Environment Artist - Spacescape Specialist / Worldbuilder

4 Days ago • All levels • Technical Art

Job Summary

Job Description

As an Environment Artist - Spacescape Specialist/Worldbuilder at CIG, you'll design and build stunning space environments, utilizing both handcrafted and procedural methods (Houdini). You'll develop and maintain asset libraries (asteroid fields, nebulae, stations, etc.), collaborate with art direction to define visual styles, and contribute to final polish and game release. Experience in a game or AAA production pipeline is essential, along with a strong understanding of scale, composition, lighting, and mood in vast environments. Proficiency in Houdini for procedural tasks (layout, scattering, volumetrics) is crucial, and shader/VFX experience is a plus. You'll work collaboratively within a fast-paced environment and guide junior team members.
Must have:
  • Deep understanding of scale, composition, lighting, and mood
  • Experience shipping a game or contributing to AAA pipeline
  • Strong Houdini knowledge (procedural layout, scattering, volumetrics)
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills
Good to have:
  • Experience with shaders and VFX integration, especially volumetrics

Job Details

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”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

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. 

Fraud Statement

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.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

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About The Company

Cloud Imperium Games is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAA experiences outside the established publisher system, founded by Chris Roberts, creator of the best selling Wing Commander and Freelancer series, Cloud Imperium is currently developing Star Citizen, a record-shattering crowd funded title that combines classic space sim gameplay with Hollywood-caliber visuals.


Cloud Imperium aims to pave new ground in game development by sharing the process with the players. Where game development was once hidden, Cloud Imperium has opted to share the process with those backing Star Citizen. Supporters come to know the team and follow them every step of the way as the game created. The community is closely engaged and their feedback Is considered in all aspects of game development, avoiding standard publicity to put Roberts’ epic vision directly in players’ hands.


Cloud Imperium has studios in Los Angeles, California ; Austin, Texas ; Manchester, UK and Frankfurt, Germany.

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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