Lead VFX Artist

Responsibilities

• Lead the VFX team: maintain consistency across the department providing direction and feedback, ensuring all team members understand their role in the department and know what is expected of them
• Lead team meetings and relay important studio information when required
• Work closely with department manager to provide mentorship and coaching for VFX team members including but not limited to: 1:1s, career development, performance evaluations, and goal setting
• Guide the creative process; drive the concept process for game effects
• Bring in-progress and prototype effects to completion
• Work with the Art Directors and art teams to ensure artistic unity across the game
• Create real-time visual effects to enhance environments, characters, and combat
• Work with designers, engineers, and other artists in creating strong moment-to-moment gameplay
• Collaborate with other team members to ensure that assets fall within set parameters in regards to performance, best practices, and art style
• Playtest with both the studio and the VFX team to review and iterate VFX

Requirements

• 7+ years game experience in creating effects in game development with one or more shipped titles on multiple platforms
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in creating real-time effects
• Self-driven, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude
• Able to problem-solve and prioritize issues while working with a team
• Experience with creating compelling, real-time effects using Photoshop, Maya, and/or in-game effects systems
• Knowledgeable of 3D graphics, particle systems, physics, etc.
• Experience in UE5
• Keen production sensibilities, ability to collaborate on timelines and communicate with Production and team members on task duration and prioritization
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching skills
• Strong ability to interpret and adapt to general and flexible direction. Can thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
• Proficient in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender

Preferences

• Shipped one or more major titles on current generation/PC platforms as a Senior VFX artist
• Previous leadership experience preferred, or senior/principal role in games environments
• Experience working with shaders and materials
• Familiarity with asset tracking and issue tracking tools such as Perforce and JIRA
• Passion for games

Benefits

• 100% Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage for you and your family
• Retail Savings Plan Matching
• Career Improvement Plan
• Flexible Work Arrangements - In-House, Hybrid, and Remote
• Generous Time Off Policy
• Company Events - In-Person + Virtual Events
• Fully Stocked Kitchen + Sponsored Food Trucks

Pay

The estimated base pay range for this role is: $135,000 - $165,000 USD

Schedule

Flexible work arrangements ranging from in-studio, hybrid, to fully remote throughout North America