Principal 3D Environment Artist - Unpublished R&D Product

About the Position

As part of the Environment Art team, you will channel your knowledge of concepting, modeling, and texturing to help tell stories through visually compelling environments. Working within both design and technical constraints, you will build optimized environments that elevate the purpose and mood of the game. Your craft expertise and eye for structure, form, shape language, and design will help develop and build fantastic new worlds for our players to explore.

As a Principal 3D Environment Artist on an unpublished R&D product, you will report to the Environment Art Director. This is a hands-on role that calls for a high level of craft and the ability to solve complex environment art challenges. As an experienced member of the team, you'll lead by example through your work. Your knowledge and experience will help raise the quality bar and support the growth of other artists on the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead world-building for various 3D environments from early development through final polish.
• Build high-quality environments and assets ranging from architectural structures to organic forms and foliage.
• Create cohesive environments that support gameplay through strong composition and visual clarity.
• Work closely with Design, Concept Art, Lighting, and Tech Art to balance visual quality with gameplay and technical needs.
• Interpret and build upon concept designs while solving artistic and technical challenges during production.
• Maintain a high level of visual quality while working within performance and technical constraints.
• Share knowledge and provide craft feedback to help other environment artists grow.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional experience as a 3D Environment Artist in game development.
• Experience building game environments from development through completion as an Environment Artist.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating world-building, modeling, sculpting, materials, and composition.
• Professional experience with 3ds Max or Maya, Photoshop, and ZBrush.
• Experience creating optimized game environments within gameplay and technical constraints.
• Strong communication skills and experience working across multiple disciplines.

Nice to Have

• Professional experience working in Unreal, Unity, or any relevant game engine.
• Experience mentoring other artists through craft feedback and collaboration.

We Offer

• Competitive salary range between $166,600.00 - $232,800.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Short and long-term disability coverage.
• Open paid time off policy and flexible work schedules.
• Parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children.

About the Company

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective every day. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.