Principal Lighting Artist (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Principal Lighting Artist (Gamedev): Setting up and optimizing lighting systems for an unpublished R&D project with an accent on scalability, performance, and artistic direction. Focus on collaborating with engineering to build custom lighting tools, authoring shaders, and ensuring high-end visual quality across multiple platforms.

Location: Must be based in the United States (US-based benefits and legal compliance indicate a US-only role).

Company

A global game developer dedicated to creating player-focused experiences and high-quality interactive entertainment.

What you will do

• Design and implement scalable lighting systems and frameworks for future project development.
• Collaborate with technical art and engineering teams to develop lighting tools and optimize performance.
• Balance high-end visual fidelity with technical constraints for various hardware specifications.
• Establish the visual look and feel of the project in partnership with the art team.
• Utilize post-processing effects to achieve both artistic goals and performance targets.
• Document lighting systems to facilitate interdisciplinary workflows.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience as a lighting artist in the game industry.
• Proven experience in real-time lighting or environmental/VFX lighting.
• Professional experience working in Unreal Engine or similar game engines.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience authoring PBR materials and workflows.
• Proficiency in creating skyboxes, skydomes, and atmospheric lighting solutions.
• Experience providing direction and feedback to outsource vendors.
• Background in shipping titles across multiple platforms.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance coverage.
• 401k retirement plan with company match.
• Flexible work schedules and open paid time off policy.
• Supportive parental leave for employees and their families.
• Collaborative environment focused on player empathy and team-driven innovation.