Lead Real-Time VFX Artist – Space Sandbox

Cloud Imperium Games Limited; Manchester; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cloud Imperium Games is seeking a Principal VFX Artist to lead the real-time VFX for its Star Citizen universe. You will define the visual language for high-impact effects and guide a team of artists and programmers in delivering top-tier visuals.

You will drive the use of 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects, optimize performance for in-game experiences, and mentor artists across levels to push creative boundaries.

Qualifications

• Exceptional mastery of the artistic and technical fundamentals of real-time visual effects on AAA titles.
• Extensive experience with real-time particle systems in a game engine and understanding of constraints.
• An eye for detail and ability to translate analyses into team guidance.
• Proactive, self-driven with ownership over VFX discipline.
• Ability to navigate technical and creative challenges to scalable solutions.
• Uncompromising passion for innovation in real-time VFX and quality.
• Proven ability to mentor and inspire artists across levels.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive ambitious sci-fi VFX using CIG's real time VFX Editor, setting the team’s quality benchmark.
• Lead on best-practice use of 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects to generate high-quality texture and mesh assets.
• Lead on performance optimisation strategy, ensuring effects run efficiently in-game while preserving visual fidelity.
• Act as a key technical voice in shaping VFX technology and pipelines with VFX programmers.
• Lead cross-disciplinary collaboration with Art, Design and Audio to realise the Star Citizen universe vision.

Skills

Real-time VFX

AAA titles experience

Particle systems

Mentoring

Tools

3DS Max

Houdini

Embergen

After Effects

Job description

Cloud Imperium Games is seeking a Principal VFX Artist to lead the real-time VFX for its Star Citizen universe. You will define the visual language for high-impact effects and guide a team of artists and programmers in delivering top-tier visuals.

You will drive the use of 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects, optimize performance for in-game experiences, and mentor artists across levels to push creative boundaries.