Lead Environment Artist at Warner Bros. Discovery
Company: Warner Bros. Discovery (NetherRealm Studios)
Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)
Salary: $77,000 – $143,000 per year
About the Company
Warner Bros. Discovery is a global leader in storytelling and entertainment, bringing iconic brands and creative talent together to deliver world-class experiences. NetherRealm Studios, part of Warner Bros. Games, is known for blockbuster franchises like Mortal Kombat and Injustice, pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Job Overview
NetherRealm Studios is seeking a Lead Environment Artist to drive the visual direction and technical execution of game environments. This leadership role involves collaborating with art and technical teams, mentoring artists, and ensuring high-quality production standards for AAA game development.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and maintain the artistic vision for environments and related systems.
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of environment artists.
- Collaborate with Art Directors, Technical Leads, and production teams.
- Create high-quality benchmark assets based on concept art.
- Review assets to ensure visual quality and proper technical implementation.
- Coordinate task estimation and align environment goals across departments.
- Support rapid prototyping and iteration during development.
- Promote team learning through documentation, training, and tutorials.
Required Qualifications
- 4–5+ years of experience in game development.
- Experience working on at least 2 published AAA titles.
- Prior leadership experience or equivalent role.
- Strong skills in environmental design, layout, and storytelling.
- Expertise in Adobe Substance Painter and Designer.
- Solid understanding of Physically Based Rendering (PBR).
- Experience with Unreal Engine 4 or newer.
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Art, Game Design, or a related field is preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Health insurance and wellness programs.
- Retirement savings plan.
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Life and disability insurance.
- Career development opportunities in a global entertainment company.