Lead VFX Artist (Real-time Specialization)

Placements24; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Medical, dental, vision

Generous PTO / flexible hours

Professional growth opportunities

Dynamic studio culture in Tembisa

Relocation assistance

Access to cutting-edge tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead VFX Artist for our client studio in Tembisa, Gauteng, focusing on real-time VFX for ambitious games. You will lead a team, drive visual style, and collaborate with engineers to deliver high-fidelity effects across multiple projects.

Ideal candidates have 6+ years in game VFX with a strong portfolio, expertise in Unreal/Unity, and shader/particle experience. Relocation support available.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in game VFX with lead or senior experience.
• Portfolio showing real-time VFX for shipped titles with particle systems and shaders.
• Proficiency in Maya/3ds Max, Substance Painter, Unreal and Unity.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of VFX artists, guiding quality and technical efficiency.
• Develop real-time VFX for games including particles, fluids, shaders, and env effects.
• Establish pipelines and visual quality standards for VFX creation.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and engineers to integrate VFX.
• Optimize VFX for performance across target platforms.
• Create proof-of-concept VFX to explore new directions.
• Manage VFX asset pipeline and integration into the game engine.
• Stay current with industry trends and real-time VFX practices.

Skills

VFX leadership

Real-time VFX

Particle systems

Shaders

Unreal Engine

Unity

Niagara

Shader Graph

Pipeline optimization

Art direction

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Graphics or related

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Substance Painter

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a groundbreaking studio based in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, renowned for its visually stunning and technically ambitious video game titles. We are looking for an exceptional Lead VFX Artist with a strong specialization in real-time effects to spearhead our visual effects department. In this pivotal role, you will guide a team of talented artists in creating breathtaking particle effects, dynamic simulations, and awe-inspiring magical and environmental phenomena that bring our virtual worlds to life. You will be instrumental in defining the visual style and technical execution of all VFX across multiple projects, ensuring a consistent and high-fidelity aesthetic. This position demands a blend of artistic mastery, technical expertise, and leadership acumen, offering a significant impact on the final product. As the lead, you'll foster a collaborative and innovative environment within the **Tembisa** studio, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in real-time graphics. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the visual future of interactive entertainment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of VFX artists, overseeing their work and providing constructive feedback to ensure artistic quality and technical efficiency.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge real-time visual effects for games, including particle systems, fluid dynamics, shaders, and environmental effects.
• Establish and maintain visual quality standards and technical pipelines for VFX creation and implementation.
• Collaborate closely with art directors, game designers, and engineers to conceptualize and integrate VFX that enhance gameplay and narrative immersion.
• Optimize VFX performance to ensure smooth frame rates and efficient resource utilization across target platforms.
• Create compelling proof-of-concept VFX to explore new artistic directions and technical possibilities.
• Manage the VFX asset pipeline, ensuring proper organization, versioning, and integration into the game engine.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in real-time VFX development.

Requirements

• Proven experience of at least 6 years as a VFX Artist in the game industry, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating outstanding real-time VFX work for shipped titles, with a focus on particle systems, simulations, and shader development.
• Expertise in industry-standard 3D modeling, texturing, and animation software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Substance Painter).
• Proficiency with leading game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity, including their respective VFX tools (Niagara, Shader Graph, etc.).
• Deep understanding of shader programming, material creation, and optimization techniques.
• Excellent artistic eye for composition, color, lighting, and motion.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a demanding production environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for professional growth and attending industry conferences.
• A dynamic and creative work culture in **Tembisa**.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and development tools.