Principal Lighting Artist - Unpublished R&D Product

As a Technical Artist, you will focus on supporting artists with art asset prototypes so they can realize their work in-game. You will work with artists across all departments from modeling to lighting to ensure all assets work within the scope of the technical pipeline requirements. Working closely with each artistic department, you will standardize and improve development processes for the production of in-game lighting, assets, materials, shaders, and scalable development pipelines.

As a Principal Lighting Artist on an unpublished R&D product, you will work with art and engineering to set up lighting systems that are unique to the needs of the specific game project. You will bring an artist’s perspective to the team and work with engineering to create tools that support the lighting needs. You will drive lighting optimization while having a hand in asset optimization and authoring building materials and shaders that support the art direction of the game. You will report to the Sr. Manager of 3D Environment.

Responsibilities:

• Set up optimized lighting systems, processes, and frameworks that are scalable for the project’s future development
• Create appropriate documentation on lighting systems for future interdisciplinary interactions
• Identify any additional lighting pain points and system needs within the project’s limitations
• Assist the project in maximizing lighting for high-end technology and downscaling for lower-end specs
• Work with other members of the art team to establish the right look and feel of the project
• Work closely with the technical art and engineering teams to implement applicable lighting tools
• Utilize post effects to give both artistic and performant solutions
• Advocate for and advise on the artistic needs of the project, as related to lighting

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years of professional experience as a lighting artist in the game industry
• Professional experience working in real-time lighting or environmental/VFX lighting
• Professional experience working in Unreal and/or similar game engines

Desired Qualifications:

• Professional experience authoring PBR materials and workflows
• Experience creating and implementing skyboxes, skydomes, and atmospheric lighting solutions within game engines, balancing visual quality with performance requirements
• Experience giving direction and feedback to outsource vendors and artists
• Professional experience working on titles across multiple platforms

Additionally, when submitting your application, please provide a portfolio of your high-quality lighting art. And as a part of the application process, you may also be asked to complete an art test.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters