Lead VFX Artist - AAA Real-Time Visuals Leader

Activision; Town of Middleton (WI); On-site; USD 99,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid holidays and vacation

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Raven Software in Middleton, WI is seeking a Lead VFX Artist to manage a world-class team and own VFX development initiatives for Call of Duty. This onsite role guides the team across environments, gameplay, and cinematics with a focus on performance and visual fidelity.

You will mentor artists, drive R&D, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver industry-leading effects for a blockbuster franchise.

Qualifications

• 8+ total years of Visual Effects experience, with 2+ years in a Lead role in real-time game development or equivalent.
• Ability to mentor artists and lead a team across disciplines.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Expert experience with game engines and particle effects tools (Unreal, Unity, or equivalent).
• Strong experience with Photoshop, After Effects, Maya, Max, Houdini, Substance Designer, EmberGen, or similar tools.
• Strong understanding of rigid body and fluid simulations, post-processing, and shader development for VFX creation.
• Strong understanding of modern game VFX workflows and emerging industry trends.
• An inspiring reel demonstrating strong, realistic visual effects and creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to craft and implement compelling particle effects and systems that communicate essential game information.
• Drive visual and technical quality to deliver cutting-edge VFX.
• Prototype VFX systems, particle materials, and improve workflows to meet gameplay needs.
• Spearhead VFX R&D efforts and champion best practices and visual targets.
• Take high-level direction and guide the team through execution, iteration, and feedback.
• Partner with artists, designers, and programmers to ensure performance, efficiency, and quality.
• Inspire and mentor others as a role model of initiative and accountability.
• Foster a thriving team with open communication, constructive feedback, and development opportunities.
• Collaborate with Production to plan goals, milestones, and resource needs.
• Communicate risks and updates while maintaining relationships across the studio.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

VFX

Unreal Engine

Shader development

Particle systems

Prototyping

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Maya

3ds Max

Houdini

Photoshop

After Effects

Substance Designer

EmberGen

Job description

Raven Software in Middleton, WI is seeking a Lead VFX Artist to manage a world-class team and own VFX development initiatives for Call of Duty. This onsite role guides the team across environments, gameplay, and cinematics with a focus on performance and visual fidelity.

You will mentor artists, drive R&D, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver industry-leading effects for a blockbuster franchise.