Lead VFX Artist (f/m/x)

Deck13 Interactive GmbH; Frankfurt; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Office in Frankfurt

Language courses

Remote work allowances

Gym memberships allowance

Deutschlandticket

Probonio vouchers

Bloom mental health access

Learning & development budget

28 days vacation + 24&31 Dec off

Job summary

DECK 13 Interactive is seeking a senior VFX leader to drive real-time visuals for our AA/AAA titles in Unreal Engine 5. You will mentor artists, set quality targets, and build robust VFX pipelines in collaboration with Tech, Art, and Design leadership.

You will own the VFX strategy, guide the team through full production cycles, and push cutting-edge trends and techniques to elevate game visuals. Frankfurt-based office with strong support for growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional VFX experience in games.
• Proven track record mentoring artists and leading teams.
• Strong understanding of CG pipelines, color theory, and animation basics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the VFX team to deliver high-quality visuals across characters, combat, and environments in Unreal Engine.
• Set VFX quality targets and maintain pipelines and schedules.
• Collaborate with Tech, Art, and Design leadership to shape high-level VFX planning.
• Partner with Production to scope features and ensure timely delivery of effects.
• Drive cross-department alignment to solve visual and technical blockers.

Skills

VFX leadership

Mentoring artists

Team leadership

CG pipelines knowledge

Real-time VFX

Tools

Unreal Engine 5

Niagara

VFX tools

Job description

Your Quest:

• Lead the VFX team to realize high-quality visuals across characters, combat, and environments in Unreal Engine


• Contribute hands-on to set VFX quality targets


• Establish VFX pipelines, processes, and high-level planning in close collaboration with the Tech, Art, and Design leadership


• Partner with Production to scope features, break down tasks, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality effects


• Drive cross-departmental alignment with Art, Animation, Design, and Tech to solve complex visual and technical blockers

Your Toolkit:

• 8+ years of professional VFX experience in games, including 2+ years leading or mentoring a team in a Senior/Principal or Lead role


• Mastery of Unreal Engine 5, including Niagara, and industry-standard VFX tools, with a proven track record shipping multiple AA/AAA titles through full production cycles


• An impressive portfolio/showreel demonstrating top-tier real-time VFX execution, technical innovation, and versatility across realistic and stylized art styles


• Strong grounding in CG technical pipelines, color theory, composition, and animation principles and the ability to translate that into clear, actionable feedback for your team


• A track record of mentoring artists, setting technical direction, and balancing hands-on craft with team leadership


• Active drive to bring cutting-edge VFX trends and real-time technologies into the pipeline

You Get Extra XP for:

• Having a secondary specialization in Tech Art or Lighting Art that lets you bridge VFX with rendering and performance

Power-Ups You Receive:

At DECK 13 Interactive, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where you feel valued, supported, and empowered to do your best work. Here’s what we offer to make that happen:

• A modern, centrally located office in Frankfurt, Germany (near Messe)


• Free language courses to help you expand your skills


• Monthly allowances for remote working and gym memberships


• A monthly allowance for the Deutschlandticket to ease your commute


• Tax-free Probonio vouchers available every month


• Free access to an online mental health platform (Bloom) to support your well-being


• Opportunities for career growth with a yearly learning & development budget


• 28 days of paid vacation, plus the 24th and 31st of December off

Our Commitment to Inclusivity:

DECK 13 Interactive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic that makes you unique.

We believe that diverse teams create the best games, and we’re dedicated to building a workplace where everyone can thrive.