Lead Lighting Artist

Job Description

Why PlayStation?

ABOUT FIREWALK STUDIOS

Firewalk Studios is dedicated to creating unforgettable multiplayer experiences that capture the joy of playing together. We believe in the power of multiplayer and want to delight players with worlds that spark imagination and forge connection through immersive gameplay, artistry, and heartfelt characters. In 2023, Firewalk joined PlayStation Studios and unveiled its debut project: Concord – an original sci-fi universe and PVP multiplayer FPS launching on PS5 and PC in 2024.

Creating worlds that ignite imagination and connection takes a collaborative team. Firewalk is building a world-class, next-generation game studio with a focus on a more sustainable approach to game development. For us, setting a high-quality bar, creating something extraordinary, and treating each other with trust and respect go hand-in-hand.

THE ROLE
Our studio is looking for Lead Lighting Artist who is passionate about art, competitive games and bringing exceptional entertainment to millions of players. Our Lead Lighting Artist is responsible for driving the Lighting Department, managing a team of Lighting artists, and collaborating with Studio Directors and other Department Leads. The Lighting Lead should have strong management skills and the ability to set the quality standard for lighting on a given project.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Drive the Lighting Department and develop plans for short term and long term tech goals and trajectory.
• Directly provide leadership in setting the barre for the entire Craft Specialty.
• Work with the Studio Art Director to translate high level ideas into practical in-game lighting.
• Manage a team of lighting artists, their milestone goals, daily tasks, and priorities.
• Work with Tech-Art and Engineering to produce efficient gameplay lighting and expand the lighting pipeline.
• Work directly with Level Design to solve visibility and gameplay related problems.
• Work with Matte-Painting/Digimatte Artist to integrate Skies and Background elements.
• As Lead Lighter, be the first line of defense for lighting related art-direction and technical problems. Identity critical problems and manage up or down.
• The Lighting Lead demonstrates an excellent understanding of Physically Based Rendering and Physically Based Lighting. Navigate material and rendering related issues.
• Achieve excellence in Lighting by taking into consideration the intentions of the design, technical and art needs to help complete a levels environment.
• Triage lighting and rendering related bugs, both visual and performance related; distribute to the team accordingly.
• Resolve technical issues and drive technical standards needed for content by setting a consistent example.
• Continuous research for lighting reference via photography, films, concept art, etc.
• Regularly attend playtests to evaluate how the levels are playing and to provide detailed feedback on the entire game.
• Meet with our Art Director, Lead World Artist, and Technical Art Director to review and strategize most recent work.

QUALIFICATIONS
• 7+ years game industry experience or equivalent.
• Excellent real-time lighting skills, taking levels from start to finish at the highest quality performance displayed in portfolio.
• Expert knowledge of in-game lighting using proprietary or ''off the shelf'' tools.
• Understanding the quality, performance, and memory needs of 60fps online multiplayer games.
• Working knowledge of common Color grading processes and relevant tools, Davinci Resolve or similar.
• Comprehension of color spaces, color science, HDR, and Physically Based Rendering.
• Use of a baked lighting workflow, and the limitations.
• Skillful in closing tasks and finishing maps in a timely manner.
• Direct experience with gameplay related lighting and real-time cinematics workflows.
• Prior Leadership experience on a large project.
• Multiplayer experience is a plus.
• Unreal & Unity is a plus.

At Firewalk we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.

$128,400 - $192,600 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rjye0e-3-144-87-133-42 in your application.