Unreal 3D Artist

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK / Hybrid Working

Type: Full Time

Please Note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

About ZeroLight

ZeroLight is a visualisation platform for brands that want to build stunning digital customer experiences that captivate and convert. Whether it’s creating world-beating product configurators, producing photoreal CGI content, or accessing enterprise-standard cloud-streaming, ZeroLight makes the process simpler, faster and more efficient.

The Role

We’re looking for a talented and adaptable Unreal 3D Artist to help us create industry-leading visual experiences for the automotive sector. In this role, you will bridge the gap between complex OEM data preparation, high-end 3D asset creation and real-time rendering, bringing environments and products to life within Unreal Engine. You will work closely with both the art and development teams to ensure assets are not only visually stunning but also highly optimised for real-time performance.

Requirements

Technical Experience & Requirements

• 2 plus years’ experience in 3D art production, preferably working within the computer games or real-time visualisation industry.
  

• Proven experience handling, cleaning, and optimizing complex OEM / CAD vehicle data for real-time pipelines.
  

• Previous experience working within automotive visualisation is highly desirable.
  

• Demonstrable, strong experience using Unreal Engine
  

• Demonstrable experience using 3DS Max (or similar software like Maya/Blender) and standard game art technologies.
  

• Strong knowledge of real-time material creation and cutting-edge shader techniques.
  

• Experience using Substance 3D Designer is an advantage.
  

• Familiarity with Unreal's profiling and debugging tools to identify and fix performance bottlenecks is highly beneficial.
  

• Basic understanding of Unreal's visual scripting system is a plus.
  

The Person

• A passion for automotive visualisation and high-end vehicle rendering.
  

• Ability to pick up new skills and pipelines in a short time period with an eagerness to learn new software and bespoke systems.
  

• A collaborative mindset with experience communicating with developers and working to strict deadlines.
  

• Receptive to feedback, with the ability to take constructive criticism and quickly iterate on designs.
  

• A pragmatic problem-solver who can find creative workarounds for real-time engine limitations.
  

Key Responsibilities

• Ingest, translate, and optimize heavy OEM vehicle datasets, transforming them into high-quality, performant 3D assets directly inside Unreal Engine.
  

• Create, optimise, and implement high-quality 3D assets, textures, and materials directly into Unreal Engine.
  

• Set up lighting and rendering within Unreal, utilising dynamic global illumination and post-process volumes to achieve photorealistic results.
  

• Ensure all models maintain clean topology, efficient UV mapping, and appropriate Level of Detail (LOD) for smooth real-time performance.
  

• Set up animations, rig, and prepare mechanical elements for real-time animation (e.g., opening doors, bonnets, trunks, DRL’s and night lights).
  

• Set up configurations, assembling modular asset variant sets, organising hierarchies and naming conventions to accommodate real-time parameter changes (e.g., swapping trim packages, wheel styles, or exterior colors).
  

• Collaborate with the engineering team using version control software (e.g., Perforce or Git) to manage files and collaborate without overwriting work.
  

• Collaborate with the delivery team to ensure clear communication on work status, blockers, and schedules.
  

Benefits

What to expect

At ZeroLight, we value innovation and creativity, shaping our lifestyle and professional benefits around a supportive, collaborative, and rewarding environment.

Reward & Contribution:

• Hybrid working
  

• Annual salary review process
  

• Contributory Pension Scheme
  

• Life Assurance program
  

• Provision of all the tools you need to perform your best work
  

• Fully stocked kitchen with free drinks, crisps, fruit, yoghurts, biscuits, chocolate bars, porridge and granola.
  

Development & Progression:

• A comprehensive onboarding process to ensure you hit the ground running
  

• Quarterly Collaboration Weeks where teams gather to share knowledge and best practices
  

• One to one coaching sessions with qualified coaches
  

• Company-wide personal development sessions on topics such as psychological safety and overcoming imposter syndrome
  

• Mentorship from a team of seasoned professionals across different disciplines
  

• Travel & conference opportunities
  

Time:

• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days holiday, which rises to 30 days based on length of service
  

• Additional free holidays over the Christmas period when the studio closes.
  

• All standard bank holidays
  

• Flexible working hours with start and finish times between 8am - 10am / 4pm - 6pm
  

Wellbeing & Culture:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) access for mental health and wellbeing support including access to therapy sessions
  

• Free fruit and healthy snacks, running and sports clubs, Cycle to Work Scheme, and showers in the studio
  

• Quarterly social gatherings, including our famous Christmas Party
  

• Enjoy a creative, inclusive, and collaborative culture
  

To apply for this role, please share your CV & portfolio