Wowhead Rendering Engineer

ZAM Network is a multi-faceted company based in the United States. We specialize in building engaged gaming communities through its three core pillars of marketing, creative services and user research. ZAM operates one of the largest gaming networks in the world including the #1 community for World of Warcraft, Wowhead.

Wowhead was created with one sole intent: providing World of Warcraft players with tools and information to make their gameplay more enjoyable. All staff members are passionate fans of World of Warcraft, which helps us keep abreast of the most important features other players are interested in! We pride ourselves on our comprehensive database with helpful user comments, popular tools like the Dressing Room and Flying Tracker, lightning-fast datamining to uncover the latest test realm updates, and detailed guides written by professional players on all popular WoW topics including classes, collections, secrets, and raids. We’ve branched out to cover the Diablo franchise and are planning our next stage of growth.

We are currently seeking a Reverse Engineer with extensive data mining experience to join our team as an independent contractor. This is not an entry level role and you will be working to extract both static and runtime game data for World of Warcraft to help Wowhead to expand our current tools to aid our community of gamers. This position is a full-time remote as you will collaborate with the entire Wowhead team as we work together to deliver world-class products to our fans.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage development of the Wowhead Studio application, to facilitate datamined assets of creatures, characters, and other in-game objects
• Extract game data and game assets required to build tools to support our products and services.
• Maintain Wowhead’s model tools using the site’s WebGL model viewers. TypeScript-based standard viewer used in most of Wowhead website.
• Use C++ web assembly-based viewer that is faster with accurate lighting, for various World of Warcraft Player Housing pages.
• Use JavaScript-based Three.js model viewer.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation on game data (contents, formats, change history), data mining tools and processes employed, and anything else related to the role.
• Communicate consistently, clearly, and efficiently all assigned task progress, blockers, or any other role-related issues in a prompt and professional manner on a regular basis.

Experience and Technical Requirements

• Previous hands-on experience doing data mining work on World of Warcraft and/or Diablo IV. This is not a “learn as you go” type of role; we operate in a fast paced, highly competitive, and challenging environment.
• Comprehensive understanding using various programming languages (such as C++, Python, C#, TypeScript and JS) in order to choose the best tool for the job.
• Understanding of various debugging, reverse engineering, and custom made tools to accomplish assigned tasks.
• Ability to read and comprehend x86/x64 assembly language, such as via IDA as this role is not solely a “file format” data mining role.
• Strong communication skills in English, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
• A collaborative mindset; ability to collaborate remotely and coordinate with stakeholders across different time zones.
• Professionalism, reliability, and a commitment to delivering high quality work utilizing your analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Being experienced in Blizzard games will make it easier to understand project requirements and the consumer side.