Lead Real-Time VFX Artist for Space Games

Cloud Imperium Games; Manchester; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games seeks a Principal VFX Artist to lead the creation of ambitious real-time effects for the Star Citizen universe. You will set quality standards, mentor artists, and drive technical direction with our VFX team.

You will work with Art, Design and Audio, optimize performance, and push innovative pipelines using 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects to deliver breathtaking visuals across ships, environments, and battles.

Qualifications

• Exceptional mastery of real-time visual effects with AA or AAA title experience.
• Proven ability to work with real-time particle systems across game engines.
• Strong mentoring and leadership skills to elevate the team.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the creation of ambitious sci-fi VFX using CIG's real time VFX Editor, setting the quality benchmark for the team.
• Leverage and champion best-practice use of software packages such as 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects to generate high-quality texture and mesh assets, helping to evolve team workflows and standards.
• Lead on performance optimisation strategy, ensuring effects run efficiently in-game whilst pushing the boundaries of visual quality and fidelity.
• Act as a key technical voice in shaping VFX technology and pipelines, partnering closely with our dedicated VFX programmers to identify and drive meaningful improvements.
• Lead cross-disciplinary collaboration with Art, Design and Audio teams, acting as a senior creative partner to help realise the full vision of the Star Citizen universe.

Skills

Real-time VFX

AAA titles experience

Particle systems

Mentoring

Technical leadership

Tools

3DS Max

Houdini

Embergen

After Effects

Real-time VFX Editor

Job description

Cloud Imperium Games seeks a Principal VFX Artist to lead the creation of ambitious real-time effects for the Star Citizen universe. You will set quality standards, mentor artists, and drive technical direction with our VFX team.

You will work with Art, Design and Audio, optimize performance, and push innovative pipelines using 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects to deliver breathtaking visuals across ships, environments, and battles.