows, scripts, and processes.
• Contribute to long‑term initiatives within ESPN Creative Studio.
• Pursue creative and software skill growth, proposing innovative ideas and pushing designs to new levels.
• Participate in special assignments, including in‑house/off‑site training and technical support for packagers, freelancers, and vendors.
• Observe graphic format deviations and enforce ESPN graphic look.
• Prepare image files for programs and maintain proper file‑management techniques.
• Report and troubleshoot equipment/software/work‑environment issues.
• Adhere to administrative responsibilities, including time entry and daily reporting requirements.
• Maintain high standards of efficiency, consistency, accuracy, creativity, and timely delivery of all requests.
• Track and report on the value of contributions.

Required Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of a real‑time graphics platform (Vizrt, Ross Xpression, or Unreal Engine).
• Strong understanding and application of effective type layout.
• 2‑D animation experience.
• Experience designing graphics or working in a live production or broadcast setting.
• Aptitude to learn and apply new concepts, techniques, and software.
• Good communication skills, assisting team leaders and management to set expectations and taking direction well.
• Drive to contribute new and innovative ideas.
• Interest and flexibility to engage with new hardware, software, and studio builds.
• Highly motivated, works well under pressure, effectively prioritizes assignments, and adapts direction easily.
• Keen attention to detail, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability 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 Qualifications

• Experience designing graphics or working in a live production setting.
• Experience with live broadcast sport graphics, encompassing event and studio workflows.
• Some knowledge of Vizrt and Trio software.
• Understanding of graphics playout in a live setting.
• Experience with or understanding of VBS or other programming languages.
• Interest and knowledge of 3‑D graphics, modeling, and animation concepts with experience in Cinema4D, Maya, Unreal Engine, or other 3‑D animation programs.
• Ability to write and troubleshoot Viz Scripting (Visual Basic), C#, JavaScript, C++, and/or other programming languages.
• Strong interest and knowledge of sports and sports culture.

Required Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.

Additional Information

• Flex Type: In‑Person.
• This role requires the person to be in the office.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level.

Employment type

• Full‑time.

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology.

Industries

• Broadcast Media Production and Distribution.