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Freelance Unreal Engine Production Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Craft and execute high-end real-time lighting for cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine 5 with ... Navigate a shot-based pipeline to deliver high-quality work within tight production deadlines.

Develop and maintain integrations between Unreal Engine and production tracking systems, including ShotGrid (Flow). * Partner with artists, production teams and technical stakeholders to understand ...

... and Unreal Engine to help them solve complex technical challenges in ways that move the stability and quality of Fortnite and our internal products forward What we're looking for * Strong C ...

Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine Control Rig in production. * Strong understanding of asset organization, data management, and pipeline best practices. * Experience managing and optimizing ...

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Freelance Unreal Engine Production information

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$132

How much do freelance unreal engine production jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance unreal engine production in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Unreal Engine Production vs Freelance 3D Artist?

AspectFreelance Unreal Engine ProductionFreelance 3D Artist
Required SkillsUnreal Engine expertise, scripting, environment designModeling, texturing, rendering
Work EnvironmentGame development, virtual production, architectural visualizationAnimation, product visualization, film
CertificationsUnreal Engine certifications, portfolio3D modeling certifications, portfolio
Industry UsageGame studios, film, VR/AR projectsAdvertising, entertainment, product design

Freelance Unreal Engine Production focuses on creating interactive environments and experiences using Unreal Engine, often requiring scripting and technical skills. In contrast, Freelance 3D Artists primarily produce static or animated visual content through modeling and texturing. Both roles demand strong portfolios, but Unreal Engine Production emphasizes technical integration and real-time rendering, making it suitable for interactive projects and virtual environments.

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What cities are hiring for Freelance Unreal Engine Production jobs?

Cities with the most Freelance Unreal Engine Production job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Unreal Engine Production jobs?

The most popular types of Unreal Engine Production jobs are:

What states have the most Freelance Unreal Engine Production jobs?

States with the most job openings for Freelance Unreal Engine Production jobs include:

Infographic showing various Freelance Unreal Engine Production job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Senior Unreal Lighting Artist (Contract)

Steamroller Animation

NY • On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Steamroller Animation

It’s different here. We’re a fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft. We grow together, learn together, play together, and work on some of the coolest projects on the planet. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere, a culture that’s dedicated to helping you grow and thrive, and ample opportunity to advance, we’d LOVE to hear from you.

About the role

As a Senior Unreal Lighting Artist, you aren’t just placing lights; you are a visual storyteller. You will be responsible for the final look of cinematic sequences, translating mood, atmosphere, and narrative intent into the technical reality of Unreal Engine 5.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who doesn't wait for a list of instructions but instead looks at a shot and asks, "How can I make this look even better?" You will be embedded with our client’s team, collaborating directly with their Lead/Supervising Artist, while representing the high standards of Steamroller Animation.

What you’ll do

  • Craft and execute high-end real-time lighting for cinematic sequences in Unreal Engine 5 with minimal oversight.
  • Use color theory and composition to establish the emotional tone of a scene based on color scripts and concept art.
  • Independently improve lighting setups, inventing novel solutions for shots to ensure visual continuity across sequences.
  • Fine-tune light properties, surface shaders, and post-process volumes (bloom, fog, color grading) to achieve gold-standard visuals.
  • Navigate a shot-based pipeline to deliver high-quality work within tight production deadlines.
  • Work seamlessly within the client’s internal pipeline, maintaining clear communication and a solution-oriented mindset.
  • Ensure lighting setups are optimized for real-time performance without sacrificing visual fidelity.

Qualifications

  • Significant experience as a Lighting Artist in video games or high-end animation (Senior to Upper-Senior level).
  • Deep knowledge of Unreal Engine 5, specifically using Sequencer and Movie Render Queue (MRQ).
  • A mastery of lighting fundamentals, including color theory, value, and composition.
  • Experience with Maya and version control systems like Perforce or GitHub.
  • Ability to take direction from a Lead/Art Director and translate feedback into beautiful visuals.
  • This role is remote but requires significant overlap with USEastern Time (EST) working hours to collaborate effectively with the project team.
Contract & Equipment
  • Status: This is a 1099 Contract position.
  • Hardware: Artists are responsible for providing their own workstation capable of handling high-end Unreal Engine 5 development. Specific hardware requirements will be discussed during the interview process. Any hardware upgrades required for smooth operations and performance are the responsibility of the artist.
Bonus Skills
  • Experience with Blueprints to enhance lighting or environmental effects.
  • Background in live TV, concerts, or virtual production (AR/XR).
  • Experience in a lead or mentor capacity.
  • Knowledge of secondary software like Photoshop or Nuke for LookDev.
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