Sperasoft is hiring Senior Lighting Artist, 2026

Sperasoft, a leading global game development service provider, is currently seeking a visionary Senior Lighting Artist to join our creative powerhouse in Warsaw. This role is designed for a technical artist who views light not just as a tool for visibility, but as a primary medium for storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional resonance.

As a Senior Lighting Artist, you will be at the forefront of visual innovation, working on high-profile AAA titles that reach millions of players. You will collaborate with world-class Art Directors and technical teams to push the limits of modern game engines, ensuring that every shadow, highlight, and volumetric ray contributes to an unparalleled immersive experience.

Job Overview: Senior Lighting Artist 

Detailed Job Responsibilities

The role of a Senior Lighting Artist at Sperasoft is multifaceted, blending high-level artistic vision with rigorous technical optimization. Your daily mission involves:

1. Artistic Direction & Conceptualization

You are responsible for designing lighting schemes that do more than just illuminate; they must define the mood. Whether it is the cold, sterile light of a sci-fi corridor or the warm, dappled sunlight of a sprawling open-world forest, you will:

• Propose original lighting scenarios based on scene geometry and narrative needs.

• Support the art style and mood through the expert application of color theory and cinematography.

• Ensure that the lighting complements the work of the environment, character, and VFX teams.

2. Technical Integration & Performance

Lighting is often the most hardware-intensive part of game development. You will act as the bridge between “beautiful” and “playable”:

• Balance visual fidelity with strict performance budgets and engine limitations.

• Utilize Lumen, Virtual Shadow Maps (VSM), and Nanite in UE5 to achieve next-gen results.

• Work closely with Technical Directors to validate lighting pipelines and optimize render passes.

3. Leadership & Collaboration

As a Senior member of the team, your influence extends beyond your own screen:

• Create and estimate task timelines for the Lighting Art team.

• Communicate directly with clients and stakeholders to ensure the final output matches the project’s vision.

• Verify lighting quality following updates from other departments (e.g., changes in geometry or textures) and perform necessary adjustments.

• Mentor junior artists and foster a culture of feedback and professional growth.

Candidate Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must possess a blend of creative intuition and technical mastery.

Professional Experience

• 3+ Years in Games: Proven track record as a Lighting Artist within the gaming industry.

• Leadership Capability: Experience performing senior or lead-level tasks, including mentoring and task management.

• Shipped Titles: At least one shipped AAA title in your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to see a project through from pre-production to gold.

Technical Skill Set

• Engine Mastery: Extensive knowledge of Unreal Engine 4. Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 (specifically Lumen and VSM) is highly preferred.

• DCC Tools: Proficiency in standard digital content creation tools such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.

• 2D/3D Art Tools: Familiarity with Photoshop, Substance Painter, and Substance Designer to troubleshoot texture and material interactions with light.

• Foundational Art Knowledge: A deep understanding of color theory, composition, and real-world light physics (HDR, Exposure, Kelvins, and Photometry).

Soft Skills

• Proactivity: A sense of initiative to solve problems before they escalate.
• Adaptability: The ability to accept constructive feedback and pivot quickly in a fast-paced production environment.
• Communication: Fluent professional English (written and verbal) is essential for collaborating with our international partners.

The “Sperasoft Plus” (Preferred Qualifications)

While not mandatory, we highly value candidates who bring:

• Photography Expertise: An eye for real-world aperture, shutter speed, and lighting setups.

• Generalist Background: Experience in environment art or VFX that provides a holistic view of the pipeline.

• Concept Art Ability: The skill to quickly paint over a screenshot to communicate a lighting mood to the team.

Compensation and Benefits Package

Sperasoft is committed to providing a supportive and enriching work environment. Our Warsaw office offers a robust benefits package designed to care for your physical, mental, and professional well-being.

Health and Wellness

• Private Medical Care: Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 24/7 access to confidential legal, financial, and personal counseling.
• Multisport Card: Access to thousands of sports facilities and gyms across Poland via the MyCafeteria system.

Professional Growth

• Language Classes: Free English and Polish lessons to help you integrate and communicate effectively.
• Internal Workshops: Regular knowledge-sharing sessions with some of the best minds in the industry.

Office Culture & Flexibility

• Flexible Hours: We value output over “clock-in” times, offering sensible flexibility to suit your lifestyle.
• On-site Perks: A fully stocked kitchen with breakfasts, snacks, fruits, and high-quality coffee/tea.
• Social Life: Frequent corporate parties, team-building retreats, and a team-oriented atmosphere that makes coming to work a pleasure.
• Care Bonus: An additional financial stipend to cover personal health, safety, or educational needs.

Why Join Sperasoft in Warsaw?

Warsaw is one of the fastest-growing game development hubs in Europe. By joining our team, you become part of a global network (Keywords Studios) that works on the world’s most iconic franchises. We offer the stability of a large corporation with the creative soul of an indie studio.

Are you ready to light the way? Apply now and help us define the future of interactive entertainment.

Note to Applicants: Please include a link to your portfolio or demo reel highlighting your lighting work in real-time engines. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.