Nintendo – Environment Lighting Artist, USA

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation (NST) is currently seeking a creative, technically proficient, and collaborative Environment Lighting Artist II to join our elite development team in Redmond, Washington. As a key member of the Nintendo family, you will be tasked with illuminating the worlds that define our legacy, ensuring every scene evokes the wonder, mystery, and joy that players expect from a Nintendo experience.

Job Overview: Environment Lighting Artist

About Nintendo Software Technology (NST)

Nintendo Software Technology Corporation, located in the tech hub of Redmond, Washington, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., based in Kyoto, Japan. Since our inception, NST has been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s global development strategy, focused on designing and delivering world-class video games that push the boundaries of entertainment.

Our studio culture is defined by a “tight-knit” atmosphere where every employee is more than just a staff member—they are a valued contributor to the Nintendo legacy. We combine the agility of a focused development studio with the state-of-the-art resources of the world’s most iconic gaming brand. At NST, we conduct cutting-edge research and utilize proprietary equipment to ensure our quality is never compromised. We are a team of perfectionists, dreamers, and engineers dedicated to the mission of surprising and delighting our customers.

The Role: Environment Lighting Artist II

Lighting is the soul of an environment; it directs the player’s eye, sets the emotional tone of the narrative, and defines the visual fidelity of the world. As an Environment Lighting Artist II, you will transition between the roles of technical specialist and visual storyteller. You will collaborate closely with Environment Artists, Level Designers, and Art Leads to ensure that the technical constraints of the hardware are met without sacrificing the artistic vision of the project.

This is a mid-level role that requires not only a high degree of artistic “feel” but also a disciplined understanding of game engine pipelines and optimization. You will be expected to guide less experienced team members while contributing to the evolution of our internal tools and workflows.

Detailed Description of Duties

In this role, your responsibilities span the entire creative pipeline, from initial visual targets to final performance optimization:

• Lighting Design & Implementation: You will create complex lighting setups for a variety of 3D environments, ensuring that the lighting supports gameplay clarity and aesthetic goals. This includes baking static lighting and managing real-time light sources.

• 3D Content Creation: Beyond lighting, you will create a variety of 3D assets, including models and textures for characters and environments, ensuring they adhere to specific art direction and quality standards.

• Visual Target Development: Working alongside Art Leadership, you will help visualize and develop “look-dev” targets to define the aesthetic benchmark for new projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: You will partner with the User Interface (UI) team to create visual assets and animations (2D/3D) that enhance the player’s navigational experience.

• Technical Pipeline Support: You will support the growth of enhanced art development tools. This involves testing new proprietary Nintendo software and providing feedback to the engineering teams to improve workflow efficiency.

• Mentorship: As a Level II artist, you will provide guidance and technical troubleshooting for junior artists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

• Quality Assurance: You will apply your professional expertise to review, analyze, and test products currently in development. Your goal is to ensure the “Nintendo Standard”—a level of polish and stability that is world-renowned.

Summary of Requirements

We are looking for an individual who possesses a rare blend of artistic intuition and technical rigor. To be successful, you must meet the following criteria:

Professional Experience

• 3+ Years of Industry Experience: You must have a minimum of three years of professional experience specifically within game development.

• Shipped Titles: Preference is given to candidates who have seen a project through from pre-production to gold master.

Technical Skills & Software

• Engine Proficiency: Deep experience with modern game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or sophisticated proprietary engines. You should understand how lighting interacts with shaders, materials, and post-processing stacks.

• Standard Art Suite: High proficiency in industry-standard software, including but not limited to Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter/Designer, and Photoshop.

• Pipeline Knowledge: A thorough understanding of 3D asset pipelines, including UV mapping, PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows, and memory/performance optimization.

Education & Eligibility

• Academic Background: An undergraduate degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.

• Legal Status: You must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Please note that NST does not offer visa sponsorship for this specific position.

• Location: This is a hybrid role. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of Redmond, WA, or be willing to relocate, to accommodate regular onsite collaboration.

Comprehensive Benefits & Compensation

Nintendo believes that our people are our greatest asset. To support our team, we offer a robust compensation package designed to provide stability and peace of mind:

• Competitive Salary: A base pay range of $73,797 to $110,695, commensurate with experience and skill level.
• Bonuses: Participation in a semi-annual discretionary performance bonus program.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
• Retirement: A 401(k) plan with company matching to help you secure your future.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to ensure you stay refreshed and inspired.
• Corporate Culture: Access to a creative, inclusive environment where your work is seen by millions of players worldwide.

How to Apply

If you have a passion for light, shadow, and the “Nintendo Magic,” we want to hear from you.

Application Note: A portfolio is required for consideration. Your portfolio should demonstrate a mastery of lighting (interior and exterior), a strong grasp of color theory, and the ability to work within various art styles (from stylized to realistic).

Nintendo Software Technology is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.