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nDreams hiring Lighting Artist, UK

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nDreams, Studio Elevation is seeking a Lighting Artist to support the creation of high-quality lighting across environments and gameplay sequences within upcoming VR projects. The selected candidate will collaborate closely with the Art Director and multidisciplinary development teams to design lighting that enhances atmosphere, supports gameplay readability, and maintains strong technical performance across hardware platforms. Lighting plays a particularly important role in VR production pipelines, where clarity, comfort, and visual guidance significantly impact player immersion. As such, this role combines artistic sensibility with optimization awareness to ensure scenes remain visually compelling while performing efficiently across target devices—including standalone VR hardware such as Meta Quest platforms. This position is offered as a full-time 12-month fixed-term contract and is fully remote within the United Kingdom. Job Overview: Lighting Artist Category Details Company Name nDreams Studio Studio Elevation Position Title Lighting Artist Employment Type 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract Work Schedule Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) Work Mode Fully Remote (UK Only) Location Requirement Must be based within the United Kingdom Industry VR Game Development Primary Engine Unreal Engine Platform Focus Multi-Platform VR (including Meta Quest) Salary Range Competitive; dependent on experience Project Stage One title nearing release; second project in early planning Benefits Flexible hours, personal development time, health coverage, pension scheme, wellness perks About the Studio nDreams is a globally recognized developer dedicated to building immersive virtual reality experiences across multiple platforms. Through its specialized development unit Studio Elevation, the company continues pushing creative and technical boundaries within the VR industry. Studio Elevation operates as a VR-first production environment, meaning its workflows, pipelines, and creative decisions are optimized specifically for immersive gameplay rather than traditional flat-screen experiences. This focus allows artists to contribute directly to the evolution of next-generation interactive storytelling. With one major VR title approaching release and another entering early development planning, this is a strong opportunity for lighting specialists interested in shaping the visual identity of upcoming immersive experiences. Key Responsibilities The Lighting Artist will contribute to both artistic direction and technical execution within the studio’s production pipeline. Environment & Scene Lighting Core responsibilities include: Creating lighting setups across gameplay environments and scenes Supporting atmospheric storytelling through lighting mood development Enhancing environmental readability and player orientation Maintaining visual consistency across levels and sequences Supporting artistic direction defined by the Art Director Lighting decisions directly influence gameplay clarity and emotional tone within VR experiences, making this a highly collaborative role. Gameplay-Focused Lighting Design The selected candidate will help implement lighting that supports player navigation and interaction flow. Responsibilities include: Designing “golden path” lighting to guide players through objectives Highlighting interactive elements and points of interest Supporting gameplay readability through directional illumination Ensuring lighting improves player comfort within immersive spaces Effective gameplay lighting is essential to maintaining intuitive navigation inside VR environments. Cross-Department Collaboration Lighting Artists at Studio Elevation work closely with multiple development disciplines. Collaboration partners include: Art Directors Environment Artists Technical Artists Level Designers Rendering Engineers This collaborative structure ensures lighting remains aligned with artistic goals and technical performance requirements across platforms. Documentation & Pipeline Support Additional responsibilities include: Maintaining lighting documentation Supporting workflow consistency across scenes Aligning lighting implementation with studio pipeline standards Assisting with lighting optimization strategies Ensuring reproducibility across production stages Documentation supports efficient iteration across large production environments. Required Skills & Qualifications Applicants should demonstrate both artistic lighting expertise and technical awareness of real-time production pipelines. Core Technical Skills Candidates must have: Proficiency with Unreal Engine lighting workflows Experience working with baked lighting pipelines Understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) workflows Knowledge of HDRI lighting setup techniques Familiarity with material-lighting relationships Experience optimizing lighting for performance-sensitive platforms These capabilities ensure lighting solutions remain visually strong while meeting VR performance constraints. Rendering & Optimization Awareness Lighting optimization plays a critical role in VR development pipelines. Candidates should demonstrate experience with: Lightmap workflows Frame-rate optimization strategies Platform-specific lighting adjustments Efficient bake-time management Performance balancing across multiple hardware targets Optimization experience is especially valuable when working with standalone VR devices. Preferred (Nice-to-Have) Skills While not mandatory, the following experience is considered beneficial: Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop for texture editing support Knowledge of Substance Designer Technical art exposure related to lighting workflows Understanding of advanced material lighting modes Experience supporting environment-art lighting integration pipelines These additional skills help candidates contribute more broadly across production stages. Experience Requirements Typical candidates for this role will demonstrate: Professional lighting experience in game development pipelines Familiarity with Unreal Engine scene-lighting workflows Experience supporting performance-optimized environments Understanding of multi-platform lighting implementation Ability to collaborate within structured production teams Prior experience working in VR pipelines is advantageous but not strictly required. Remote Work Structure This role operates under a fully remote UK-based structure. Applicants must: Be legally eligible to work within the United Kingdom Be located within the UK during employment Maintain availability for collaboration across studio schedules Studio Elevation’s remote structure supports flexible working while maintaining strong communication across departments. Salary & Benefits Overview Compensation for this role is competitive and dependent on experience level, portfolio strength, and technical specialization within real-time lighting workflows. Benefits offered by nDreams include: Flexible working hours Birthday leave entitlement Additional wellness “duvet days” Dedicated personal development time Pension scheme participation Private health insurance support Life cover benefits Generous holiday allowance Regular studio social events 🎮 These benefits support both professional growth and personal wellbeing. Studio Culture & Inclusion nDreams is committed to building a workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and accessibility. The studio actively supports: diversity across teams accessible hiring practices inclusive production environments equitable career opportunities representation within the games industry Applicants requiring reasonable adjustments during recruitment processes are encouraged to request support at any stage. Application Process Applicants interested in joining Studio Elevation as a Lighting Artist should prepare: Updated CV Portfolio demonstrating lighting work in Unreal Engine Examples of real-time environment lighting (preferred) Optimization workflow experience (if available) Shortlisted candidates may be invited to technical discussions aligned with production requirements.

nDreams hiring 3D Character Artist, UK

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nDreams, one of the world’s most pioneering and established VR development studios, is seeking a visionary Lead or Principal Character Artist to join our Elevation team. As the creators of immersive experiences like Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord and Synapse, we are looking for an artistic powerhouse to set the benchmark for character quality on an exciting new project. This role is a perfect blend of high-level creative leadership and hands-on technical craftsmanship, designed for an artist who wants to shape the “soul” of a project’s cast. Executive Job Summary: Lead / Principal Character Artist Category Specification Company Name nDreams (Elevation Studio) Position Title Lead / Principal Character Artist Employment Type 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract (Full-Time) Working Hours 37.5 Hours per week Location Fully Remote (Must reside within the United Kingdom) Salary Range Competitive (Commensurate with senior-level experience) Sector Virtual Reality (VR) / Game Development Benefits Highlights Flexible hours, Duvet days, Birthday off, Health insurance About nDreams & Elevation nDreams has evolved from an independent studio into a global leader in the VR space. We are dedicated to creating the most immersive games on the planet, and the Elevation team is at the forefront of this mission. We believe that the best games are made by diverse, happy, and safe teams. Our culture is centered on respect, wellbeing, and balance, ensuring that every artist has the opportunity to bring their most authentic self to work. The Role: Lead / Principal Character Artist In this pivotal role, you are not just creating assets; you are defining a visual legacy. You will set the quality bar for character art across the entire project, ensuring that every character—from protagonist to background NPC—is cohesive, visually stunning, and optimized for high performance on target VR hardware. This position requires a “player-coach” mentality. You will collaborate with directors to shape the artistic vision, while also diving into the production pipeline to refine workflows and mentor the next generation of character artists. Key Responsibilities and Strategic Goals 1. Artistic Vision & Quality Benchmarking Setting the Standard: Establish and uphold a high-quality bar for character art, ensuring every model aligns with the project’s established art direction. Visual Direction: In close collaboration with Art Leadership, you will help define the look, feel, and material language of the character roster. Consistency Oversight: Review internal and external character assets, providing constructive, actionable feedback to maintain stylistic unity. 2. Pipeline & Workflow Innovation Scalable Systems: Lead the development and improvement of character pipelines, focusing on efficiency and scalability. Technical Excellence: Work alongside Tech Art and Engineering to ensure characters meet strict performance and platform requirements, particularly for the unique demands of VR. Outsourcing Management: Support external efforts by providing detailed briefs, quality checks, and feedback loops to ensure external contributors match internal standards. 3. Leadership & Mentorship Team Development: Support and mentor character artists across various experience levels, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and continuous improvement. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Act as the primary liaison for character art when working with Concept Art, Animation, Design, Narrative, and Tech teams. Project Planning: Collaborate with Production to estimate effort, plan milestones, and ensure the character team remains on track for key delivery dates. Requirements and Candidate Profile Core Technical Requirements Industry Tenure: At least 5 years of professional experience in an art role within the games industry, with a focus on character creation. Masterful Portfolio: A high-end portfolio showcasing exceptional skills in character modeling (high and low poly), texturing, and complex material creation. Leadership Track Record: Proven experience contributing to or leading the artistic direction for characters on at least one shipped title. VR/Technical Awareness: A deep understanding of how to balance high visual fidelity with technical constraints (draw calls, poly counts, texture memory). Professional Competencies Communication: Confidence in articulating artistic concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Workflow Savvy: The ability to design and implement efficient, scalable workflows that empower the whole team. Mentorship Mindset: A genuine interest in supporting others’ growth and contributing to a healthy, innovative team dynamic. “Nice to Have” Attributes Experience shipping games across multiple platforms (PCVR, Quest, PSVR2). Versatility across different art styles, from hyper-realism to stylized aesthetics. Previous involvement in hiring, onboarding, or studio-wide knowledge-sharing initiatives. Why Join the nDreams Team? Beyond the opportunity to work on cutting-edge VR technology, we offer a workplace that truly cares for the individual: Balance & Wellbeing: We provide flexible working hours, “duvet days” for when you just need a break, and your birthday off as standard. Personal Growth: Dedicated time is set aside for your personal development, supported by a generous training budget. Financial Security: An excellent pension scheme, life cover, and competitive salary packages. Social Culture: Regular socials and a community-driven environment, even for our remote team members. The Application Process We want to see the characters you’ve brought to life. Please ensure your application includes a link to your current portfolio or a file showcasing your best work. Application Contact: Please apply through the nDreams careers portal or contact your recruiter directly. Note on Accessibility: If you require reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please email our recruitment team. We are committed to making our industry accessible to all underrepresented communities. Working Remotely in the UK While this role is fully remote, it is limited to candidates currently residing in the United Kingdom. This allows us to maintain a cohesive team rhythm within the same time zone and ensures we can support you with local benefits and equipment. At nDreams, you aren’t just a number; you are a key part of our latest adventure. Help us build the next generation of VR legends!

Lighting Artist – nDreams (Fully Remote) 2026

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Job Overview Company: nDreams / Studio Elevation Location: Fully Remote (Within the United Kingdom) Position Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract Experience Level : Proficiency in Unreal Engine & Baked Pipelines Contract Duration : 12-Month Fixed Term The Opportunity: Illuminating the Future of Virtual Reality nDreams Studio Elevation is a pioneer in the immersive gaming space, consistently re-establishing the boundaries of what is possible in VR. We are currently seeking an exceptionally talented Lighting Artist to join our VR-first, fully remote studio. This is a pivotal time to join our team: our first major title is nearing release, and our second project is entering the early planning stages. As a Lighting Artist, you are the final storyteller of the environment. You will work closely with the art team to create and refine lighting and shading elements that do more than just illuminate—they evoke emotion, define atmosphere, and guide the player through complex virtual worlds. In VR, lighting is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a critical component of player comfort and immersion. Your role is to balance this artistic vision with the rigorous technical demands of high-performance VR hardware. About nDreams: A Culture of Immersion and Care We are nDreams—the creators behind some of the world’s most iconic VR experiences, including Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Synapse, and Phantom: Covert Ops. We have grown from a small independent studio into a global leader in the VR industry. Despite our scale, we maintain a “personal, caring touch.” We believe that the best games are created by diverse, happy, and safe teams. Our culture is built on the pillars of respect, wellbeing, and balance. We are committed to making the gaming industry accessible to underrepresented communities, and we live this mission through the people we hire and the inclusive experiences we create. As a Lighting Artist, you will be encouraged to bring your authentic self to work every day. Detailed Job Description & Key Responsibilities The Lighting Artist at Studio Elevation must be both a visual poet and a technical problem-solver. Your work will bridge the gap between high-level concept art and the technical realities of real-time rendering. 1. Atmospheric Creation and Narrative Guidance Golden Path Lighting: One of your primary goals as a Lighting Artist is to ensure clear “golden path” lighting. You will design light setups that intuitively guide players toward objectives and highlight critical points of interest without the need for intrusive UI elements. Atmospheric Refinement: You will work alongside the Art Director and Leads to develop a cohesive artistic vision, enhancing the visual atmosphere across diverse scenes and environments. Captivating Visuals: Collaborate cross-departmentally to ensure the lighting enhances the work of environment artists, character artists, and level designers. 2. Technical Execution and Optimization Baked Lighting Pipelines: You must demonstrate mastery in baked lighting workflows, which are essential for maintaining the high frame rates required for VR. Cross-Platform Optimization: A Lighting Artist at nDreams must optimize levels for multiple platforms, including mobile-chipset VR like the Quest. This includes managing baking times and ensuring performance stability. Documentation: You will be responsible for creating and maintaining comprehensive lighting documentation to ensure pipeline consistency across the team. 3. Shading and Material Integration PBR Workflow: Utilize a deep knowledge of Physically Based Rendering (PBR) to ensure that materials react realistically to the light sources you place. Technical Integration: Manage lightmaps, HDRI setups, material lighting modes, and light functions to create a seamless visual experience. Required Skills and Experience To excel in the role of Lighting Artist, you will need a robust portfolio and a specific technical skill set tailored for real-time engines. The Skills You’ll Need: Engine Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard tools, specifically Unreal Engine. Baked Pipelines: Proven experience working with baked lighting systems rather than relying solely on dynamic lights. Material Knowledge: A working understanding of how environment art and materials (HDRI, Lightmaps, etc.) interact with lighting systems. Optimization Mastery: The ability to maintain target frame rates (72Hz/90Hz/120Hz) through clever lighting optimization. Portfolio: A link or file showcasing your lighting work, specifically focusing on atmosphere and composition. The “Nice to Haves”: Texture Editing: Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop or Substance Designer for minor texture and mask adjustments. Technical Art: A background in Lighting Technical Art (scripting, tool creation, or shader logic). Perks and Benefits: The nDreams Way We offer more than just a competitive salary. We provide a workspace where a Lighting Artist can truly thrive. Flexibility & Balance: Flexible working hours and a fully remote setup (UK) to fit your lifestyle. Wellbeing: We offer “Duvet Days” (for those mornings you just can’t get out of bed), your birthday off, and comprehensive health insurance. Growth: Dedicated personal development time and support to help you master new lighting technologies. Security: A solid pension scheme, life cover, and an excellent holiday offering. Social: Regular studio socials to keep our remote team connected and engaged. Industry Context: Lighting for VR in 2026 In 2026, the role of a Lighting Artist is more vital than ever as VR hardware pushes toward “Retina Resolution.” At Studio Elevation, we are tackling the unique challenge of “Stereoscopic Lighting”—ensuring that light and shadow look correct in 3D space from every possible angle. Recent data suggests that poor lighting optimization is the leading cause of “sim-sickness” in VR. Therefore, your role as a Lighting Artist is not just about making the game look pretty; it is about ensuring player comfort. By joining nDreams, you are positioning yourself at the leading edge of a field that is currently defining the visual language of the Metaverse and spatial computing. Equal Opportunities and Accessibility nDreams is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you are a Lighting Artist from an underrepresented community, we strongly encourage you to apply. Reasonable Adjustments: If you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment or interview process due to a disability or neurodivergence, please let your recruiter know or … Read more

Lead Character Artist – nDreams (Studio Elevation)

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Job Overview Company: nDreams / Studio Elevation Location: Fully Remote (Within the United Kingdom) Position Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) Contract: Permanent Salary: Competitive (Dependent on experience) Experience Required: 5+ Years in Games Industry The Opportunity: Leading the Next Generation of VR Characters nDreams, the award-winning studio behind immersive VR hits like Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord and Synapse, is seeking a visionary Lead Character Artist to join Studio Elevation. In this role, you will be the primary architect of character quality, setting the benchmark for visual excellence and helping shape the artistic soul of our upcoming projects. As a Lead Character Artist, you will bridge the gap between creative leadership and hands-on technical execution. You are not just creating assets; you are defining the workflows and scalable pipelines that allow our characters to achieve high visual fidelity while performing flawlessly on cutting-edge VR hardware. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of character art and thrive in a culture centered on respect and innovation, this is your chance to lead at the forefront of the VR industry. About nDreams: Culture and Values At nDreams, we believe the best games are born from diverse, happy, and safe teams. From our beginnings as an independent studio to our current status as a leading VR developer, we have maintained a personal, caring touch. We are committed to building a culture centered on wellbeing, balance, and accessibility for underrepresented communities. As a Lead Character Artist, you will join a studio that values your authentic self. We offer a suite of benefits designed to support your life both inside and outside of work, including flexible hours, dedicated personal development time, and “duvet days” for when you just need a break. Detailed Job Description & Key Responsibilities The Lead Character Artist role is a hybrid of high-level art direction and technical mentorship. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring that every character aligns with the project’s narrative and gameplay goals. 1. Artistic Leadership and Vision Set Quality Benchmarks: Establish and uphold high standards for character art quality across the entire project. Define Visual Direction: Collaborate with art leadership to define and maintain a cohesive visual direction for characters. Consistency Oversight: Review character assets and provide constructive feedback to ensure artistic consistency and quality. 2. Pipeline and Technical Management Workflow Innovation: Lead and improve character pipelines, workflows, and best practices to ensure scalability. Hardware Performance: Ensure all characters meet the strict technical, performance, and platform requirements of VR hardware. Production Planning: Collaborate with production teams to plan work, estimate effort, and hit key milestones. 3. Mentorship and Collaboration Team Support: Support and mentor character artists across different experience levels, fostering a culture of growth. Cross-Disciplinary Work: Work closely with concept art, animation, design, and narrative teams to ensure character development is fully integrated. Outsourcing Management: Support outsourcing efforts by providing feedback and ensuring external contributors meet quality standards. Required Skills and Experience To be successful as a Lead Character Artist at nDreams, you must demonstrate both artistic brilliance and professional maturity. The Essentials: Industry Tenure: At least 5 years’ experience working in an art role specifically within the games industry. Artistic Mastery: Expert skills in character modeling, texturing, and material creation. Leadership Experience: Prior experience contributing to or leading character art direction and delivery. Communication: Clear communication skills and the confidence to collaborate across different disciplines. Portfolio: A professional portfolio (link or file) showcasing high-quality, relevant character art work. Outsourcing Knowledge: Experience working with external contributors or outsourcing partners. The “Nice to Haves”: Platform Diversity: Experience working across multiple platforms or specialized hardware targets. Stylistic Range: Familiarity with a wide range of character art styles and genres. Studio Growth: Experience supporting hiring, onboarding, or studio-wide knowledge-sharing initiatives. Industry Context: Character Art in VR (2026) In 2026, the role of a Lead Character Artist in VR is more critical than ever. Unlike traditional screen-based games, VR requires characters to be viewed from all angles and distances, demanding incredible detail without sacrificing performance. According to recent VR industry reports, character interaction is the #1 driver of player immersion. Studios like nDreams are leading the charge by investing in Lead Character Artist talent who can navigate the “Uncanny Valley” while maintaining the strict frame rates required for VR comfort. This role at Studio Elevation offers the unique opportunity to define how players perceive and interact with digital beings in a fully 3D space. Perks and Benefits nDreams offers an industry-leading benefits package to ensure our Lead Character Artist can perform at their best: Time Off: Excellent holiday offering, your birthday off, and duvet days. Wellbeing: Health insurance, life cover, and a robust pension scheme. Development: Dedicated time and support for personal development and regular studio socials. Flexibility: Flexible working hours to support a healthy work-life balance. Equal Opportunities and Accessibility nDreams is an equal-opportunity employer. We strive to make our games and our industry more accessible to everyone. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and are happy to provide reasonable adjustments during the interview process. If you require any support, please contact your nDreams recruiter. What Happens Next? If you are a Lead Character Artist ready to take the next step in your career with a premier VR studio, we want to see your work. Application Steps: Submit Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio highlights your ability to lead character direction and technical implementation. Resume Review: Our recruitment team will evaluate your experience against our project needs. Interview Process: Successful candidates will be invited to discuss their leadership style and artistic vision.