Principal Lighting Artist

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

Atomic Arcade is a brand-new video game development studio located in the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area led by industry veterans from AAA game and film studios. We are in the process of staffing up our development team with outstanding talent to build our first multi-platform, AAA game - a bold and contemporary new take on the GI JOE Universe starring the legendary character Snake Eyes! This is an excellent opportunity to not only build an outstanding AAA experience but to also help form the core foundations for the studio and team to build upon. We are proud to be part of Wizards of the Coast which is a division of Hasbro.

What You'll Do:

• Design and implement high-quality lighting solutions to achieve the desired mood and atmosphere which align with the artistic direction of the game.
• Work closely with Directors, Environment Artists, and Technical Artists to ensure lighting enhances gameplay, storytelling, and level design.
• Utilize and refine lighting pipelines and tools to improve efficiency and support artistic goals.
• Optimize lighting setups for performance on multiple platforms while maintaining visual fidelity.
• Conduct research and gather references to inform and inspire creative lighting solutions.
• Troubleshoot and solve lighting-related issues in collaboration with technical teams.

What You'll Bring:

• 7+ years of experience as a Lighting Artist for AAA games, with a strong portfolio showcasing your ability to create compelling and optimized lighting. 
• Expert knowledge of real-time lighting techniques, including baked and dynamic lighting workflows.
• Proficiency in the Unreal Engine with hands-on experience in lighting systems and tools.
• Solid understanding of color theory, composition, and visual storytelling as they relate to lighting.
• Expertise in applying PBR workflows to mimic light-surface interactions, with a solid grasp of real-time rendering constraints.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to adapt to artistic and technical challenges.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to effectively work across departments including Art, Design, and Tech.

Compensation Range, Currency USD:

• Starting Pay Range: $121,900.

• Pay Range End: $237,900.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

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