Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain Public Trust
Potential for Remote Work ORA_ON_SITE
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.
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
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
Computer Hardware Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and IT Services and IT Consulting
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at SAIC by 2x