Unreal Environmental Artist

**Working at ngx**

Are you a skilled artist who is interested in stories that matter? Would you like to work on cultural, historical, and environmental exhibits around the world? ngx is looking for a full time, permanent Unreal Environment Artist.

We work at the intersection of story, art, and technology to reimagine what’s possible in museums, galleries, and other cultural spaces. Check out our portfolio for a cross section - Autodesk, The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, The Grand Egyptian Museumwe are working on a global stage at the leading edge of interpretive media.

**Role Description**

The Unreal Environmental Artist’s (UEA) main responsibility is to create and implement visually stunning and immersive environments within the Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). You will work closely with the Animation Leads, Creative Directors, and Developers to create environments that not only look beautiful, but also function seamlessly.

The UEA has a central technical and creative role on our project teams. This includes designing and creating textures, models, and lighting, as well as optimizing assets for performance. You should have a strong understanding of art principles and design aesthetics, as well as experience with 3D modeling software and game engines. Additionally, you should have a passion for staying up to date with the latest trends and techniques in game art and design. The UEA reports to the Head of Animation and can seek technical guidance and mentorship as necessary.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Collaborates on an interdisciplinary team to define creative and technical approaches for animated productions in exhibit environments across multiple projects.
- Creates photorealistic 3D models for interior and exterior environments in UE5.
- Designs and creates shots from scripts and storyboards, using cinematic language to tell a story.
- Light and output shots from Unreal.
- Look Dev shader setups for Environments and Props.
- Create previz and layout sequences in UE5.
- Technical and creative problem solving.
- Responsive to unforeseen project twists and turns. Calm and composed under pressure.
- Contributes positively to a supportive workplace culture.
- Participates in client presentations at project milestones.

**Prerequisite experiences and skills**
- End to end experience with the 3D animation pipeline
- 3+ years’ experience working in an animation, game, or vfx studio.
- Must have a deep understanding of optimization in UE5, including a strong understanding of best practices in the Maya to Unreal pipeline.
- Strong sense of utilizing geometry and texturing space efficiently.
- In addition to Unreal, advanced knowledge of at least one 3D Animation Software package i.e. Maya, Cinema 4D, Blender.
- Knowledge of Scripting languages such as Python and C++ is an asset.
- Experienced with Substance Painter/Designer.
- Experience with Zbrush, Houdini and/or Speedtree is an asset.
- Creative, imaginative, curious, and willing to learn new things.
- Appetite to grow and build a career with us.
- A demo reel that reflects your experience and skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a focus on visitor experience.

**What we can offer**
- A full time, 12 month term position.
- Salary commensurate with experience.
- Vacation and extended health benefits.
- A modified 4-day working week.
- Diverse and engaging work.
- The ability for significant creative input on projects.
- A caring, thoughtful, and culturally engaged workplace.
- Creative challenges across diverse media, spatial, conceptual, and geographic contexts.
- Annual professional development support
- The ability to shape a professional path and grow into new responsibilities.
- Seasoned mentorship.
- Possibilities for support for transition to Permanent Residence in Canada if required.