Senior Lighting Artist (Game Development)

TL;DR

Senior Lighting Artist (Game Development): Shaping the visual aesthetics and emotional resonance of in-game worlds with an accent on real-time lighting setups, tone, visual storytelling, and gameplay experience. Focus on optimizing performance, aligning with artistic vision, and elevating visual fidelity through light theory and color balance.

Location: Hybrid (US)

Salary: $102,000–$125,000 USD

Company

hirify.global is a game development studio focused on creating captivating worlds and player experiences, operating under Sony Interactive Entertainment.

What you will do

• Collaborate with leadership and cross-discipline teams to maintain lighting's aesthetic and technical standards.
• Create lighting for significant portions of in-game worlds using proprietary toolsets.
• Develop dynamic/scripted lighting, character/hard surface light rigs, and in-game narrative content.
• Work with Design stakeholders to ensure gameplay needs are met.
• Stay informed on new developments in rendering, particularly regarding lighting, atmosphere, and surfaces.
• Provide constructive feedback to production artists working on lighting-related tasks.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of lighting, shadow, and color to create a visually engaging space.
• Ability to follow and adapt to a wide range of design references and narrative context.
• Experience in lighting characters and environments, both interior and exterior, across different times of day.
• Understanding of composition and the ability to enhance mood through lighting.
• Experience with materials/shaders and their relationship with light.
• Competent 3D modeling/texturing skills (e.g., light fixtures).
• Wide understanding of lighting/rendering technologies.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 4, 5, Unity3D, or other modern development toolsets.
• Passion for games.

Nice to have

• Experience partnering with graphics engineers, tech art, and tools teams to develop lighting processes and technology.
• Experience guiding the work of more junior artists.
• Experience coordinating team efforts with external developers.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid working policy.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Matching 401(k) and paid time off.
• Wellness program and employee discounts for Sony products.
• Potential eligibility for a bonus package.
• Opportunity to work autonomously and collaboratively in a creative environment.

Hiring process

• Background checks are conducted at the offer stage for all new employees.