Lead Environment Artist

What You'll Do

• Translate 2D concepts and art direction into expansive 3D environments that maintain visual consistency and high fidelity across the entire project.
• Lead a team of environment artists through regular feedback and reviews to ensure the team is performing at a world-class level.
• World build levels with a multitude of varying styles and an ability to be flexible to design changes.
• Define and optimize environment art workflows, including modular building systems, photogrammetry integration, and procedural world-building tools.
• Create benchmark assets that set the quality bar for internal artists and external outsourcing partners.
• Partner with Level Designers to ensure environments support gameplay flow and with Technical Artists & Engineers to ensure the world runs smoothly within memory and frame-rate budgets.
• Establish a thorough understanding of the existing tools and pipelines; experiment / champion opportunities for improvement.
• Proactively identify production bottlenecks and technical constraints, finding creative solutions that don't compromise artistic integrity.
• Generate art task lists, estimates, schedules, milestones and overall project goals as necessary.
• Actively participate in the QA process to identify and fix bugs.

• 7+ years of experience in game environment art, with at least one shipped AAA title in a Senior or Lead capacity (or equivalent).
• Expert-level proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya/3ds Max/Blender, ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter/Designer and Quixel Suite.
• Deep knowledge and experience using Unreal Engine 5 (or equivalent game engine) and associated world-building tools.
• Exceptional understanding of form, shape, structure, and silhouette in regard to modelling.
• Great eye for light, shade, color, and detail in creating texture maps of different material types.
• Strong paint skills, multi-layered materials and effective texture layout.
• A strong understanding of P  (Physically Based Rendering) workflows, vertex painting, trim sheets, and custom shader creation.
• Collaborative, team-player attitude: open & receptive to new ideas, constructive criticism, direction and changes.
• Deep knowledge of optimization techniques, including draw call management, LOD (Level of Detail) strategies, and texture density.
• The ability to articulate complex visual and technical concepts to both artistic and non-artistic stakeholders.

A portfolio / reel submission - including a detailed breakdown of your work in each section - is required with all artist applications. Reference: ECNJOBID- in the application