Senior Environment Lighting Artist (Autodesk Maya)

Location: United States, Santa Monica, CA; hybrid / onsite. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

Salary: $69.09–$86.35 USD per hour

Company

Naughty Dog is a game development studio known for narrative-driven, technically ambitious titles including The Last of Us series.

What you will do

• Develop lighting schemes, color palettes, post-processing effects, and visual moods for 3D game environments.
• Transform unlit environment models into visually compelling game spaces.
• Collaborate with modelers and texture/shader artists to optimize visual quality and runtime performance.
• Work with outsource vendors and lighting artists on visual direction, technology, training, workflows, and feedback.
• Contribute to additional lighting and environment responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of industry experience in film or games generating final pictures.
• Experience shipping at least one AAA game.
• Advanced proficiency in Autodesk Maya and knowledge of global illumination.
• Strong understanding of direct and indirect light, luminance, exposure, and color theory.
• Excellent problem-solving and multitasking skills, with the ability to work independently and support other artists.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice to have

• Experience generating light maps, pre-lighting, or baked lighting.

Culture & Benefits

• Temporary engagement through staffing partner Yoh Enterprise Solutions.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available.
• Portfolio or demo reel submission is required during the application process.

Hiring process

• Submit a portfolio or demo reel.
• Complete an art test if requested.
• Undergo background checks at the offer stage.