Lead Real-Time Graphics Developer
Location: Remote, Connecticut
Assignment Type: One-year contract
Industry: Live Sports Broadcasting and Media
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Lead Real-Time Graphics Developer to create, develop, and deploy advanced real-time graphics, animations, and graphic directories for ESPN productions.
This position requires extensive experience with Ross XPression, live broadcast graphics, 2D and 3D animation, and graphics implementation within event or studio environments. The selected candidate will independently lead graphic builds, maintain production directories, troubleshoot technical issues, develop workflows, and support the training of other developers.
This is a highly creative and technical role requiring innovation, attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to deliver accurate, high-quality graphics under the demanding deadlines of live sports television.
Key Responsibilities
- Create, develop, and deploy real-time graphics using Ross XPression, with additional use of Vizrt.
- Plan, build, maintain, and update graphics directories for live events and studio productions.
- Independently manage projects while providing technical or creative leadership to other developers.
- Troubleshoot and support event and studio graphics directories.
- Translate creative direction and project requirements into custom designs, animations, and layouts.
- Create 2D and 3D graphics using Adobe Photoshop, After Effects, Illustrator, Cinema 4D, and related applications.
- Support specialty graphics initiatives, including touchscreen applications, interactive graphics, virtual studios, augmented reality, and data visualization.
- Develop project-wide workflows, scripts, processes, and technical solutions.
- Collaborate with management, production partners, designers, and end users to establish expectations and ensure timely delivery.
- Research and resolve technical questions involving design, animation, graphics systems, and production workflows.
- Assist with hardware and software upgrades, studio installations, and new production builds.
- Train, mentor, and assist other developers, including supporting onboarding and departmental training.
- Support long-term creative and technical initiatives within ESPN Creative Studio.
- Provide technical assistance and training to internal teams, remote freelancers, production partners, and vendors.
- Monitor graphics for consistency with ESPN's established visual standards.
- Prepare and manage image files for broadcast programs.
- Maintain proper file organization, archiving, and project-retrieval practices.
- Identify and report equipment, software, or production-environment issues.
- Maintain accurate timekeeping, daily reporting, and project documentation.
- Track and report the value and impact of project contributions.
- Maintain high standards for creativity, accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
Required Qualifications
- At least five years of professional experience designing graphics for live productions at a major studio, television network, or production company.
- Advanced, hands-on experience with a real-time graphics platform, particularly Ross XPression or Vizrt.
- Demonstrated experience implementing graphics within live event or studio-production environments.
- Advanced 2D and 3D animation skills.
- Strong typography, composition, and visual-layout abilities.
- Solid understanding of broadcast and television production technologies.
- Ability to create and maintain graphics directories for live productions.
- Ability to independently research, troubleshoot, and resolve technical and creative issues.
- Experience developing workflows, processes, scripts, or reusable graphics solutions.
- Ability to learn and apply new concepts, software, and production techniques quickly.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to establish expectations with stakeholders and deliver projects on schedule.
- Strong attention to detail, including accuracy in spelling, grammar, and graphic presentation.
- Ability to provide direction, receive feedback, and collaborate effectively across creative and technical teams.
- Availability to work flexible hours, travel occasionally, and provide support within live television environments.
- An online portfolio or demo reel is required for consideration.
Preferred Qualifications
- Eight or more years of experience developing graphics for live sports broadcasts.
- Advanced expertise with Ross XPression and related production workflows.
- Working knowledge of Vizrt and Viz Trio.
- Experience with graphics playout in a live broadcast environment.
- Experience with event-based and studio-based sports-production workflows.
- Strong understanding of 3D graphics, modeling, and animation.
- Professional experience with Cinema 4D or Maya.
- Experience writing or troubleshooting code using one or more of the following:
- Visual Basic or Viz scripting
- C#
- JavaScript
- C++
- Similar programming or scripting languages
- Experience planning or implementing hardware, software, or studio builds.
- Strong interest in and knowledge of sports and sports culture.
Application Requirement
Applicants must include a working link to an online portfolio or demo reel demonstrating relevant real-time graphics, animation, and live broadcast production work.