Cinematic Lighting Artist (Game Development)

Location: Hybrid / onsite

Salary: $69.09–$86.35 USD per hour

Company

hirify.global’s Naughty Dog studio develops critically acclaimed AAA games focused on narrative, gameplay, and technical innovation.

What you will do

• Develop lighting schemes for characters and environments in collaboration with directors and concept artists.
• Integrate in-game cinematics smoothly with gameplay alongside the Level Lighting team.
• Optimize cinematic lighting and visuals to meet memory budgets without sacrificing quality.
• Collaborate with internal departments, lighting artists, and outsource vendors on visual direction, technology, training, and workflows.
• Provide and receive feedback while delivering time-sensitive cinematic work.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in games, animation, VFX, or film.
• Experience shipping a AAA game or equivalent production.
• Strong knowledge of direct and indirect lighting, color theory, exposure, contrast, shading, and materials.
• Ability to interpret concept art and color keys to recreate mood and atmosphere in game environments.
• Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Nuke, Fusion, or Resolve.
• Strong problem-solving, organization, time management, and independent working skills.

Nice to have

• Experience with real-time engines.
• Experience with light maps, pre-lighting, or baked lighting.
• Scripting experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a studio known for narrative-driven and technically innovative games.
• Collaborate with a broad range of creative and technical disciplines.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available.
• Background checks are conducted at the offer stage.

Hiring process

• Submit a portfolio or demo reel.
• Complete an art test if requested.