Environment Artist - Spacescape Specialist

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading gaming company as an Environment Artist specialising in creating immersive space environments for the highly anticipated game, Squadron 42. This role requires expertise in art direction, 3D modeling, and a passion for atmospheric worldbuilding using advanced tools like Houdini. Collaborate with a talented team to bring the universe to life, creating visually stunning spacescapes that enhance storytelling and player immersion.

Qualifications

• Experience shipping a game or AAA production.
• Deep understanding of atmospheric and large-scale environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Design and build immersive space environments using procedural tools.
• Develop asset libraries for common elements like Asteroid Fields and Nebulae.
• Collaborate with Art Direction on visual benchmarks.

Skills

Environmental storytelling

Scale and composition

Lighting and mood

Collaboration and communication

Tools

Houdini

Shaders

VFX integration

Job description

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In Squadron 42 space isn't just a backdrop: it's a key part of the storytelling. This role is ideal for artists who are at home crafting and shaping the visual identity of space itself.

We're looking for someone with a passion for Spacescaping, which is our term for atmospheric and large-scale space environment worldbuilding, using our powerful in-house engine along with procedural tools like Houdini to bring everything from chaotic asteroid fields to massive derelict orbital platforms to life in the universe of Squadron 42.

You'll work alongside a seasoned art team to build environments that support both cinematic moments and player immersion - whether that's a crumbling orbital terraforming facility, a Jupiter-scale electromagnetic space storm, or a battle-scarred ship graveyard.

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the "Best Damn Space Sim Ever".

For more information about life at Cloud Imperium Games, check this out - https://youtu.be/cXjp7SRBpIA

What does an Environment Spacescape Artist at CIG do?

• Design and build visually stunning and immersive space environments (spacescapes), both hand-crafted and procedurally driven.
• Develop and maintain asset libraries for common elements like Asteroid Fields, Nebulae, Derelict Stations, Orbital Structures, and more.
• Use procedural tools (e.g. Houdini) to create complex and holistic environmental content.
• Collaborate with Art Direction to define visual benchmarks and styles for different space regions and key story locations.
• Contribute to the final push and the road to release with polish passes and final content integration as we move toward shipping the game.
• Provide guidance and support to more junior team members.

What do we expect from our Environment Spacescape Artists?

• Deep understanding of scale, composition, lighting, and mood in environmental storytelling - especially in vast, open environments.
• Previous experience shipping a game or contributing to a cinematic/AAA production pipeline.
• Strong working knowledge of Houdini particularly for procedural layout, scattering, volumetrics, or asset generation.
• Experience with shaders, VFX integration and particularly volumetrics is a strong plus.
• Clear, collaborative communication style and open to both give and receive feedback in a fast-paced development environment.
• Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it's our differences that make it special.

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Art/Creative

• Industries

  Computer Games

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