Principal/Lead VFX Artist (Real-time)

Summary

We are seeking a talented and experienced Principal/Lead VFX artist (real-time UE5) to spearhead the creation of stunning visual effects for our ambitious open-world project. As a pivotal member of the development team, you will collaborate closely with art, design, and engineering to deliver awe-inspiring effects that bring our expansive world to life. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of a project in its early stages of development.

Core Responsibilities

• Create and implement real-time high-quality visual effects for an open-world environment, including environmental effects, character abilities, destruction systems, and cinematic sequences.
• Responsible for all the VFX elements produced for the project.
• Define the VFX pipeline and establish best practices to optimize workflows and ensure efficient asset creation and integration.
• Work closely with the Art Director to establish the visual style to determine the technical requirements of the project.
• Responsible for making creative and aesthetic choices for the visual effects.
• Crafting and designing the addition of flair and visual drama, while effectively developing tone and pacing for game and cinematic events at a AAA Level.
• Lead VFX pre-production activities, including concept development, reviews, and previs (previsualization) planning to establish the AAA visual goal.
• Collaborate with our Technical Material Artist to create the VFX master materials for the project at a AAA quality bar.
• The ability to troubleshoot and solve technical challenges related to VFX integration, performance, and memory optimization.
• Mentor and guide junior VFX artists, fostering their growth.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in real-time visual effects and integrate them into the development process.
• Work closely with Production to estimate, plan, and track VFX tasks for scheduled milestones.
• Spearhead VFX R&D efforts, identifying the resources and technology needed to achieve desired effects within project constraints. Collaborate with Engineering and Tech Art to build the needed toolsets to accomplish the project's needs with the required tools.
  
  

Core Qualifications

• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of real-time VFX work.
• 5-8 years of proven experience as a VFX artist.
• Shipped a AAA title as a VFX artist.
• Experience with Unreal Engine 5, and traditional and modern development practices.
• Strong understanding of particle systems, shaders, lighting, and real-time rendering pipelines.
• Demonstrated ability to balance real-time quality with optimized technical performance.
• Collaborate with other departments (design, lighting, environment, cinematics and others), providing guidance with elements for integration within game, cinematics and marketing.
• Critical eye for the timing, animation, and motion of real-world phenomenon and visual FX.
• Ability to bring physically based lighting to effects while conveying a story.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to overcoming development challenges.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across disciplines.
• Strong understanding of PBR lighting concepts and physics-based effects.
• Experience with third party packages and workflows. (Houdini, 3dsMax, Maya, Embergen).
• Passion for creating immersive and visually compelling game worlds.
  
  

Plus if...

• Experience with dynamic weather systems, large-scale destruction effects, or other advanced VFX systems in open-world games.
• Familiarity with scripting languages or visual scripting tools for VFX implementation.
  
  

Description

• Full-time job with benefits.
• Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.
• Office is located near downtown Santa Monica – near metro and freeway.
  
  

The base pay range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including paid time off, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.