Welcome to the intersection of high-stakes entertainment and cutting-edge digital artistry. Light & Wonder is a global leader in the gaming industry, providing the foundational technology and creative "soul" for the world's most iconic casinos and digital operators. We don't just make games; we build immersive worlds that thrill millions of players across the globe. We are currently seeking a high-caliber 3D Artist with a mastery of organic modeling to join our creative powerhouse in Chicago. If you are a visionary who can breathe life into digital clay and transform complex concepts into performance-ready assets, we want to see your portfolio. Job Overview: 3D Artist Detail Specification Company Name Light & Wonder (Gaming Division) Position Title 3D Artist (Specializing in Organic/Character Art) Employment Type Full-Time Work Model Hybrid (3 days in-office at our Chicago Studio) Base Salary Range $85,000 - $125,000 (Estimate based on Chicago market & experience)* Location Chicago, IL Primary Software Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop Key Focus High-poly sculpting to low-poly engine optimization Note Actual salary is determined by the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and internal equity. Light & Wonder offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, and performance-based incentives. The Mission: Building the Future of Play As a 3D Artist at Light & Wonder, you aren't just a cog in a machine; you are a world-builder. Our gaming team is responsible for the visual fidelity of land-based gaming titles that define the casino floor experience. This role requires a unique blend of "Old World" traditional art sensibilities and "New World" technical proficiency. You will be tasked with sculpting, modeling, and texturing characters and organic environments that must look stunning under the bright lights of a casino cabinet while functioning flawlessly within the game engine. You will collaborate daily with Lead Artists, Animators, and Riggers to ensure that every muscle flex and fabric fold translates perfectly into motion. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities Your day-to-day will involve a rigorous mix of creative exploration and technical execution. Your primary responsibilities include: 1. Digital Sculpting and Asset Creation Organic Mastery: Create high-resolution 3D sculpts of characters, creatures, and organic environmental assets using ZBrush or equivalent software. Retopology: Convert high-fidelity sculpts into clean, efficient low-polygon game assets that maintain the silhouette and "read" of the original sculpt. Texture Artistry: Develop high-quality texture maps (diffuse, normal, specular, roughness) with a keen eye for light, shade, and material properties. Cross-Functional Synergy: Work closely with the Lead Artist to ensure the artistic vision is met, and with Riggers and Animators to ensure geometry is optimized for deformation and movement. Style Consistency: Maintain a unified look and feel across different characters within the same game title, ensuring the visual "language" remains cohesive. Performance Optimization: Assess and build geometry that balances visual "wow factor" with the technical constraints of the gaming hardware. 3. Professional Workflow & Growth Data Integrity: Maintain impeccable file structures and organizational habits to ensure seamless hand-offs within the production pipeline. Feedback Loop: Actively participate in art reviews. You must be able to filter, evaluate, and implement constructive criticism on a professional level. Continuous Learning: The industry moves fast. You are expected to sharpen your 3D abilities and software expertise through both internal company training and independent research. Candidate Qualifications We are looking for an artist who possesses a deep understanding of form and a high level of technical discipline. Technical Stack: Expert-level specialization in Maya or 3ds Max, ZBrush, and Photoshop. Fundamental Art Skills: An exceptional understanding of human/animal anatomy, form, shape, structure, and silhouette. Engine Knowledge: A solid grasp of next-generation asset creation pipelines and how rigging impacts the modeling process. Portfolio: A professional-grade digital portfolio or demo reel demonstrating high-poly sculpting, clean wireframes, and advanced texturing. The "Stand Out" Factors (Bonus Skills) Proficiency in Substance Painter for PBR (Physically Based Rendering) workflows. Experience in secondary disciplines like Illustration, Visual Effects (VFX), or Technical Art. A genuine passion for gaming, cinema, and animation, with an analytical mind that enjoys "dissecting" why certain visuals work. A problem-solving mindset"”if a mesh is breaking in the rig, you're the first one to dive in and fix the topology. Work Environment and Physical Demands Hybrid Culture: We believe in the power of face-to-face collaboration. This role is based in our Chicago studio, where team members are expected to be in-office 3 days a week. This allows for spontaneous brainstorming, mentorship, and a vibrant studio culture that is hard to replicate over a video call. Physical and Regulatory Requirements: Standard Office Activity: The role requires typical physical activities such as sitting or standing for extended periods, operating a computer, and the visual acuity necessary to judge color and fine detail on high-resolution monitors. Regulatory Compliance: Light & Wonder operates in a highly regulated industry. Candidates may be required to undergo background investigations, security checks, or obtain gaming licenses as dictated by local law or contract. Consent to a due diligence investigation is a prerequisite for employment. Why Join Light & Wonder? We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or any other protected class. At Light &Wonder, your work is seen by millions. We provide the stability of a global leader with the creative soul of a boutique studio. We offer the tools you need to succeed, the training to keep you sharp, and a team of peers who are just as passionate about "taking it to the next level" as you are. Application Instructions To be considered for this role, you must provide the following: Digital Portfolio/Demo Reel: Links to your website, ArtStation, or online portfolio. (Physical media will not be accepted). Source Files: You may be asked to provide layered 3D files (Max/Maya) and texture files (Photoshop/Substance) to demonstrate your workflow and organization. Art Test: Candidates who pass the initial screening may be requested to complete a standardized art test to showcase their skills in a production-simulated environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Light & Wonder is hiring 3D Artist