Lead Environment Artist

ILM’s Interactive team advances the studio’s legacy of innovation by developing original immersive experiences across virtual reality, augmented reality and location-based platforms. Known for blending best-in-class visuals, sound and narrative, the team has delivered award-winning projects such as What If…? – An Immersive Story, Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series and the Oscar-winning CARNE y ARENA. Our work continues to push the boundaries of immersive entertainment and redefine how audiences engage with story.

We are seeking a Lead Environment Artist who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, and passion for great storytelling that defines ILM.

What You’ll Do

• Translate 2D concepts and art direction into expansive 3D environments that maintain visual consistency and high fidelity across the entire project.

• Lead a team of environment artists through regular feedback and reviews to ensure the team is performing at a world-class level.

• World building of levels with a multitude of varying styles and an ability to be flexible to design changes.

• Define and optimize environment art workflows, including modular building systems, photogrammetry integration, and procedural world-building tools.

• Create benchmark assets that set the quality bar for internal artists and external outsourcing partners.

• Partner with Level Designers to ensure environments support gameplay flow and with Technical Artists & Engineers to ensure the world runs smoothly within memory and frame-rate budgets.

• Establish a thorough understanding of the existing tools and pipelines; experiment / champion opportunities for improvement

• Proactively identify production bottlenecks and technical constraints, finding creative solutions that don't compromise artistic integrity.

• Able to generate art task lists, estimates, schedules, milestones and overall project goals as necessary

• Actively participate in the QA process to identify and fix bugs 

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of experience in game environment art, with at least one shipped AAA title in a Senior or Lead capacity (or equivalent).

• Expert-level proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya/3ds Max/Blender, ZBrush, Substance 3D Painter/Designer and Quixel Suite

• Deep knowledge and experience using Unreal Engine 5 (or equivalent game engine) and associated world-building tools

• Exceptional understanding of form, shape, structure, and silhouette in regard to modelling

• Great eye for light, shade, color, and detail in creating texture maps of different material types

• Strong paint skills, multi-layered materials and effective texture layout.

• A strong understanding of PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows, vertex painting, trim sheets, and custom shader creation.

• Collaborative, team-player attitude: open & receptive to new ideas, constructive criticism, direction and changes.

• Deep knowledge of optimization techniques, including draw call management, LOD (Level of Detail) strategies, and texture density.

• The ability to articulate complex visual and technical concepts to both artistic and non-artistic stakeholders.

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* A portfolio / reel submission - including a detailed breakdown of your work in each section - is required with all artist applications.

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $150,900 to $193,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.