About the role
Company Overview
Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is a large global independent studio founded in 2012 by Chris Roberts. The company is dedicated to delivering next-generation AAA games, specifically Star Citizen and Squadron 42. CIG is a crowdfunded company with a dedicated community of backers. The studio environment is characterized as relaxed, innovative, and future-thinking, with locations in Manchester, Los Angeles, Austin, and Frankfurt.
About the Role
The Props team produces a variety of foreground assets for locations, features, cinematics, and marketing. Primary output includes intricate hard-surface props like furniture and dressing assets, as well as soft furnishings, organic assets, and complex interactable objects used by players and AI. As a Lead Props Artist, the focus is on guiding and mentoring a team, setting quality benchmarks, and aligning with Art Direction and other departments to meet visual and technical standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the creation of a diverse array of high-quality props, setting the artistic and technical benchmark for the team.
- Champion and elevate the quality of artwork across the team through regular reviews and constructive feedback.
- Collaborate with other departments to produce assets with specific design and technical requirements.
- Partner with Art Directors and Producers to plan workloads, allocate tasks, and ensure deliverables are met to schedule and quality targets.
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Props Artists, supporting the professional growth of each team member.
- Define, own, and communicate metrics and technical setup on assets to ensure consistent and well-documented pipelines.
- Act as a proactive and inspirational leader to motivate the team, solve problems, and keep production running smoothly.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Exceptional ability to produce and review highly detailed, well-optimized hard-surface models.
- Deep understanding of artistic and technical fundamentals of game art production.
- Expert knowledge of material creation, high-poly modeling, and texture baking.
- Ability to coach and upskill artists at all levels.
- Strong understanding of soft furnishing and organic asset creation.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to provide direction on a wide range of asset types.
- Ability to uphold standards and mentor others.
Culture and Perks
- Commitment to a culture that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives as an Equal Opportunity Employer.
- Promotion of an environment where employees can bring their unique selves to work.
- Access to various sports and social groups, including tabletop games, wargaming, yoga, football, and tennis.
Fraud Awareness
CIG does not ask for personal information such as bank account or identification numbers through social media or chat-based apps. The company does not request or send money for the purchase of business equipment. Suspected fraud should be reported to local authorities and to CIG via their official info email address.