Lead VFX Artist

Workplays; Warszawa; On-site; PLN 377,000 - 519,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Private medical healthcare

Life insurance

Annual leave 20–26 days

Psychological care

Job summary

CD PROJEKT RED is seeking a Lead VFX Artist in Warsaw to shape the visual identity of our first-ever original IP. You will recruit and mentor a VFX team, lead R&D projects, design efficient pipelines, and collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, and environments.

The role requires relocation to Warsaw, hybrid/full-time in-office, and ownership of VFX workflows and performance.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years in gaming, with 2+ years in leadership.
• Experience mentoring VFX artists.
• Excellent knowledge of Unreal Engine 5.
• Commitment to ownership, goal setting, knowledge sharing and independent initiatives.
• Experience with real-time and baked simulations.
• Knowledge of 3D software: Max, Maya or Blender.
• Understanding of rendering techniques, real-time shaders and lighting.
• Understanding of performance and optimization.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, leading, mentoring, and guiding VFX artists, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Developing and optimizing VFX workflows.
• Prototyping, researching, and integrating particle effects for our game in Unreal Engine 5.
• Collaborating with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments, with VFX requirements.
• Working with directors and Production to craft project vision and estimate workloads.
• Researching new and innovative workflows, pushing what is possible in VFX.
• Ensuring VFX content is performant and within budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Ownership & initiative

Cross-functional collaboration

Fluent English

Team building

Tools

Unreal Engine 5

3ds Max

Maya

Blender

Shaders

Lighting

Performance optimization

Rendering techniques

Job description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel and Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

We’re looking for a Lead VFX Artist to join the CD PROJEKT RED team dedicated to crafting the studio’s first‑ever original IP and video game, codenamed Project Hadar. The Lead VFX Artist will shape the visual identity of Project Hadar by building and fostering a strong VFX team, leading R&D development projects, designing efficient pipelines, and closely collaborating with other teams. The role requires working in the Warsaw Hub; hybrid working mode is available.

Daily Responsibilities

• Recruiting, leading, mentoring, and guiding VFX artists, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Developing and optimizing VFX workflows.
• Prototyping, researching, and integrating particle effects for our game in Unreal Engine 5.
• Collaborating with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments, with VFX requirements.
• Working with directors and Production to craft project vision and estimate workloads.
• Researching new and innovative workflows, pushing what is possible in VFX.
• Ensuring VFX content is performant and within budgets.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in the gaming industry with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience in mentoring and guiding VFX artists.
• Excellent knowledge of Unreal Engine 5.
• Commitment to taking ownership, setting goals, exchanging knowledge and driving initiatives independently.
• Experience with both real time and baked simulation.
• Knowledge of standard 3D software: Max, Maya or Blender.
• Understanding of rendering techniques, real-time shaders and lighting.
• Understanding of performance and optimization.
• Fluent English (both written and spoken).

Working mode

In-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity in Warsaw, Poland. Relocation is required.

Relocation Support

• Relocation package — flight ticket, company apartment for your first month, relocating your pet and family, shipping your belongings.
• Relocation assistance — processing your legalization operations for you and tax settlements.
• Polish lessons for foreign employees — and for your spouse or partner.
• Paid Leave — from 20 to 26 days of holiday per year, and paid sick leave.

Health & Well-Being

• Private medical healthcare — a selection of medical plans with dental care and unlimited rehabilitation, accessible for partner and relatives.
• Life insurance — comprehensive pension and insurance plans.
• Annual screenings for cancer prevention covered by the company.
• Psychological and psychiatrist care — free mental health support and well-being initiatives.
• Sports card — access to sporting and fitness facilities across the city.
• Menstrual leave — one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
• RED Parents Network — support for working parents, childcare benefits, and family-friendly events.
• RED Summer Camp for Kids — summer program for children aged 5–12, majoritively paid by the company.

Perks & Professional Growth

• Welcome pack filled with goodies.
• Trainings, lectures, and courses — workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes.
• Access to a cafeteria platform for subscription benefits, additional medical packages, vouchers, and public transport reimbursement.
• Gifts for newborns and company swag.

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office.
• Social events hosted at the studio.
• Canteens with healthy selections.
• Truly international working environment.
• Sustainability initiatives, electric car charging points, green zones, designated bicycle space, showers, and bicycle repair equipment.
• Onsite gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support, and yoga and boxing classes.
• No dress-code — casual environment.

Estimated pay range for this position

33 800 – 46 475 PLN gross monthly. This role may be eligible for a long term incentive program (option to purchase CDPR stock after the vesting period). Final offers are dependent on job-related factors like experience and qualifications.

Type of contract

Employment Contract ("Umowa o pracę").