Location: Manchester, UK

Cloud Imperium Games Job Overview Company: Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) Project Focus: Star Citizen & Squadron 42 Role Title: Environment Artist Job Type: Full-Time Location: Manchester, United Kingdom Work Model: Hybrid / On-site (Manchester City Centre Hub) Art Pillar: Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the world-renowned independent studio founded by legendary developer Chris Roberts, is seeking a visionary Environment Artist to join our Manchester hub. As a crowdfunded company, CIG is uniquely beholden to a dedicated community of backers who share our goal of creating the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever.” We are a studio that prides itself on thinking outside the box, developing ground-breaking technology like our proprietary StarEngine, and maintaining a commitment to “Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism” that is unmatched in the AAA industry. At Cloud Imperium Games, you won’t just be making “levels”; you will be building the sprawling cityscapes, orbiting space stations, and remote research outposts of the Star Citizen universe. If you are an artist who thrives on wild growth and enjoys working alongside happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, your next career-defining mission starts here. Executive Compensation & Total Rewards At CIG, we believe in the value of exceptional, diverse talent. Our compensation packages are designed to reward the technical precision and creative flair required to build the most detailed universe in gaming history. Component Estimated Annual Range (Manchester, UK) Annual Base Salary £40,000 — £78,000 (Dependent on seniority/portfolio) Performance Bonus Annual discretionary bonus based on studio milestones Health & Wellness Comprehensive Private Medical & Dental insurance Retirement Competitive Pension Scheme with high employer matching Life Assurance Group Life Cover and Income Protection Studio Culture Regular social events, high-end hardware, and professional development The Role: Architect of the Stars As an Environment Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, you are responsible for the immersion of millions of players. Star Citizen operates at a scale never before seen—where a player can pilot a ship through a massive cityscape stretching to the horizon, land seamlessly, and explore a shadowy underground facility on foot. Your primary mission is to create high-quality, hard-surface locations that ground the player in a believable reality. You will be designing the “Cinematic Sci-Fi” spaces that take a player’s breath away, ranging from huge space stations in low orbit to remote, atmospheric outposts. Key Responsibilities Asset Creation: Design and execute high-quality, photorealistic sci-fi assets. This includes the creation of architectural kits and “hero” assets designed for modular reuse and visual consistency across the star system. Mid-Poly Workflow: Master and implement CIG’s signature mid-poly workflow, utilizing advanced weighted normals and trim sheets to achieve incredible detail without compromising engine performance. World Building & Set Dressing: Assemble and dress massive environments within StarEngine. You will ensure that every location meets our rigorous visual, technical, and performance standards. Cross-Department Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with Art Leads and Directors to interpret the high-level vision. You will also coordinate with Design, VFX, and Lighting teams to ensure that art serves gameplay and player immersion. Mentorship: Provide guidance, feedback, and technical support to more junior members of the environment team, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Requirements: The Professional Standard Cloud Imperium Games is looking for artists who have a passion for creating inspirational spaces and who are not afraid of technical challenges. Artistic Excellence: A strong portfolio demonstrating a mastery of photorealistic artwork, specifically focused on hard-surface modeling and environmental storytelling. Technical Discipline: A deep understanding of the core pillars of environment art: modeling, shading, UV layout, and world-building logic. Team Synergy: A desire to be part of a close-knit, highly collaborative team. Effective communication is the lifeblood of our distributed global production. Professional Tenure: Proven experience in a game development environment, specifically creating “game-ready” assets for modern AAA engines. Passion: A genuine interest in sci-fi is a bonus, but we primarily value an artist’s ability to create believable, high-fidelity spaces regardless of the genre. Global Diversity & Inclusion Statement Cloud Imperium Games is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. The Vast Universe: We believe the universe is as vast and varied as the people in it. Our goal is to build a team that represents all walks of life. Authentic Recognition: Together, we are creating a space where the understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone, from the top down. Equal Opportunity: As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team where every employee can bring the things that make them unique to the work environment. Anti-Fraud & Security Notice Cloud Imperium Games is aware of fraudulent job offers alleging to be from our company. To protect yourself, please note: Official communication will only come from a @cloudimperiumgames.com email address. We never ask for personal info like bank account numbers or identification via social media or chat-based apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram). We never request money or send money for the purchase of business equipment during the recruitment process. If you suspect fraud, report it to info@cloudimperiumgames.com. Life in Manchester: The UK Tech Hub Our Manchester studio is located in the vibrant heart of one of the UK’s most significant technology and creative hubs. Joining the Manchester team means: A Thriving Community: Work alongside hundreds of passionate developers in a state-of-the-art office designed for collaboration. Technological Innovation: Gain hands-on experience with StarEngine, pushing the limits of procedural planet generation and seamless atmospheric entry. Collaborative Spirit: Communicate daily with our sister studios in Frankfurt, Austin, and Los Angeles to maintain a unified vision for the “Verse.” Summary Checklist for Applicants Requirement Minimum Standard Technical Focus Hard Surface / Mid-Poly Workflow Software Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender + Photoshop/Substance Artistic Pillar Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism Location Able to work in Manchester, UK Mentality High-performing, enthusiastic over-achiever Final Thoughts Cloud Imperium Games offers more than just a job; it offers the chance to build a legacy. We are raising the bar for the entire gaming industry, and we need the world’s best Environment Artists to help us reach … Read more

Job Overview Company: Cloud Imperium Games UK (CIG) Project Focus: Star Citizen & Squadron 42 Role Title: Gameplay Animator Job Type: Full-Time Location: Manchester / Wilmslow (UK), Frankfurt (DE), Austin / Los Angeles (USA) Work Model: Hybrid / On-site (Distributed Global Collaboration) Experience Level: Intermediate to Senior Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the visionary independent studio founded by legendary developer Chris Roberts, is seeking a high-caliber Gameplay Animator to join our world-class team. As the architects of Star Citizen and Squadron 42, CIG is pushing the boundaries of what is technically and artistically possible in the AAA space. We don’t just build games; we build a living, breathing universe. Our team thrives on “thinking outside the box,” creating groundbreaking technology, and maintaining a commitment to fidelity that is unmatched in the industry. As a Gameplay Animator, you will be at the front lines of this mission, breathing life into players, AI, and creatures across the vast expanse of the verse. Executive Compensation & Total Rewards Cloud Imperium Games provides a competitive compensation structure designed to attract the industry’s most creative and technically proficient animators. Salaries are adjusted based on the specific cost-of-living metrics for our global hubs (UK, EU, or USA). Component Estimated Annual Range (GBP/USD/EUR) UK Salary Range £45,000 — £85,000 (Based on seniority and location) USA Salary Range $85,000 — $155,000 (Based on Austin vs. LA markets) EU Salary Range €55,000 — €95,000 (Frankfurt hub) Annual Bonus Discretionary performance-based incentives Health Benefits Private medical, dental, and vision insurance Retirement Enhanced pension/401(k) matching programs Perks Studio social events, advanced hardware stipends, and “Star Citizen” game access The Role: Defining the Soul of the Verse As a Gameplay Animator at Cloud Imperium Games, you are much more than an artist; you are a technical choreographer. You will work within a specialized team of designers and programmers to develop engaging combat and social gameplay. Your work will dictate how it “feels” to survive in deep space, from the subtle weight of a character sitting in a cockpit to the high-intensity reactions of an elite AI combatant. Key Responsibilities Holistic Implementation: Work across the animation pipeline to develop fluid, realistic actions for Players, AI, and Creatures. You will be responsible for both combat-heavy and nuanced social interactions. Flowgraph & Behavior Design: Collaborate directly with designers to create branching animation flowgraphs. You won’t just create clips; you will help design the logic that triggers them, ensuring seamless transitions in a systemic world. Motion Capture & Keyframe: Develop and refine high-quality motion capture data. You will also have the opportunity to assist on the mocap set, ensuring the data captured meets the creative vision. When MoCap isn’t enough, you will utilize expert-level keyframe skills for creatures and unique player actions. Quality Advocacy: Work under the Animation Lead and Director to establish and uphold the visual bar for the game engine. You will be a guardian of the “CIG Quality” standard. Global Collaboration: Navigate a distributed team environment, communicating daily with colleagues in the UK, EU, and USA to ensure asset consistency across the entire game. Requirements: The Star Citizen Standard We are looking for individuals who are not satisfied with “good enough.” You must have a passion for fidelity and a desire to challenge the status quo of game animation. Professional Experience: A proven track record of commercial experience in game animation development, specifically within AAA pipelines. Software Mastery: Expert proficiency in Maya and MotionBuilder. Familiarity with proprietary engine tools and flowgraph logic is a significant plus. Animation Fundamentals: An elite grasp of weight, timing, staging, and silhouette. You must be able to create “solid-playing” actions that look realistic but feel responsive to the player. Conceptual Breakdown: The ability to take a complex gameplay concept (e.g., a systemic cover system) and break it down into its constituent animation requirements. Problem Solving: A proactive ability to identify technical risks early in the development cycle and innovate solutions to overcome engine or performance constraints. Eagerness to Iterate: At CIG, we thrive on feedback. You must be eager to challenge your own ideas and those of your peers to reach the absolute best result. CIG’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion Cloud Imperium Games UK is a global company staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. The Vast Universe Principle: We believe the universe is as vast and varied as the people in it. Our goal is to build a team that represents all walks of life. Authentic Recognition: We foster a space where diversity isn’t just a metric, but a core strength that improves our creative output. Equal Opportunity: As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we encourage every employee to bring the unique aspects of their personality and history to the work environment. Anti-Fraud & Security Statement CIG is aware of fraudulent job offers alleging to be from our company. Please note: We never ask for personal info like bank account numbers or ID numbers via social media or chat apps. We never request or send money for the purchase of business equipment during the hiring process. All official communication will come from a @cloudimperiumgames.com email address. If you suspect fraud, report it to info@cloudimperiumgames.com. How We Get Things Done At Cloud Imperium, we are “Star Citizens” first. We operate on a philosophy of transparency and community engagement. You will be joining a studio that is not beholden to traditional publisher timelines, allowing us to focus on quality above all else. This results in a highly collaborative, albeit fast-paced, environment where technical and artistic innovation happens daily. Summary Checklist for Applicants Requirement Minimum Standard Core Tools Maya / MotionBuilder Technical Skill Branching Flowgraphs / Systemic Animation Animation Style Hyper-Realistic / High Fidelity Soft Skills Global Collaboration / Proactive Problem Solving Portfolio Showcasing Gameplay (Player/AI) & Mocap Cleanup Final Thoughts If you are passionate about space, technology, and the art of movement, Cloud Imperium Games is the ultimate destination for your career. We are constantly seeking the next generation of animators … Read more

Job Overview Company: Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) Position Title: Junior Lighting Artist Location: Manchester, United Kingdom (Onsite) Work Model: Full-Time Primary Goal: Creating cinematic, atmospheric real-time lighting Core Framework: Physically Based Rendering (PBR) Cloud Imperium Games (CIG), the independent powerhouse behind the record-breaking space simulation Star Citizen and the cinematic campaign Squadron 42, is expanding its Manchester technology hub. Founded in 2012 by visionary Chris Roberts, CIG has grown into one of the largest global independent studios. We are a community-funded company, driven by a dedicated base of backers who share our goal of building the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever.” We are currently seeking a passionate and technically curious Lighting Artist at the Junior level to join our onsite team in Manchester. In this entry-level position, you will help define the “Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism” that makes our universe unique. You aren’t just placing lights; you are crafting the mood, guiding the player, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a real-time environment. The Role: Defining the Lighting Artist at CIG As a Lighting Artist at Cloud Imperium, you occupy a critical intersection of art and technology. Your work is the final layer that brings life to the assets created by our environment and prop teams. Whether you are lighting a high-tech corporate office in the clouds of Orison or a gritty, neon-soaked alleyway in Area 18, your mission is to tell a story through light. In this junior role, you will work under the direct mentorship of our Senior Lighting Artist team and the Lighting Lead. You will learn to navigate the complexities of our proprietary engine, developing an eye for “Mood Lighting” while respecting the rigorous performance budgets required for a massive multiplayer universe. You are the architect of the player’s visual experience, using light to lead their eye and evoke specific emotional responses. Detailed Responsibilities 1. Crafting Cinematic Scenarios Atmospheric Design: Create believable and immersive lighting scenarios for a wide variety of in-game locations, from vast planetary surfaces to claustrophobic ship corridors. Mood & Narrative: Use the Lighting Artist toolset to establish the emotional tone of a scene, ensuring it aligns with the Art Director’s vision for “Sci-Fi Realism.” Interactivity: Help implement player-interactive lighting, such as “chill modes” or emergency states for habitations and ships Technical Optimization & Performance Budget Management: Learn the art of “paying for shadows.” You must ensure that high-quality lighting works seamlessly within real-time rendering budgets to maintain high frame rates Shadow Logic: Manage the cost of shadow-casting lights and draw calls, balancing visual fidelity with GPU and CPU constraints Real-Time Integration: Work within defined technical limits to ensure that even the most complex lighting setups—such as rotating sirens or blinking emergency lights—run smoothly Cross-Departmental Collaboration Artistic Vision: Work closely with the Lighting Lead and Art Director to realize the project’s specific aesthetic goals. Environmental Synergy: Collaborate with Environment Artists to determine where light fixtures should be placed to support both gameplay and visual logic. Global Teamwork: As a Junior Lighting Artist, you will engage with a global team (including our German and US offices) to share knowledge and maintain visual consistency across the Star Citizen universe. Requirements & Skillset To excel as a Lighting Artist at Cloud Imperium, we are looking for candidates who possess a blend of artistic intuition and technical hunger. Technical Knowledge PBR Mastery: A basic understanding of Physically Based Rendering (PBR) and how material shading impacts the final look of a frame. Cinematic Techniques: A budding knowledge of cinematic lighting principles (Key, Fill, Rim) and how to apply them in a 3D space. Reference Driven: An ability to use real-world reference materials to challenge your own work and improve the realism of your scenes. Experience & Drive Project Portfolio: Experience in creating high-quality real-time lighting scenarios. This can include professional work, academic projects, or high-level personal portfolio pieces. Technical Curiosity: A genuine desire to dive into the technical “how” of lighting—from understanding light groups to mastering transitions and flicker styles. Team Player: A passionate, communicative approach to work. You should be comfortable receiving feedback and iterating on your work until it meets the “CIG Bar.” Culture and Diversity Statement Cloud Imperium Games is a global company staunchly committed to cultivating a workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. We believe the universe is as vast and varied as the people in it. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we want every Lighting Artist to bring their unique perspective to the team. Whether you are a master of mood or a technical wizard in the making, your individuality is what makes our universe special. We encourage a culture of “outside the box” thinking and ground-breaking innovation. Summary of Key Information Feature Description Primary Project Star Citizen (The most ambitious space sim ever) Mentorship Direct guidance from Leads and Senior Artists Technical Focus Real-time rendering, PBR, and lighting budgets Atmosphere “Cinematic Sci-Fi Realism” Growth Potential High; entry-level role with global career paths Fraud Prevention Notice CIG is aware of fraudulent job offers. Please note that we will never ask for personal information (like bank accounts or ID numbers) via social media or chat apps. We do not request money for business equipment. If you suspect fraud, contact us at info@cloudimperiumgames.com.