About the Role Our client, a renowned game development studio located in the heart of **San Jose, California**, is seeking a highly talented and experienced Lead 3D Environment Artist to join their innovative team. This position offers a **hybrid** work model, blending the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. You will be instrumental in crafting breathtaking and immersive 3D environments for our next-generation gaming titles. This role requires a visionary artist who can not only create stunning visuals but also lead and mentor a team of talented artists. You will work closely with game designers, art directors, and technical artists to translate conceptual ideas into functional and aesthetically compelling game worlds. As a key member of the art department, your contributions will directly shape the player experience and the overall visual identity of our games. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on a highly anticipated project and advance your career in the competitive **arts and entertainment** industry. Key Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 3D environment artists throughout the entire game development cycle. Oversee the creation of high-quality 3D assets, textures, and lighting for game environments, ensuring consistency with the art direction. Collaborate with the art director and game designers to define and maintain the visual style and technical requirements for environments. Establish and enforce best practices for asset creation, optimization, and integration into the game engine. Conduct regular art reviews, providing constructive feedback to team members to ensure artistic quality and timely delivery. Troubleshoot and resolve technical art challenges related to environment asset production and implementation. Stay current with industry trends, tools, and techniques in 3D art and game development. Requirements Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in 3D environment art for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role. Proven track record of creating stunning, high-fidelity 3D environments for shipped AAA titles. Expert proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling, sculpting, texturing, and rendering software (e.g., Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop, Marmoset Toolbag). Strong understanding of game engine technologies (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and environment art pipelines. Excellent knowledge of lighting, composition, color theory, and architectural design. Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide artists. Strong problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail. A portfolio showcasing exceptional environmental art and leadership examples is required. Benefits Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. Employees also enjoy access to professional development resources, opportunities for advancement within the company, and the chance to work on groundbreaking game titles. The hybrid work model allows for a balance between collaborative in-office work and personal flexibility. Regular team-building events and a supportive, creative work culture are integral parts of the employee experience.