Lead 3D Modeler (Environment Art)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

AAA titles project exposure

Polokwane studio location

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead 3D Modeler, specializing in environment art, to head a team creating immersive game environments for upcoming titles. You will guide the modeling, texturing, and optimization process, setting styles and benchmarks in collaboration with art leadership.

You’ll mentor artists, manage workflows, and ensure assets meet performance targets while delivering visually stunning environments for a Polokwane studio project.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional experience in 3D modeling for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role focused on environment art.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional 3D environment modeling skills, including hard-surface and organic modeling, and advanced texturing (PBR).
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, and Substance Painter/Designer.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity; understanding of asset integration.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; able to motivate a team.
• Degree in Game Art, 3D Art, Computer Graphics, or related field; or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 3D environment artists, fostering collaboration and productivity.
• Define and maintain artistic quality and technical standards for all environmental assets.
• Oversee creation of high-quality 3D models for environments including props, architecture, terrain, and foliage.
• Ensure assets are optimized for performance within game engine (polygon count, texture memory).
• Collaborate with Art Directors and Level Designers to translate concepts into visually rich environments.
• Develop and implement efficient modeling and texturing pipelines and workflows.
• Provide constructive feedback on artistic execution and technical implementation.
• Participate in asset reviews and ensure consistency across environmental elements.
• Stay updated with latest 3D environment art trends and game development technologies.
• Contribute to recruitment and training of new environment art team members.

Skills

Leadership

Environment art

3D modeling

PBR texturing

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or degree in Game Art/3D Art/CG

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

ZBrush

Substance Painter/Designer

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected game development studio located in Polokwane , is seeking a talented Lead 3D Modeler specializing in Environment Art. This crucial role involves leading a team of artists in creating visually stunning and technically sound 3D environments for our upcoming titles. You will be instrumental in defining the artistic style and quality benchmarks for environmental assets, ensuring they are both aesthetically compelling and optimized for performance. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the entire 3D modeling pipeline, from high-poly sculpting to low-poly optimization and texturing, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for building immersive worlds. You will collaborate closely with level designers, art directors, and other members of the art team to bring our game worlds to life. This is an outstanding opportunity to mentor and guide artists in creating breathtaking virtual landscapes within the Limpopo province.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 3D environment artists, fostering a collaborative and productive workflow.
• Define and maintain the artistic quality and technical standards for all environmental assets.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality 3D models for environments, including props, architecture, terrain, and foliage.
• Ensure all assets are optimized for performance within the game engine (e.g., polygon count, texture memory).
• Collaborate closely with Art Directors and Level Designers to translate concepts and blockouts into visually rich and functional game environments.
• Develop and implement efficient modeling and texturing pipelines and workflows.
• Provide constructive feedback and guidance on artistic execution and technical implementation.
• Participate in asset reviews and ensure consistency across all environmental elements.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in 3D environment art and game development.
• Contribute to the recruitment and training of new environment art team members.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in 3D modeling for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role focused on environment art.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional 3D environment modeling skills, including hard-surface and organic modeling, and advanced texturing techniques (PBR workflows).
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling software such as Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, and Substance Painter/Designer.
• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, and understanding of asset integration.
• Strong understanding of form, silhouette, color theory, and composition.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to provide clear direction and motivate a team.
• Experience in photogrammetry and scan data cleanup is a plus.
• A degree in Game Art, 3D Art, Computer Graphics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A passion for video games and creating immersive virtual worlds.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement savings plans.
• You will have the opportunity to work on exciting AAA titles and shape the visual direction of our games.
• We provide a collaborative work environment in our Polokwane studio, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
• This role offers the chance to lead a talented team and make a significant impact on the gaming industry.