About Dambuster Studios
Originally founded in 1999 as Free Radical Design our ambition and passion comes through as strongly now as when we first began. We are always seeking individuals who can emulate our values - passion, quality, and teamwork - which are embodied in our diverse and inclusive culture.

Even if you’re not sure that you meet all the criteria for a role, don’t be put off from applying - we want to hear from you. Our only requirement is that you work from the UK. Our studio is in Nottingham city centre and some of our roles can be offered on a hybrid or fully remote basis – each role is different, so please refer to the advert below for role-specific information. Our internal Wellbeing Committee and Mental Health First Aiders help ensure that our diversity is championed in a safe environment.

Senior Artist (External Development)
Dambuster Studios - creators of the number one BAFTA-nominated smash hit Dead Island 2 - has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Artist with a focus on External Development to join our highly talented Art team. This role is a Fixed Term Contract until the end of 2027.

Role Overview
We’re seeking a highly skilled Senior Artist (External Development) to join our Environment Art team and help shape the world of our AAA projects. In this role, you’ll guide and support external partners in creating a wide range of assets—including environments, vehicles, and level art—ensuring their work aligns seamlessly with the project’s visual direction. You’ll provide clear feedback, review content, and uphold the highest standards of quality and in-game performance. Working closely with Studio Art Leadership, the Lead Environment Artist, and fellow Senior Artists, you’ll play a key role in integrating global development efforts into a cohesive final product.

What we can offer you

Core hours 9.30am – 4pm, remaining hours worked flexibly
Domestic relocation support, if required
Work styles: fully studio-based, hybrid (you must live within 50 miles of our studio and a reasonably commutable time, and be happy to come in 2-3 days per week), or remote (from anywhere within the UK)
Holiday allowance that increases with service (to a maximum of 30 days plus statutory public holidays)
Annual pay reviews
Company pension contribution that increases with service
Company enhanced full pay for maternity leave for the first 26 weeks (to qualifying expectant mothers)
Clear career progression within Dambuster Studios
Studio funded learning and development opportunities
Modern game development environment with the latest technologies
Vibrant, modern city centre location with good transport links
Fully subsidised gym membership with Virgin gym (Nottingham)
Annual Christmas party and Summer Family BBQ
Quarterly company funded cross-team events
Free financial advice
Employee referral bonus scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Weekly office treats, including breakfast on Monday and pastries on Friday

Responsibilities

Provide clear technical and aesthetic feedback to external artists, maintaining a consistent high-quality bar for the game.
Collaborate with the Art Director, Lead Artist, Lead Environment Artist, and other senior staff to align external content with the project vision.
Coordinate with internal artists and production teams to ensure smooth collaboration with external partners.
Prepare and maintain art briefs, asset packs, and documentation to guide external development teams.
Contribute to and refine art style guides, development pipelines, and best practices, working with wider art and engineering teams to resolve risks and improve workflows.
Facilitate art reviews with art leadership, ensuring clear and actionable feedback is communicated to external teams.
Partner with concept artists and art direction to ensure reference material provided to external teams is clear, detailed, and production ready.
Help establish and uphold visual benchmarks to guide external partners in meeting the studio’s quality expectations.
Create high-quality models, materials, and environments as required to support production and provide examples for external teams.
Support, mentor, and inspire junior artists, providing guidance on best practices and studio workflows.

Requirements

Excellent spoken, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex tasks, instructions, and technical issues to external partners.
Strong ability to work from detailed concept art and reference materials when supporting external teams.
Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, adhere to asset organisation standards, and follow established pipelines.
In-depth understanding of art development workflows, including high-to-low poly modelling, lighting, and PBR material authoring, with the ability to define best practices that minimise visual issues and bugs.
Solid understanding of game engine tools, pipelines, and technical limitations (memory, GPU, CPU performance).
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate challenges, overcome setbacks, and identify effective solutions.
Ability to mentor and support junior artists, sharing best practices and raising overall team quality.
Willingness to travel when required to support external development.

Equal Opportunities Statement
Dambuster Studios is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Anyone considering their next step in their career journey with Dambuster will receive consideration without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity or paternity, or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees, and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to apply.

We operate a transparent recruitment process that removes barriers for those who require reasonable adjustments. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or onboarding process, or if you are successful in securing a position with us, please let us know what we can do to ensure your success.