Lead VFX Artist

Impleo; Warszawa; Hybrid; PLN 377,000 - 519,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Relocation assistance

Polish lessons for foreign employees

Paid Leave (20-26 days)

Private medical healthcare

Life insurance

Annual health screenings

No dress-code

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

CD PROJEKT RED in Warsaw seeks a Lead VFX Artist to build and guide the studio's first original IP, Project Hadar. You’ll lead a VFX team, shape visual identity, and collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay and cinematics.

Relocation is provided; hybrid office in Warsaw. The role demands 8+ years in gaming and AAA shipping experience, Unreal Engine 5 expertise, and a passion for pushing VFX boundaries.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in gaming industry with 2+ years in leadership
• Contributed to shipping at least one AAA title
• Mentoring VFX artists
• Excellent knowledge of Unreal Engine 5
• Ownership, goal setting, knowledge sharing
• Experience with real-time and baked simulation
• Proficient in 3D software (Max, Maya, Blender)
• Understanding of rendering techniques, real-time shaders, lighting
• Great communication in English

Responsibilities

• Recruiting, leading, mentoring VFX artists and fostering innovation
• Developing and optimizing VFX workflows
• Prototyping and integrating particle effects in Unreal Engine 5
• Collaborating with disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments
• Working with directors to craft project vision and estimate workloads
• Researching new VFX workflows and pushing limits
• Ensuring VFX content is performant and within budgets

Skills

VFX leadership

Unreal Engine 5

Mentoring VFX artists

Portfolio

AAA title experience

Real-time & baked simulation

3D software (Max/Maya/Blender)

English proficiency

Tools

Unreal Engine 5

Houdini

Job description

Company 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 YouTube channeland Beyond the Game Blog where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

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. We believe the universe we are creating is one bursting with limitless potential, and we want you to help us broaden and utilize it, making sure it not only matches gamers’ high expectations set by past CD PROJEKT RED titles but exceeds them.
As a Lead VFX Artist, you will play a key role in shaping the visual identity and future of Project Hadar. Your responsibilities will include building and fostering a strong VFX team, leading R&D development projects, designing efficient pipelines, and closely collaborating with other teams.
If you are a leader who thrives on solving complex challenges, taking ownership, and is passionate about pushing the limits of what's possible in games, we’d love to hear from you.

(This position requires working in our Warsaw Hub. Hybrid working mode 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.
• Collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments, with VFX requirements.
• Work with directors and Production to craft project vision and estimate workloads.
• Research new and innovative workflows, push what is possible in VFX.
• Ensure 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 contributing to the successful shipment of at least one AAA title.
• 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 with 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).

Nice to Have

• Experience with Houdiniis a plus.
• Experience with Blueprint scripting in Unreal Engine.

Candidates should include a portfolio in their application. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Additional Information

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. It’s all covered.
• Relocation assistance — processing your legalization operations for you and tax settlements — all you need to feel right at home is taken care of.
• Polish lessons for foreign employees — and for your spouse or partner, too.
• 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 to choose from, which are also accessible for your partner and relatives.
• Life insurance — comprehensive pension and insurance plans to protect you and your loved ones.
• Annual screenings for cancer prevention covered by the company.
• Psychological and psychiatrist care — free mental health support and various well-being initiatives.
• Sports card — gain access to a wide number of sporting and fitness facilities across the city.
• Menstrual leave — employees who menstruate can take one extra day off when experiencing period pain.
• RED Parents Network — support for working parents, including childcare benefits, and family-friendly events.
• RED Summer Camp for Kids — a fun summer program for children aged 5–12, majoritively paid by the company.

Perks & Professional Growth

• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.
• Trainings, lectures, and courses — workshops and trainings for each employee, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• REDs have access to the cafeteria platform through which they can receive subscription benefits, additional medical packages or vouchers and codes to shops, cinemas, and public transport reimbursement.
• Gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together.
• Healthy selections — canteens.
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.
• Sustainability is an ongoing commitment for us, and our campus has electric car charging points, green zones, and much more. Read all about it on our Beyond the Game Blog.
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them.
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support, and yoga and boxing classes.
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.

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").

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