Senior Lighting Artist - Cinematic Engine

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Hybrid work arrangement

Industry-leading tools access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Lighting Artist to join our Vereeniging studio. You will design and implement cinematic lighting for both cutscenes and in-game environments using a modern engine, shaping mood and storytelling.

The role requires deep understanding of light behavior, color theory, and composition, plus strong collaboration with art directors. The position offers hybrid work, competitive salary, and access to industry-leading tools.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Lighting Artist in the game industry, with a portfolio showcasing excellent cinematic lighting work.
• Proficiency in real-time game engines, particularly Unreal Engine, and its lighting systems.
• Strong understanding of cinematography, color theory, composition, and visual storytelling.
• Experience with 3D software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max) and texturing tools (e.g., Photoshop, Substance Designer).
• Knowledge of physically based rendering (PBR) principles as applied to lighting.
• Ability to optimize lighting for performance across various hardware platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality lighting for cinematics and in-game environments using a modern game engine (e.g., Unreal Engine).
• Establish mood, atmosphere, and narrative cues through the strategic use of light, shadow, and color.
• Work closely with cinematic directors and environment artists to achieve artistic vision and technical requirements.
• Optimize lighting solutions for performance, ensuring efficient use of resources without compromising visual quality.
• Develop and maintain lighting style guides and best practices for the team.
• Utilize lighting tools, including global illumination, reflection probes, and post-processing effects, to their full potential.
• Troubleshoot and resolve lighting-related issues and bugs.
• Provide feedback and mentorship to junior lighting artists.
• Stay current with industry advancements in real-time rendering and lighting techniques.

Skills

Cinematic lighting

Real-time lighting

Lighting optimization

Artistic vision

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or related field

Tools

Unreal Engine

Maya

3ds Max

Photoshop

Substance Designer

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading studio recognized for its breathtaking visual fidelity, is seeking an experienced Senior Lighting Artist to join their team in Vereeniging, Gauteng . This role is focused on illuminating cinematic sequences and in-game environments within a cutting-edge game engine, bringing artistry and mood to every scene. You will be responsible for setting up lighting that enhances narrative, guides player focus, and achieves a high level of photorealism or stylistic consistency as required by the project. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic sensibility, a deep understanding of light behavior, color theory, and composition, coupled with technical proficiency in real-time lighting tools. You will collaborate closely with the art director and cinematic team to achieve the desired visual impact. This is an excellent opportunity to shape the visual atmosphere of ambitious game titles.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality lighting for cinematics and in-game environments using a modern game engine (e.g., Unreal Engine).


• Establish mood, atmosphere, and narrative cues through the strategic use of light, shadow, and color.


• Work closely with cinematic directors and environment artists to achieve artistic vision and technical requirements.


• Optimize lighting solutions for performance, ensuring efficient use of resources without compromising visual quality.


• Develop and maintain lighting style guides and best practices for the team.


• Utilize lighting tools, including global illumination, reflection probes, and post-processing effects, to their full potential.


• Troubleshoot and resolve lighting-related issues and bugs.


• Provide feedback and mentorship to junior lighting artists.


• Stay current with industry advancements in real-time rendering and lighting techniques.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Lighting Artist in the game industry, with a portfolio showcasing excellent cinematic lighting work.


• Proficiency in real-time game engines, particularly Unreal Engine, and its lighting systems.


• Strong understanding of cinematography, color theory, composition, and visual storytelling.


• Experience with 3D software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max) and texturing tools (e.g., Photoshop, Substance Designer).


• Knowledge of physically based rendering (PBR) principles as applied to lighting.


• Ability to optimize lighting for performance across various hardware platforms.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.


• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

Our client provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, and opportunities for career advancement. This hybrid position allows for a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration at our studio in Vereeniging, Gauteng , fostering both productivity and team synergy. You will have access to industry-leading tools and technologies, a supportive work environment, and regular opportunities for professional growth and training. Join a talented team working on exciting, visually rich projects and contribute to the creation of memorable gaming experiences.