Website nDreams
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 email our accessibility support team. We want to ensure you have the opportunity to bring your best self to the process.
What Happens Next?
If you are a Lighting Artist who is ready to set the standard for VR visuals, we want to see your work.
Application Process:
Showcase Your Work: Submit a portfolio that emphasizes your understanding of light, shadow, and performance optimization.
Initial Review: Our art leadership will review your technical proficiency in Unreal Engine.
Collaboration Interview: If shortlisted, you will meet the team to discuss your artistic approach and how you handle the technical constraints of VR.
Are you ready to light the way? Apply to be our next Lighting Artist today!
To apply for this job please visit ndreams.com.