Cloud Imperium is looking for a talented and experienced Senior Environment Artist to work for the First Person Shooter areas of Star Citizen and Squadron 42 with the production and engine groups across multiple studios.
The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of environment asset creation and modular kit-based construction methodologies. They understand all phases of environment creation from block-out through lighting. They work well and communicate with designers and other disciplines in a collaborative team oriented development process.
Covid-19 Hiring Update: We’ve transitioned to a work-from-home model and we’re continuing to interview and hire during this time. This role is expected to begin as a remote position. We understand each person’s circumstances may be unique and will work with you to explore possible interim options.
Responsibilities:
- Creating game-ready models of environmental objects (architectural building sets, organics, etc)
- Working in the editor to build levels and environments
- Creating efficient UV layouts that work well within the engine/platform constraints
- Creating realistic PBR shaders
- Creating tutorials, style guides, and technical guides to help communicate workflow, efficiency knowledge, and artistic expertise
- Defining budgets for the given platforms together with lead artist and tech group
- Working closely together with the Level Design Team
- Working independently on asset sets and overseeing level art
- Defining work processes with the lead artist and production group
Requirements:
- 5+ years professional game production experience
- Previous experience creating high-quality environments for AAA games
- Thorough knowledge of the game development process
- Shipped two to three large-scale, 3D titles from pre-production to release (PC, current or next-gen consoles)
- Evidence of being a leader and role model within their trade
- A strong ability to create believable environments within a game engine
- Strong knowledge of 3DS Max, Photoshop, and Zbrush/Mudbox as well as experience in using editors to lay out environments
- Strong knowledge of Substance/Quixel packages
- Ability to derive a well-structured low-poly model from the high-poly model
- Strong understanding of efficient UV layout for low-poly objects
- Strong understanding of modular level creation methods
- Experience creating environments using modular systems
- An understanding of effective asset creation and optimization
- A strong understanding of shader functionality
- Strong knowledge and/or experience with PBR
- An understanding of effective asset creation and optimization
- A keen eye for spatial composition and building believable scenes
- Excellent sense of form, mass, and volume
- Passion for pushing state-of-the-art in-asset fidelity and production techniques
- Passion and constant drive to stay up to date with the latest technology and new techniques
- Expert in time management and verbal and written communication
- Focused, motivated, and effective on all tasks
- A positive team-oriented attitude
- Proactive and self-motivated. Ability to work without direct supervision
- Ability to complete tasks within given time constraints
- Excellent English communication and written skills
Pluses:
- Knowledge of Lumberyard
- Hard surface modeling experience
- Experience with programmatic and/or parametric environment generation tools
- Experience in architectural, interior, or industrial design
- Strong interest in sci-fi themes
- Experience with outsourcing and/or collaborating with external studios
- The ability to manage and supervise mid-level and junior artists and willingness to carry out mentorship tasks
Please provide sample pictures, a demo reel, or portfolio link. Your examples should demonstrate:
- Exceptional modeling skills. Great assets examples using custom normal workflow or high to low poly baking
- Strong understanding of a PBR workflow
- Examples of building realistic shader libraries
- Examples of beautifully finished environments
- Ability to create game-ready assets that work well within given technical limitations
- Very strong texturing skills and excellent knowledge of Adobe Photoshop
- Keen eye on detail and realism
- A strong sense of composition, color, and light
- At least average drawing/painting skills
This position is offered at our Wilmslow Studio by Cloud Imperium Games Ltd.
If you feel you have something to offer this role, even if you don’t think you qualify for all the above, you should still apply – we are an inclusive employer and if you have potential, talent and a great work ethic, we want to hear from you.
