Environment Modeling Lead – Real-Time

The Environment Modeling Lead interprets client reference materials, works with the Modeling Supervisor to plan an approach to an environment’s construction, builds all needed assets (either alone or as part of a team), and assembles those assets in the Unreal Engine to create the final assembly. A lead also works with new or inexperienced artists to teach best practices and standards determined by the supervisor.

• Build production-ready, artistically appealing, and technically sound 3D models based on specific needs of each project, while balancing needs of all downstream departments.
• Construct and dress environments using both manual and procedural techniques within the Unreal Engine.
• Utilize Unreal Engine’s blueprint systems to build tools to help increase efficiency when dressing environments.
• Plans a sets modular approach to maximize asset reuse and overall environment flexibility.
• Revise and/or cleanup models sent by clients.
• Assist Supervisor with review of artist work for technical and artistic standards.
• Help guide new hires in use of pipeline tools and best practices.
• Prepare guides and documentation to teach new tools or workflows to other artists.
• Identify any issues/problems and work with Supervisor to plan corrective action.
• Actively recognize excellent performance from artists.
• Critique models both artistically and technically, and provide constructive feedback as needed.
• Troubleshoot existing problems.
• Coordinate with Supervisor to investigate new tools and workflows that may add to existing practices.

• Degree/diploma in fine arts or animation or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ production experience in Animated Feature Films, Television, Commercial and/or Video Game Production.
• Masterful knowledge of Maya and zBrush is required.
• Experience with Unreal Engine strongly desired.
• Experience with SpeedTree, World Machine, or other environment building tools a plus.
• Ability to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas.
• Ability to make creative/artistic/aesthetic judgment calls.
• Prior experience in supervising or training is an asset.
• Strong understanding of downstream department processes and needs.
• Strong aesthetic sense: demonstrates ability to make creative and aesthetic judgment calls.