Stellar Entertainment, a premier video game development studio with high-octane creative hubs in Guildford, UK and Utrecht, Netherlands, is embarking on a journey into a brand-new, unannounced AAA project. Known for a pedigree of technical excellence and a “quality-first” mindset, Stellar Entertainment sits at the heart of thriving developer communities, focusing on crafting experiences that resonate deeply with players worldwide. We believe that games are a symphony of sight, sound, and feel. It is not enough for a game to play well; it must look spectacular and feel grounded in its own reality. As we scale our Art Department for this next ambitious venture, we are seeking a dedicated Hard Surface Artist to help define the mechanical and structural visual language of our next title. This mid-level role is designed for a professional who has already cut their teeth in the industry and is looking for a platform to showcase mastery over complex hard surface design. Job Overview: Hard Surface Artist Feature Description Company Name Stellar Entertainment Job Title Hard Surface Artist Job Type Full-Time, Permanent Experience Level Mid-Level (Min. 1 shipped title) Location(s) Guildford, UK OR Utrecht, NL Location Type Hybrid (3 days per week on-site) Project Status New, Unannounced AAA Project Compensation and Benefits Structure Stellar Entertainment offers a competitive compensation package that reflects the high cost of living and industry benchmarks in both the UK and the Netherlands. Our philosophy is to provide total security and wellness so that our artists can focus entirely on their craft without distraction. Salary Table (Estimated Annual Rates) Region Level Annual Salary Range (Local Currency) Monthly Equivalent Guildford, UK Mid-Level £38,000 – £52,000 £3,166 – £4,333 Utrecht, NL Mid-Level €42,000 – €58,000 €3,500 – €4,833 Global Benefits & Perks Regardless of your home studio, all Stellar Entertainment team members enjoy: Flexible Hybrid Working: A balanced 3 days on-site to foster collaborative energy, with 2 days of remote focus. Health & Wellness: Private Healthcare plans including Dental and Eye care, plus a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Financial Future: Competitive Pension Plans, Life Assurance, and a discretionary bonus scheme linked to studio success. Social & Tech: Regular team incentives, social events, and access to the latest cutting-edge hardware and software. Specific Benefits for NL-Based Artists 13th Salary Scheme: Inclusion in the Dutch Vakantiegeld (Holiday Allowance). Holiday Accrual: A generous holiday scheme to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Central Utrecht Office: Located in a vibrant hub with a fully stocked fridge and snack cupboard for all employees. Detailed Job Responsibilities As a Hard Surface Artist at Stellar Entertainment, you are responsible for the “mechanical soul” of the game. Your duties extend beyond mere modeling; you are a technical problem-solver and a visual storyteller. 1. High-Fidelity Asset Creation You will be responsible for the end-to-end creation of hard surface models. This includes high-poly sculpting for baking detail and low-poly modeling for engine performance. Your portfolio should demonstrate an ability to handle diverse subject matter, including: Vehicles: Ensuring functional design and believable mechanical components. Weaponry: Focusing on ergonomic details, moving parts, and realistic material wear. Environmental Props: Creating everything from industrial machinery to intricate sci-fi consoles. 2. Texturing and PBR Mastery Using industry-standard tools like Substance Painter and Substance Designer, you will author Physically Based Rendering (PBR) texture sets. You must ensure that materials—be it brushed aluminum, rusted iron, or futuristic carbon fiber—react accurately to the game’s lighting environment and fit the established art style. 3. Pipeline Optimization & Integration Creating the asset is only half the battle at Stellar. You will: Produce clean, optimized topology and efficient UV layouts for real-time game engines. Integrate assets directly into Unreal Engine, ensuring they meet technical constraints and look correct in-situ. Iterate on assets based on feedback from Art Directors to ensure the “visual bar” is consistently elevated. 4. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration You will act as a key collaborator between the Concept Art team (interpreting their designs) and the Technical Art team (ensuring assets are rig-ready and optimized). You will also participate in regular art reviews, contributing to the studio’s collective growth through constructive and insightful feedback. Candidate Qualifications We are looking for an artist who combines technical “know-how” with an unmistakable passion for mechanical design and world-building. Industry Experience: Solid games industry experience with at least one shipped title. We want to see that you understand the rigors and milestones of a full production cycle. Software Proficiency: You should be a power user of Blender, Substance Suite, and Unreal Engine. Technical Workflow: A confident grasp of the mid-poly workflow, including baking, ID masking, and efficient asset preparation for real-time pipelines. Portfolio: A strong showcase of finished results and the process behind them (wireframes, texture flats, and high-poly renders). Bonus Points for: Familiarity with Houdini or procedural modeling techniques to speed up environment workflows. Experience with Photogrammetry pipelines for high-realism prop creation. Knowledge of Marmoset Toolbag for high-quality asset presentation and baking. An interest in Game Design—understanding how an asset functions in the player’s hands and how it affects gameplay feel. Inclusion and Diversity at Stellar Entertainment Stellar Entertainment is built on the diversity of our talent. We sit at the heart of thriving, multicultural developer communities in both Guildford and Utrecht. We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable workplace where different perspectives are embraced. Every team member brings unique insight that strengthens our creativity, challenges our thinking, and helps us deliver better work. We believe that games are for everyone, and our team should reflect the global audience we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background, as we believe a diverse team leads to more innovative storytelling and superior visual work. The Studio Environment: Guildford & Utrecht Guildford, UK Studio Known as the “Hollywood of Video Games,” Guildford offers an incredible density of talent and networking opportunities. Our office is situated among industry legends, providing an inspiring backdrop for your daily work and professional growth within the UK’s most famous gaming hub. Utrecht, NL Studio Utrecht is a gem of the … Read more
