Senior Lighting Director - EA SPORTS FC

The Senior Lighting Director leads and unifies lighting teams across multiple game modes, including gameplay, cinematics, user-generated content, and sandbox gaming. Reporting to the Group Art and Animation Director for EA SPORTS FC, the role collaborates with Senior Art Directors to create a cohesive lighting vision that leverages cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and dynamic lighting. The role owns the holistic lighting vision and long-term roadmap for lighting, with a focus on dynamic lighting solutions for user-generated content, sandbox gaming, 'beyond play' initiatives, and console transitions.

• Develop and implement a cohesive lighting strategy across all EA SPORTS FC departments.
• Lead and unify lighting teams across gameplay, cinematics, user-generated content, and sandbox gaming.
• Collaborate with the Group Art and Animation Director and Senior Art Directors to create a cohesive lighting vision using cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning and dynamic lighting.
• Create and implement lighting setups, define the overall visual tone, and ensure characters, environments, animation, and visual effects shine through lighting.
• Own the holistic lighting vision for EA SPORTS FC across multiple game modes and experiences.
• Own the long-term lighting roadmap, focusing on dynamic lighting solutions for user-generated content, sandbox gaming, 'beyond play' initiatives, and console transitions.
• Manage, guide, and mentor senior lighting artists as direct reports, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Work closely with Rendering and other departments to ensure consistent visual targets and methodologies.
• Oversee lighting projects to ensure they meet quality standards and align with the overall creative vision.
• Contribute to the lighting pipeline, shaders, and performance optimisation, and promote a positive team environment that encourages learning, growth, and open communication.

• 10+ years of experience in lighting direction in the gaming industry.
• Expert understanding of lighting aesthetics and principles.
• Strong artistic eye for composition, mood, and atmosphere, with the ability to support both gameplay and cinematic needs.
• Deep understanding of colour theory, exposure, and contrast, including colour grading and post-process tuning for both SDR and HDR pipelines.
• Strong knowledge of advanced lighting technologies, including machine learning applications.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire diverse teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• A forward-thinking approach with a passion for exploring new technologies and methodologies.
• Extensive experience with game engines, including both baked and fully dynamic lighting workflows.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex lighting and rendering issues, working closely with TAs/engineers to resolve pipeline and runtime problems.
• Comfort working with in-house tools and partnering with tech art/engineering to request, validate, and iterate on new lighting features.
• Ability to document lighting processes and guidelines clearly so the wider art team can achieve consistent results.
• Expert understanding of shaders and how they relate to lighting.
• Solid understanding of scripting lighting interactions.
• Expert understanding of Maya, Photoshop, and compositing software.

• This team works onsite at EA Vancouver (Burnaby office) 3 days per week, Tuesday to Thursday.

• Relocation and immigration support will be provided.
• Vacation: 3 weeks per year to start.
• 10 days per year of paid sick time.
• Company top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when welcoming a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave).
• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Retirement benefits to regular full-time employees.
• Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and long-term cash programs.

EA SPORTS is one of the world's leading sports entertainment brands, known for top-selling video game franchises, award-winning interactive technology, and cross-platform digital experiences. EA SPORTS creates connected gaming experiences that bring the emotion of sports to life through industry-leading titles, including Madden NFL, EA SPORTS FC, NHL, NBA LIVE, and UFC. As one of the largest sports entertainment platforms in the world, EA SPORTS FC is redefining football with genre-leading interactive experiences, connecting a global community of fans to The World's Game through innovation and unrivalled authenticity.