Principal Artist

Dovetail Games; Remote; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A game development company is seeking a Principal Artist to lead the environment visual direction for their titles. This role requires 10+ years of experience in the video game industry, including a significant leadership position on an AAA title. The successful candidate will create high-quality environment art while mentoring a team and collaborating closely with other departments. A flexible working environment, including remote options, is available, promoting a strong work-life balance.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Collaborative team environment

Access to latest tools and tech

Company funded away days

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in the video games industry.
• Experience as Lead or Principal Artist on at least one AAA title.
• Strong technical knowledge of lighting, materials, and optimization.

Responsibilities

• Define and uphold quality targets for all environment art content.
• Create high-end in-game art assets, setting quality standards.
• Mentor senior and mid-level artists, communicating goals effectively.

Skills

Real-time environment creation

Industry tools (UE4, UE5, 3ds, Maya)

Communication and leadership

Technical background (Unreal PCG, PBR)

Tools

Unreal Engine 4

Unreal Engine 5

3ds Max

Maya

Job description

We are looking for a Principal Artistto lead the environment visual direction for our games. This role blends high-quality environment expertise, solid technical knowledge and cross-disciplinary leadership. Workingclosely with the Art Director,the successful candidatewillsetthe visual standards and steer the developmentof our ongoing and upcoming titles. Dovetail Games are committed to promoting diversity, and all applicants will be considered on their merit, qualifications, competence, and talent regardless of any protected characteristics. At the individuals request, all roles will be considered for part time, term time only and job shares.

With a huge emphasis on our culture and wellbeing you’ll experience an environment where you will be challenged but supported. We have an industry leading work life balance and flexible working is offered from day one! Want to work fullyUK based remote as that’s where you do your best work? That is fine by us, though certain roles will require a more hybrid style with time in the office.

Ready to Create Worlds With Us?

If you’ve a passion for art and the ambition to make a lasting impact on our games, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and bring your vision to Dovetail Games!

What you’ll get from us!

• Work where you work best – Remote, Hybrid or in Office? You choose!

• 37.5 hour working week with true flexible working

• Collaborative, supportive team environment

• Access to the latest tools & tech

• Company funded away days and team building

• Opportunity to grow and work on much loved titles

• Competitive salary and benefits

https://careers.dovetailgames.com/benefits

Main Responsibilities

• Define and uphold quality targets for all environment art content

• Provide hands-on contribution through the creation of high-end in-game art assets, setting an example of quality, style and technical excellence

• Work closely with the Technical Artists and Engineering team to define, develop, and assist in the implementation of art tools and pipelines

• Review and provide constructive feedback on art assets, ensuring quality, consistency, and performance targets are met

• Provide high-level artistic feedback and mentorship to senior and mid-level environment artists

• Effectively communicate artistic goals, technical constraints, and progress with key stakeholders

• Participate in task planning and resource allocation with the Art Producers to ensure projects are correctly staffed and balanced

• Help shape long‑term artistic direction, workflows, and technical strategy for Dovetail Games’ products

Person Specifications

• 10+ years’ experience working in the video games industry

• Shipped at least one AAA title in a Lead or Principal Artist role

• Expert knowledge of real-time environment creation (composition, scale, lighting, materials)

• High proficiency with industry tools (UE4, UE5, 3ds, Maya), including asset integration and optimisation

• Strong technical background in areas such as Unreal PCG, PBR, Shaders & Materials, Lighting and Optimization

• Solid understanding of procedural generation tools

• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines

Desirable

• Experience working on simulation, transport, or large‑scale environment‑driven titles

• Experience contributing to studio‑wide art standards and pipeline development

• Experience with live content