Stellar Entertainment is a premier video game development studio with a reputation for excellence, operating out of the historic gaming hub of Guildford, UK, and Utrecht, Netherlands. We are positioned at the heart of thriving developer communities, focusing on high-octane quality and player-centric experiences.

We believe that games are more than just mechanics; they are a delicate balance of atmosphere, visual fidelity, and emotional resonance. As we embark on a brand-new, unannounced AAA project, we are seeking a visionary Lead Lighting Artist to help us push the boundaries of real-time rendering. This is an opportunity to join a studio where your work defines the “feel” of a world and sets the standard for the next generation of gaming.

As the Lead Lighting Artist, you are the custodian of visual mood and narrative tone. You will head the Lighting department, acting as the bridge between the Art Director’s high-level vision and the technical realities of modern game engines. This role requires a master-level understanding of how light interacts with materials, how it guides the player’s eye, and how it can be optimized to run flawlessly on cutting-edge hardware.

Leadership & Mentorship

Leadership at Stellar Entertainment is about more than management; it is about inspiration. You will:

• Direct the Lighting Team: Provide clear, actionable feedback to your artists, ensuring the visual bar remains consistently high across all game environments.
• Cultivate Talent: Mentor junior and mid-level artists, helping them master the nuances of Unreal Engine 5 and real-time lighting theory.
• Establish Workflows: Design and implement robust lighting pipelines that streamline production while maintaining the highest possible quality.

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Artistic Execution

Your primary goal is to create “visually stunning” environments. You will:

• Mood & Narrative: Design lighting setups that enhance the storytelling of the project, using color, shadow, and contrast to evoke specific emotional responses.
• Cinematic Finish: Oversee post-processing effects, including color grading (LUTs), lens flares, vignettes, and anti-aliasing to achieve a polished, AAA cinematic look.
• Consistency: Ensure that lighting remains cohesive across various times of day, weather systems, and interior/exterior transitions.

Technical Optimization

A beautiful game must also be a performant one. You will:

• Engine Mastery: Utilize Unreal Engine 5 features—including Lumen, Nanite, and Virtual Shadow Maps—to achieve state-of-the-art results.
• Optimization: Partner with Technical Artists and Graphics Engineers to optimize memory usage and frame rates without compromising the artistic integrity of the scene.
• Problem Solving: Identify and resolve lighting-related bugs, from light leakage to shadow artifacts and shader complexity issues.

Professional Experience

• AAA Background: You must have at least one shipped AAA title in a Senior or Lead capacity. We need someone who understands the rigors and milestones of a large-scale production.
• Portfolio: A world-class portfolio showcasing a deep understanding of lighting theory, composition, and visual storytelling in a real-time environment.

Technical Skills

• Software: Expert proficiency in Unreal Engine 5 is mandatory. You should also be highly skilled in industry-standard art tools such as 3DS Max or Maya and Photoshop.
• Lighting Techniques: Deep knowledge of both real-time dynamic lighting and traditional baked lighting workflows.
• Photography: Experience in photography, specifically capturing lighting references and HDRI/IBL (Image-Based Lighting) data, is a significant advantage.

Communication & Soft Skills

• Collaboration: You will work closely with Art Directors, Tech Artists, and Engineers. The ability to translate artistic needs into technical requirements (and vice versa) is crucial.
• Proactive Attitude: We look for leaders who stay ahead of industry trends and are always looking for ways to improve internal processes.

At Stellar Entertainment, we believe in rewarding our talent with a package that supports both professional growth and personal well-being.

• Project Impact: Work on high-profile, international AAA game projects that reach millions of players.
• Health & Wellness: * Private Healthcare Plan including dental and optical support.
  • Comprehensive mental health support and access to an online GP.
  • Life Assurance and annual Flu Jab vouchers.
• Work-Life Balance: * Hybrid Working: 3 days on-site in Guildford, 2 days remote.
  • Increasing Holiday Benefits: Extra days earned through tenure.
  • Christmas Shutdown: We value rest; the studio closes for the festive period.
• Financial Incentives: * Competitive pension plan.
  • Discretionary bonus scheme based on performance.
• Studio Culture: * Access to a well-stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages.

Departmental Goals

The Art Department at Stellar is focused on “Atmospheric Storytelling.” The Lead Lighting Artist is expected to work in tandem with the Level Design team to ensure that light is used as a gameplay tool—leading players toward objectives and highlighting key points of interest.

Tools & Pipeline

We utilize a cutting-edge technical stack. You will be expected to contribute to the evolution of our internal shaders and lighting tools, working with the Technical Art Director to ensure our lighting tools are “artist-friendly” and efficient.

Environmental Impact

Located in Guildford, the “Hollywood of Games,” Stellar Entertainment offers a prime location for industry networking and career growth. The hybrid model ensures you have the collaborative benefits of our high-end studio space while maintaining a healthy life balance at home.