Lead Level Artist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Oversee, manage, and advocate for the needs of the team by adhering to a defined development process and engaging in hands-on tasks related to levels, content, and documentation to effectively create playable levels that align with the Art Director's vision, level design criteria, and narrative requirements, all while adhering to production constraints and performance goals.

• Lead a team and cultivate an inspiring work atmosphere to achieve optimal project outcomes and support the personal growth of team members.

• Design level geometry and world composition using Unreal Engine.

• Ensure all environmental art elements maintain technical consistency across the project in line with established processes.

• Confirm that all assets created satisfy the technical and design specifications of the engine efficiently.

• Establish, uphold, and communicate quality standards and completion criteria for environmental art components.

• Interpret the Art Director's vision into clear artistic guidance for the team and ensure its consistent application.

• Carry out tasks according to specifications and maintain efficient workflows to adhere to deadlines.

• Collaborate closely with production on task distribution and scheduling to meet milestones while fostering a healthy work-life balance through clear expectations and frameworks.

• Supervise bug corrections and write R&D case studies for the knowledge base.

• Identify potential risks and communicate them promptly, proposing solutions to address them in line with project requirements.

• Offer daily feedback to uphold the desired quality and support team development.

• Work together with the team to creatively resolve challenges and find solutions.

• Share expertise and mentor peers.

• Partner with the technical art team and promote R&D initiatives to investigate new techniques and enhance workflows and processes.

• Effectively collaborate and communicate with other managers, directors, and project stakeholders across departments to ensure efficiency and reduce misunderstandings.

• Conduct regular performance and compensation evaluations for team members.

• Drive recruitment efforts in conjunction with HR.

• Ensure the effective onboarding and integration of new employees.

⛳️ Requirements

• A portfolio showcasing AAA-quality environmental work, ideally featuring detailed breakdowns of a modular workflow approach that demonstrates strong domain knowledge, extensive experience with pipelines, artistic sensibility, and the capability to create production-ready game environments (Unreal Engine).

• Professional experience with at least one industry-standard DCC tool (Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or equivalent).

• Expertise in modular workflows.

• Extensive experience in crafting environments in Unreal Engine, including world-building and optimization.

• Ability to artistically interpret concepts and creatively expand upon initial ideas.

• Capability to adapt and develop an artistic style, techniques, and workflows with minimal oversight.

• Proven skills in narrative staging and composition.

• Flexibility and adaptability.

• Capacity to balance artistic integrity with in-engine performance.

• Strong understanding of traditional art techniques and core design principles (form, texture, value, and color).

• Daily proficiency with PBR shaders and normal map workflows.

• Exceptional mentoring, coaching, and leadership abilities.

• Collaborative mindset with service managers and cross-departmental teams to address artistic and technical challenges.

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine, Maya/3ds Max, ZBrush, Blender, Photoshop, and Substance Painter.

• 7+ years in console or PC game development, including a minimum of 5 years with Unreal Engine and previous experience in a leadership role.

🏝️ Benefits

• A benefits package fully covered by PCF.

• Insurance reimburses eligible claims at 100% (up to $1,000 of services per year), with coverage available for individuals or families.

• Comprehensive dental coverage, encompassing dental care.

• Retirement plan contribution of 4% pre-tax, fully vested from day one.

• One week of paid time off during the winter holidays.

• 20 days of paid vacation and 5 paid sick days.

• Complimentary virtual health and mental wellness sessions included in the plan for employees and their dependents.

• Opportunities for personal growth and the chance to work within a global environment.

• The opportunity to collaborate within a creative team of passionate professionals.