[Hiring] Lead Lighting Artist @Cloud Chamber

Role Description

As a Lead Lighting Artist at Cloud Chamber, you will join our talented development team to help shape our visual narrative and atmosphere. In this role, you’ll collaborate with a passionate group of game developers to craft visually stunning, dynamic lighting that supports world-class real-time environments and cinematics—bringing the richly imagined world of BioShock to life.

• Set clear expectations, provide coaching, and manage the health, career growth, and output of a high-performing art team.
• Lead a team of lighting artists and provide guidance, feedback, and mentorship to ensure high-quality results.
• Establish best practices and standards within the team to drive productivity, quality, and excellence.
• Foster a positive, proactive, and agile work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration.
• Collaborate closely with the Art Director and other leads to understand and uphold the visual style and direction for lighting.
• Develop and maintain a consistent and efficient lighting pipeline and workflows, acting as the primary point of contact for issues.
• Research and implement new techniques and technologies related to lighting with the goal of continuous development and improvement.
• Collaborate with:
  • Core Tech Team to ensure adherence to technical specifications and optimization requirements for real-time rendering engines.
  • Production and scheduling teams to define realistic timelines and manage project priorities.
  • Other groups within the art department to achieve cohesive and visually stunning results.
• Continuously monitor project progress with an eye for improvement and optimization, providing updates to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Receive and apply constructive feedback as part of our iterative process effectively while maintaining a positive attitude.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in real-time lighting and final rendering, with a proven track record as an Art Lead on at least one shipped AAA title.
• Deep understanding of Physically Based Rendering (PBR), runtime optimization, lighting for in-game cinematics, and practical expertise with Unreal Engine 5 (specifically Lumen Lighting and Sequencer).
• Demonstrated history of successfully recruiting, developing, mentoring, and retaining top artistic talent while managing workload output and team well-being.
• Proven experience collaborating directly with Core Tech and Production teams to establish and optimize real-time pipelines under runtime constraints.

Requirements

• A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
• A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to articulate complex ideas clearly.
• Experienced in working in cross-disciplinary teams with strong communication skills.
• Persistent and self-motivated with a proactive mindset.
• Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
• An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Highly open to feedback and direction, with a desire to learn new skills.
• A strong ownership of tasks, striving to drive work forward autonomously while ensuring high standards of quality.
• Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture.

Benefits

• The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $150,400 and $180,000 USD per Year.
• Base pay offered is based on market location and may vary depending on individualized factors.
• Total compensation package may include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards.
• Eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.
• Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage.
  • 14 paid holidays per calendar year.
  • Paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days).
  • Up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year.
  • Paid parental and compassionate leave.
  • Wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support.
  • Family planning support through Maven.
  • Commuter benefits.
  • Reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.