Game Engine Environment Artist

Purpose of the job:  

Digital Domain is one of the largest and most influential visual effects studios in the world. We produce top tier visual effects for movies, television, commercials, along with virtual production, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) development services for clients and internally created content.  The virtual production team is leading the industry with an advanced real-time visualization pipeline tightly integrated with motion capture, game engine, and interactive VR/AR technologies. We are looking to expand this team for work on key feature film and immersive storytelling experiences. We are seeking experienced environment artists to work on feature film and virtual reality projects that utilize game engines for visualization. If you can build and texture awe inspiring environments and have a passion to work in both feature film and game worlds then we are looking for you.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• To work closely with the virtual art department supervisor and Virtual Art Department (VAD) team to develop and build environments, game spaces and help develop visual ideas, and create final environment assets as directed by feature film makers and internally driven virtual reality projects  
• Environmental, prop and vehicle assets will need to be created from scratch and based upon reference artwork and photography. 
• Asset creation will include models, UV maps, textures and materials.
• Integration of art assets into the game engine with initial lighting both exterior and interior.
• Active participation in technical and artistic discussions and problem solving. 
• Maintains a consistent style under director of production designers, art directors and creative directors.
• Work closely with TD’s to ensure the pipeline is as efficient as possible.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience Required:

• 2+ years modelling experience in games industry as an environment artist  with at least one AAA game shipped on PC or console.
• 2 + years of experience using Maya, Photoshop, Z-Brush, Mudbox or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience with asset development for Unity and/or Unreal.

Skills, Abilities, Special Licenses or Certificate: 

• Experience with asset development for use in Unity and or Unreal.
• Excellent mid and low poly modeling skills.
• Good visual and technical understanding of 3D modeling and texturing.
• Strong knowledge of real-life architecture, materials and lighting.
• Strong knowledge of texture mapping (including normal, diffuse, spec etc), UV mapping and generation along with texture creation and painting.
• Fast, organized, take direction well, and can deal with high profile directors, vfx supervisors and production designers.
• Knowledge of Motionbuilder advantageous. 
• Knowledge of Substance advantageous.
• Knowledge of shader development in Unity and Unreal advantageous.
• Knowledge of scripting (Python, MEL, C# scripting in Unity, Unreal Blueprint) useful.
• Strong organizational and communications skills along with understanding production values, deadlines and priorities
• Willing to take direction and be a team player.

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands: 

• Office working environment.
• Hours for this position are based on normal working hours but will require extra hours pending production needs.
• Walking/bending/sitting.