Lead Lighting Artist (GameDev)

TL;DR

Lead Lighting Artist (GameDev): Maintaining the aesthetic of the game based on the Art Director's vision by adding lighting and shading elements within playable levels and cinematics. Focus on leading a team, defining lighting standards, optimizing setups for technical limitations and performance goals, and collaborating across departments to ensure visual quality in AAA game development.

Location: Remote (Canada) or Hybrid in Montreal, CA. Must be based in Canada due to specific benefits and work authorization requirements (e.g., RRSP matching).

Company

hirify.global is a leading independent AAA game development studio with an international team, known for shooter titles and Unreal Engine expertise, currently working on several exciting projects including Gears of War: E-Day.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of lighting artists, fostering an engaging atmosphere for project success and personal growth.
• Maintain artistic direction and quality by creating high-quality lighting schemes for scenes, levels, and cinematics based on concept art.
• Contribute to narrative storytelling through effective use of color, light, and mood, setting lighting standards and quality targets.
• Manage production timelines, assign tasks, and ensure the team's work meets quality standards and deadlines.
• Provide daily feedback, collaborate with other disciplines (VFX artists, level designers) to creatively solve problems.
• Drive R&D initiatives for lighting techniques, pipelines, and workflows, ensuring technical limitations and performance goals are met.

Requirements

• Strong portfolio showcasing AAA quality world and local lighting work.
• 7+ years in console or PC game development, including 5+ years in Unreal Engine, and prior leadership experience.
• Excellent knowledge of industry-standard software packages like Maya, Max, ZBrush, or Photoshop for modeling and sculpting.
• In-depth understanding and practical experience of lighting in real-time game engines or CGI/VFX productions.
• Knowledge of Physically Based Rendering workflows and current console generation performance limitations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

Culture & Benefits

• Benefit package 100% paid by PCF and full dental coverage, including orthodontics.
• 4% RRSP matching before tax deductions, 100% vested on day one.
• Paid week off during Winter Holidays, 20 paid vacation days, and 5 paid sick days.
• Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions for members and their dependents.
• Opportunities for personal development and ability to work in a global environment.
• Work in a creative team with people full of passion for what they do.