Senior Lighting Artist

This is a hybrid/onsite position. For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Parts I and II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

About the Role

As a Cinematic Lighting Artist, you will collaborate with concept artists, animators, VFX artists, and fellow lighters to create visually spectacular and engaging cinematic sequences. You will use our proprietary lighting tools to achieve captivating lighting schemes for characters and environments. As part of the Naughty Dog legacy, you’ll contribute to the development of extraordinary and enduring experiences for a broad, global audience.

Responsibilities

• Develop lighting schemes for characters and environments, working closely with Directors and the Concept Art team.
• Collaborate with the Level Lighting team to establish smooth integration of in-game cinematics with gameplay.
• Work with multiple departments to ensure in-game cinematics run within the memory budget without sacrificing visual quality.
• Collaborate with outsource vendors and lighting artists on visual looks, tech, training, and workflows, both giving and receiving feedback.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in Games or Animation/VFX/Film.
• Has shipped a AAA game or equivalent.
• Excellent understanding of direct/indirect light, color theory, exposure, and contrast.
• Outstanding understanding of shading/materials and their relationship with lighting.
• Excellent artistic skills to interpret concept art and color keys to recreate mood and atmosphere in a game environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in industry-standard software such as Autodesk Maya.
• Excellent understanding of color grading with proficiency in industry-standard software such as Nuke, Fusion, or Resolve.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a dedicated attention to detail.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with minimal direction.
• Ability to work under pressure while completing time-sensitive projects.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with real-time engines.
• Experience with generating light-maps, pre-lighting, or baked lighting.
• Experience with scripting.

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this role is $69.09—$86.35 USD per hour. Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors, including knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

Benefits

This role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision.