Onward Search | 3D Level Artist [78548]

3D Environment Artist

Location:

Remote but located in California or surrounding states

Employment Type:

Contract

Experience Required:

3–5 Years

About the Role

Onward Search is hiring for a seasoned 3D Environment Artist to create photo-realistic environments, props, and assets for use in Unity for our streaming client. This role requires both artistic vision and technical expertise to bring immersive, emotionally charged worlds to life. You’ll be joining a collaborative team of artists and developers on an unannounced title in the horror/thriller/suspense genre, and will be expected to move quickly and iterate effectively throughout all stages of environment development.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and build photo-real 3D environments, props, and assets in Unity.
• Light and set dress scenes to establish mood and tone within the game engine.
• Work iteratively from whitebox to final shippable environment.
• Collaborate with concept artists and fellow environment artists to interpret and refine visual designs.
• Integrate assets into Unity, including LODs, texture atlases, channel packing, and optimized materials.
• Implement feedback from Art Directors, Leads, and Designers to elevate visual quality.
• Adapt to narrative and design changes fluidly throughout development.
• Import/export FBX files between Maya and Unity.
• Use source control systems like Git or Perforce for asset management.

Must-Have Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in 3D environment art for PC or console games.
• Shipped at least one game, preferably in the horror, thriller, or suspense genre.
• Proficient with tools such as Maya or 3DS Max, ZBrush, Substance (Painter/Designer).
• Strong understanding of Unity and real-time game asset workflows.
• Creative initiative to take environments from concept (detailed or minimal) to polished completion.
• Ability to work in fast-paced development cycles and with co-development partners.

Nice-to-Haves

• Prior experience in horror, suspense, or thriller game titles.
• Familiarity with cinematic lighting and storytelling through environment design.