Lead Environment Artist

Summary

Join nDreams, a leading VR game developer and publisher, as a Lead Environment Artist. This 12-month, full-time, fully remote (UK-based) contract offers a competitive salary. You will lead the creation of high-quality game environments, mentor junior artists, and optimize the development process. Responsibilities include asset creation, pipeline definition, level assembly, material development, and technical troubleshooting. The role requires extensive experience in 3D modeling, texturing, PBR workflows, and game engines like Unreal Engine. nDreams offers excellent benefits, including flexible hours, paid time off, a pension scheme, health insurance, and life cover.

Requirements

• A strong portfolio demonstrating leadership in creating high-quality environments and technical innovation
• Mastery of industry-standard 3D modelling tools such as Maya, Blender
• Advanced texturing and material creation using Substance Suite, Photoshop, or equivalent
• Expert-level understanding of PBR workflows and shader development
• Proficiency in game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) for asset implementation, level setup, and technical troubleshooting
• Deep knowledge of optimisation techniques, including LODs, culling, texture streaming, and draw call management
• Exceptional understanding of composition, lighting, scale, and storytelling in environment design
• Expertise in modular design principles and advanced world-building techniques
• 4-6 years of professional experience in environment art, with multiple shipped titles

Responsibilities

• Provide expert execution, reviewing and guidance in the creation of complex, high-quality 3D assets, including buildings, landscapes, props, and other environmental elements, ensuring visual consistency across the project
• Define the structure and maintenance of modular kits and reusable assets for efficient production pipelines
• Oversee the assembly and composition of large-scale game levels, ensuring they are visually compelling, gameplay-friendly, and optimised for performance
• Develop advanced materials and textures using state-of-the-art PBR workflows in tools like Substance Painter, Designer, and Photoshop
• Ensure material libraries are consistent and scalable for team-wide use
• Guide the team in implementing assets into game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) with a focus on technical efficiency and artistic quality
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical challenges, such as performance bottlenecks, shader optimisation, and memory constraints
• Establish and review best practices for world structure, implementation and final execution
• Set the environment team up for success in delivering state of the art game art
• Take responsibility for a large section of world creation and guide world teams through out the development process
• Mentor and support environment artists, providing constructive feedback, training, and career development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging knowledge-sharing and innovation
• Define environment road maps, contribute to planning meetings, offering insights on scope, resource allocation, and project timelines
• Advocate for the artistic vision while balancing technical and production constraints
• Document workflows, tools, and techniques to improve team efficiency and ensure consistency across the project
• Collaborate with technical artists to refine and develop new tools, shaders, and workflows that enhance the art pipeline

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in sculpting software like ZBrush for detailed modeling
• Experience in VR

Benefits

• Flexible hours
• Duvets days
• Your birthday off
• Dedicated personal development time and support
• Regular socials
• Excellent holiday offering
• Pension scheme
• Health insurance
• Life cover