Lead Environment Artist
Just Wright
Date: 4 days ago
City: Melbourne, Victoria
Contract type: Full time
Department: Environment Art
Location: Hybrid - Australia
Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000 / year
Description
Our client, an entertainment pioneer fusing hyper-real virtual production with next-gen gameplay, is building something that pushes the limits of what immersive gaming can be.
Think real-time pipelines. Unreal Engine magic. And global IPs from Netflix, Warner Bros, FIFA, Universal Studios, and more.
Job Overview
We’re not just designing environments, we’re building living, breathing worlds that captivate players and push the boundaries of game artistry.
As our Lead Environment Artist, you will take ownership of the entire pipeline, transforming concept designs into fully realised, optimised environments within Unreal Engine 5.
This role combines artistic mastery with deep technical expertise, ensuring every texture, asset, and lighting setup enhances gameplay immersion while meeting high-performance standards. You’ll lead a small team of artists, working closely with developers to optimise environments and transition from stock assets to fully custom 3D creations.
With a clear pathway to Environment Director or Manager, this position is perfect for an experienced lead artist eager to drive both artistic vision and technical innovation.
What will you do?
Location: Hybrid - Australia
Compensation: $120,000 - $140,000 / year
Description
Our client, an entertainment pioneer fusing hyper-real virtual production with next-gen gameplay, is building something that pushes the limits of what immersive gaming can be.
Think real-time pipelines. Unreal Engine magic. And global IPs from Netflix, Warner Bros, FIFA, Universal Studios, and more.
Job Overview
We’re not just designing environments, we’re building living, breathing worlds that captivate players and push the boundaries of game artistry.
As our Lead Environment Artist, you will take ownership of the entire pipeline, transforming concept designs into fully realised, optimised environments within Unreal Engine 5.
This role combines artistic mastery with deep technical expertise, ensuring every texture, asset, and lighting setup enhances gameplay immersion while meeting high-performance standards. You’ll lead a small team of artists, working closely with developers to optimise environments and transition from stock assets to fully custom 3D creations.
With a clear pathway to Environment Director or Manager, this position is perfect for an experienced lead artist eager to drive both artistic vision and technical innovation.
What will you do?
- Own the full environment art pipeline, ensuring seamless integration of concept designs into full 3D worlds.
- Lead and manage a small team of artists, mentoring them to achieve world-class quality.
- Transform concept designs into fully fleshed-out environment, ensuring visual coherence.
- Oversee asset management, transitioning from stock assets to custom 3D asset production.
- Work closely with developers to optimise environments, balancing artistry with technical constraints.
- Implement Unreal Engine 5 techniques (Lumen, Blueprints) to enhance lighting, texture realism, and overall scene fidelity.
- Utilise DSS tools for data-driven visualisation, scene refinement, and performance optimisation.
- Apply strong technical skills including 3D modelling, texturing, UV mapping, and lighting setup.
- Apply C++ knowledge where needed to refine environment integrations and optimise workflows (Bonus).
- Lead or Senior Environment Artist with a proven track record in game development, demonstrating ownership of shipped AAA titles.
- Extensive experience in Unreal Engine 5, including Lumen, Blueprints and optimisation workflows.
- Diverse portfolio showcasing various art styles, demonstrating artistic adaptability.
- Mastery in 3D modelling, texturing, UV mapping, lighting and scene composition.
- Strong leadership skills, with experience in managing teams and mentoring artists.
- Technical understanding of game optimisation, ensuring environments run efficiently.
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with developers, artists, and technical teams.
- No formal degree required, but practical experience is essential.
- Demonstrated ownership of shipped projects or pipeline systems is highly regarded.
- Prior experience in leading art teams, optimising game environments, and transitioning asset pipelines is highly valued.
- Experience with C++ programming, enhancing Unreal Engine 5 workflows.
- Knowledge of industry-standard tools such as Blender, Maya, Houdine, Substance Painter.
- Proven ability to develop custom 3D assets, replacing stock usage entirely.
- Deep understanding of lighting and rendering optimisation for performance efficiency.
- Ability to develop visual striking, high-detail environments across varied art styles.
- Salary: Depending on experience $120,000 - $140,000 AUD pa.
- Competitive premium relocation package.
- Enjoy free lunches Monday – Friday at Prahran office.
- Mental well-being program that includes 4 free counselling sessions, unlimited access to text, video and audio resources, regular check-ins and feedback opportunities.
- Annual leave of 20 working days.
- Additional leave requests for personal, community service, long service and public holidays, including religious holidays.
- Industry-leading parental leave, up to 22 weeks plus: 10 additional days or 2 weeks top up payment for secondary caregivers 20 additional days or 4 weeks top up payment for primary caregivers
- Pet friendly workspace – bring your furry friend to work!
- Balanced lifestyle working hybrid model (up to 2 days per week working remote).
- Unlimited snacks and drinks available 24/7 at offices.
- Top-tier tech setup with your choice of high-end PC/Mac, dual monitors, ergonomic gear and full software pipeline plus custom R&D tools.
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