Lead VFX Artist

📋 Description

• Lead and mentor a talented team of VFX Artists, fostering their growth and promoting a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.

• Create and execute impactful real-time VFX that enhance various in-game moments and player experiences.

• Encourage technical excellence and artistic innovation throughout the VFX pipeline.

• Assist team members in establishing meaningful objectives, advancing their careers, and evaluating performance.

• Work alongside other disciplines—gameplay, cinematics, and environments—to produce compelling and immersive visuals.

• Investigate and prototype new workflows, tools, and techniques to expand the possibilities of real-time VFX.

• Ensure all VFX content is optimized, performant, and adheres to technical specifications.

• Manage external collaborations: prepare briefs, assess outsourced work, and uphold high-quality standards.

• Coordinate with Directors and Production to synchronize VFX planning with project milestones and timelines.

• Assist in maintaining an efficient and scalable production pipeline.

⛳️ Requirements

• 8+ years of experience as a VFX Artist within the game development industry.

• Successfully shipped at least one AAA title as a Lead VFX Artist or in a similar senior leadership position.

• Proven experience in a leadership capacity within a creative environment—someone who has mentored others, influenced project trajectories, and supported team development.

• Extensive expertise in Unreal Engine 5 and real-time VFX development.

• Strong skills in both real-time and baked simulations.

• Comprehensive knowledge of VFX pipelines and tools, including SideFX Houdini.

• Familiarity with PBR workflows, shaders, real-time rendering, and lighting techniques.

• Advanced capabilities in performance optimization and debugging.

• Ability to independently spearhead high-impact initiatives and tackle complex challenges.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and collaborative skills across functions.

• A robust portfolio demonstrating expertise in VFX for games is required. Candidates must include a portfolio with their application. Applications lacking a portfolio will not be considered.

🏝️ Benefits

• Company-paid medical healthcare (including dental, vision, and mental health services).

• Complimentary mental health support, providing access to counseling, psychiatric care, and a variety of wellness webinars.

• Paid leave — 26 days of vacation, 10 sick days, and 12 calendar holidays annually.

• 401K plan with employer matching contributions.

• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) – $100 per month for fitness, wellness, internet, home office equipment, learning, streaming services, and more.

• Menstrual leave — employees who menstruate can take an additional day off when experiencing period discomfort.

• RED Parents Network — support tailored for working parents.

• Flexible working hours.