Unreal Environment Artist (Freelance)

ngx; Canada; On-site; CAD 61,992 - 89,544; Full time

Job summary

A creative technology studio is seeking an Intermediate to Senior Unreal Environment Artist for a freelance position. Responsibilities include creating immersive environments within Unreal Engine 5, collaborating with a team to deliver high-quality visuals. Candidates should have 3+ years in animation or VFX, expertise in 3D modeling, and a strong portfolio. The role offers a fixed contract fee typically between $45 and $65 per hour, flexible between in-person and remote work.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience working in an animation or VFX studio.
• A portfolio or demo reel that reflects your skills, range, and experience level.
• Deep understanding of optimization in Unreal Engine.

Responsibilities

• Create photorealistic 3D assets from modeling to texturing to shading/lighting.
• Design realistic urban environments in Unreal Engine.
• Technical and creative problem solving.

Skills

End-to-end experience with the 3D animation pipeline

Expert knowledge of outdoor lighting in Unreal Engine

Strong sense of utilizing geometry and texturing space efficiently

Knowledge of at least one 3D animation software package (Maya, Cinema 4D, Blender, Houdini)

Experience with Substance Painter/Designer

Commitment to delivering excellence and meeting high standards for quality

Creative, imaginative, curious, and willing to learn new things

Tools

Unreal Engine 5

Z-brush

Maya

Cinema 4D

Blender

Houdini

Job description

ngx is looking for a talented Intermediate to Senior level Unreal Environment Artist to join our Animation Team in a freelance capacity. As a hybrid studio, some in-person presence at our Vancouver, BC location is preferred, but remote candidates located in Canada will also be considered. If you're passionate about crafting impactful visual experiences and meet the qualifications outlined below, we want to hear from you.

The Role

The Unreal Environment Artist’s main responsibility is to create and implement visually stunning and immersive environments within Unreal Engine 5. You will work closely with other artists, the Head of Animation, and Creative Director to create environments that not only look beautiful but also function seamlessly.

This position is a central technical and creative role on an upcoming project. Responsibilities include designing and creating textures, models, lighting, and optimizing assets for performance. You should have a strong understanding of art principles and design aesthetics, as well as experience with 3D modeling software and game engines. Additionally, you should have a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques in game art and design.

About ngx

ngx is a creative technology studio. We partner with clients to reimagine what’s possible in physical and digital spaces. Focused on people and fueled by collaboration, we activate storytelling, art, and technology to inspire and engage. We combine technical expertise, interpretive skill, and creativity to elevate the visitor experience. We push the possibilities of new technologies to create experiences that are vivid and meaningful.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to define creative and technical approaches
• Create photorealistic 3D assets from modeling to texturing to shading/lighting and implementation in game engine
• Design realistic urban environments in UE
• Light and output shots
• Look dev shader setups for environments and props
• Create previz and layout sequences
• Technical and creative problem solving
• Responsive to unforeseen project twists and turns, calm and composed under pressure
• Participates in team presentations at project milestones

Desired Experience and Skills

• End-to-end experience with the 3D animation pipeline
• 3+ years experience working in an animation or VFX studio
• A portfolio or demo reel that reflects your skills, range, and experience level
• Expert knowledge of outdoor lighting in Unreal Engine
• Knowledge of at least one 3D animation software package (Maya, Cinema 4D, Blender, Houdini)
• In-depth knowledge of Z-brush
• Experienced with Substance Painter/Designer
• Must have a deep understanding of optimization in Unreal Engine, including a strong understanding of best practices in the Maya-to-Unreal pipeline
• Strong sense of utilizing geometry and texturing space efficiently
• Commitment to delivering excellence and meeting high standards for quality, with an eye for detail and polish
• Creative, imaginative, curious, and willing to learn new things
• Ability to work collaboratively with a focus on visitor experience

Bonus Points

• Knowledge of Scripting languages such as Python and C++ is an asset
• Experience with generative art for 3D (eg. Meshy.ai)
• Experience with UE5 water sim (eg. Fluid Flux)
• Experience with Meta Humans and Marvelous designer
• Demonstrated engagement with arts, culture, education, history, or science

Contract

Fixed contract fee based on experience, typically equivalent to $45–$65/hour. Please include your rates with your application.