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Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SAIC

3D Environmental Artist

Orlando, FL · On-site

Create and apply textures, materials, and lighting using modern PBR workflows. * Develop reusable ... Animation * Visual Effects (VFX) * Environmental Design * Architecture * Geographic Information ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Adjust lighting, perspective, composition and other visual elements using multimodal editing tools ... Strong professional experience creating high-quality visual content within film, VFX, animation ...

Magnopus

AI Artist

Los Angeles, CA

$100K - $160K/yr

Adjust lighting, perspective, composition and other visual elements using multimodal editing tools ... Strong professional experience creating high-quality visual content within film, VFX, animation ...

Apex Systems

Utilize a proprietary Round Trip Tool to assist the layout artist with animation-related issues ... layout, camera, lighting, and audio collaboration. * A passion for games, animation, and ...

Virtual Producer

Unreal Tech Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of art and animation pipelines in general ... Be well‑versed in various lighting techniques in Unreal. * Create interaction and functionality ...

Explico

Senior Artist

Detroit, MI · On-site

$97K - $110K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO Explico is looking for a talented Senior Artist in our Detroit or Denver offices. We ... lighting, texturing, animation, and rendering. We are looking for the type of person that has a ...

Valicy

3D Artist

Wilmington, NC · On-site

The ideal candidate for 3D Artist has experience modeling, texturing, and lighting engine-ready ... assets, animation editor, shuriken particle system) Preferred Requirements: - Art degree ...

Explico

Senior Artist

Denver, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO Explico is looking for a talented Senior Artist in our Detroit or Denver offices. We ... lighting, texturing, animation, and rendering. We are looking for the type of person that has a ...

Zobility

Digital Artist

Oshkosh, WI · On-site

Use AI tools to visualize concepts, create vehicle hero shots and animations * Maintain libraries ... Strong art and design eye (lighting, realism, layout), exposure to creating real-time 3D and VR ...

jobr.pro

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Are pursuing a degree in screen-writing, animation, character design, industrial design, or a ... lighting. * Are comfortable collaborating directly with engineers, turning an abstract sense of ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Are pursuing a degree in screen-writing, animation, character design, industrial design, or a ... lighting. * Are comfortable collaborating directly with engineers, turning an abstract sense of ...

Human Computer Lab

Character Artist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$142K - $149K/yr

Are pursuing a degree in screen-writing, animation, character design, industrial design, or a ... lighting. * Are comfortable collaborating directly with engineers, turning an abstract sense of ...

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How much do entry level animation lighting artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level animation lighting artist in the United States is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level animation lighting artist do?

An Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist is responsible for adding lighting to animated scenes to create mood, atmosphere, and visual depth. They work closely with other artists and technical teams to ensure that lighting supports the story and artistic vision of a project. Tasks often include setting up light sources, adjusting shadows, and rendering scenes while learning industry-standard software. Entry-level artists typically receive guidance from senior team members and may handle simpler shots as they build their skills. Attention to detail and a good understanding of visual storytelling are important in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level animation lighting artist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist, you need a solid grasp of lighting principles, color theory, and visual storytelling, often supported by a degree or coursework in animation, fine arts, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard 3D software such as Maya, Houdini, or Blender, and rendering engines like Arnold or RenderMan, is typically required. Strong collaboration, attention to detail, and the ability to take creative direction are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure that lighting artists contribute effectively to the visual quality and mood of animated productions, aligning with the project's artistic vision.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level animation lighting artists, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level animation lighting artists often face challenges such as understanding the creative vision of a scene, mastering complex lighting software, and balancing technical constraints with artistic goals. It can be daunting to interpret feedback from supervisors and integrate it quickly while maintaining consistency across shots. To overcome these challenges, new artists should actively seek feedback, practice with industry-standard tools like Maya or Blender, and collaborate closely with other departments such as modeling and compositing to ensure their lighting enhances the overall story.

What is the difference between Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist vs Entry Level 3D Modeler?

AspectEntry Level Animation Lighting ArtistEntry Level 3D Modeler
Required SkillsLighting techniques, rendering, basic animation principlesModeling, topology, texturing
Work EnvironmentVFX studios, game development, animation studiosGame studios, animation studios, VFX companies
Common CertificationsBasic 3D software proficiency (Maya, Blender)3D modeling certifications, software proficiency
Industry UsageUsed in lighting scenes and visual effectsUsed in creating 3D assets and characters

While both roles require proficiency in 3D software and are employed in similar industries, the Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist focuses on lighting and rendering to enhance visual scenes, whereas the Entry Level 3D Modeler specializes in creating 3D assets and models. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

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Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Animation Lighting Artist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,263 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

3D Environmental Artist

Winter Park, FL • On-site

Science Applications International Corporation
IT Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Science Applications International Corporationexternal

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

SAIC rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


The 3D Environmental Artist is an entry-to-mid-level technical artist responsible for supporting the development, modification, and maintenance of airport Visual Databases (VDBs). Working under the direction of a senior VDB Developer, this individual creates and refines 3D assets, terrain features, airport infrastructure, environmental elements, and supporting visual content that contribute to realistic, operationally accurate airport environments.
This position focuses on implementing the senior VDB Developer's vision by constructing detailed airport environments, creating high-quality 3D assets, and ensuring visual fidelity while meeting real-time simulation performance requirements.
Key Responsibilities
3D Asset Development:
  • Create and modify 3D models for airport terminals, control towers, hangars, buildings, signage, lighting, fencing, vehicles, and surrounding infrastructure.
  • Produce optimized assets suitable for real-time simulation while maintaining high visual quality.
  • Create and apply textures, materials, and lighting using modern PBR workflows.
  • Develop reusable asset libraries for common airport structures and environmental objects.

Airport Environment Construction:
  • Assemble airport environments from source imagery, engineering drawings, GIS data, and reference photography.
  • Place and align airport objects according to the design guidance provided by senior VDB Developers.
  • Build terrain features, roadways, parking areas, vegetation, and surrounding landmarks.
  • Implement runway markings, taxiway signage, lighting systems, and airport infrastructure.
  • Support development of airport environments for all designated FAA Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCTs).

Visual Refinement & Optimization:
  • Improve visual quality through texture refinement, lighting adjustments, and asset optimization.
  • Support development of environmental effects including day/night operations, seasonal conditions, and weather visualization.
  • Assist with animation of environmental objects and airport assets where required.
  • Optimize models to maintain required simulation performance.

Quality Assurance Support:
  • Verify models for proper scale, placement, texture mapping, and rendering performance.
  • Correct visual defects identified during QA reviews.
  • Participate in iterative design reviews with senior developers and subject matter experts.
  • Ensure all assets comply with established modeling, naming, and performance standards.

Repository & Configuration Support:
  • Maintain models, textures, and supporting files within the program configuration management system.
  • Follow version control procedures for all visual assets.
  • Package assets for integration into the Visual Database.
  • Maintain organized project documentation and asset libraries.

Collaboration:
  • Work closely with senior VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers.
  • Participate in Agile sprint planning, backlog refinement, and design reviews.
  • Support rapid implementation of airport modifications and visual updates.

Qualifications
Required Education:
  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:
    • Computer Graphics
    • Game Art
    • Digital Media
    • Animation
    • Visual Effects (VFX)
    • Environmental Design
    • Architecture
    • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
    • A related technical or artistic discipline
  • An Associate's degree, technical certification, portfolio, or equivalent practical experience may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.

Required Experience:
  • Professional experience is preferred but not required. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge, coursework, internships, or personal project work in one or more of the following areas:
    • 3D modeling, rendering, or environment creation for games, simulation, visualization, or digital media.
    • Modern 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
    • Creation of optimized assets for real-time rendering
    • Physically Based Rendering (PBR) materials and texturing workflows
    • Interpretation of aerial imagery, engineering drawings, or reference photography
    • Basic understanding of version control systems
  • A strong portfolio demonstrating technical ability and artistic quality may be considered in lieu of professional experience.

Required Clearance:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.

Preferred Experience:
  • Flight simulation scenery development (Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, Prepar3D, DCS, etc.)
  • Airport scenery creation or aviation-related environments
  • Unreal Engine or Unity
  • GIS data processing and terrain development
  • OpenFlight or Common Database (CDB/OpenCDB)
  • Familiarity with FAA airport diagrams and aviation charting
  • Experience working in Agile software development environments

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Proficiency with 3D modeling and texturing tools such as Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, or equivalent
  • Understanding of real-time rendering and performance optimization techniques
  • Ability to accurately implement designs and direction provided by senior VDB Developers
  • Strong artistic eye for detail, scale, lighting, and environmental realism
  • Ability to rapidly incorporate review feedback and iterate on designs
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Collaborative team player capable of working across multidisciplinary teams including VDB Developers, Scenario Developers, Systems Engineers, and software developers

About Us
SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.
We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

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