Remote Real-Time VFX Artist for Games

Content Creators; United States; Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Insomniac Games is seeking a VFX Artist for real-time particle effects and texture work to support gameplay, environments, and cinematics. The role involves creating 2D/3D FX, textures, and shaders, with emphasis on optimization and integration into the game engine.

The candidate should be proficient with Maya or Houdini, Photoshop, and node-based shader networks, and work collaboratively across departments. This contract role may be remote via staffing partner Yoh Enterprise Solutions.

Qualifications

• Proficient in Maya; able to work with joints/locators, keyframing, rigid body sim and hard-surface modeling.
• Proficient in Photoshop for painting/editing textures and UV mapping.
• Knowledge of node-based shader networks and other VFX software is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Creates, designs, and implements real-time particle effects for gameplay, environments, and cinematics.
• Places FX across all game areas including environmental and gameplay FX and cinematics.
• Creates FX textures (color, normal, specular, AO, height, emissive).
• Collaborates with other departments to integrate FX in the game engine.
• Optimizes FX for framerate and memory usage.
• Orchestrates FX events with layering and timing to create believable scenes.

Skills

Particle effects

Maya

Houdini

Shader networks

UV mapping

Photoshop

Animation timing

Team collaboration

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Photoshop

Shader nodes

Job description

This is a 12- month contract. This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.

Insomniac Games is looking for a VFX Artist. In this role the VFX Artist is responsible for creating VFX to work and assist in gameplay, environments, and cinematics of games.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates, designs, and implements real-time particle effects using both static and animating 2D/3D elements.
• Placing of visual FX across all areas of the game, including environmental and gameplay FX, and cinematics.
• Create FX textures (color, normal, specular, ambient occlusion, height, and incandescent maps.)
• Possesses at least an intermediate ability to navigate and use DCC software such as Maya, Houdini, or equivalent.
• Creates FX shaders with node-based shader networks.
• Creates simple geometry and UV sets.
• Possesses an intermediate foundation in computer graphics fundamentals and artistic analysis
• Optimizes FX for framerate and memory.
• Collaborates with other development departments to ensure that FX are implemented appropriately in the game engine.
• Understands and adds to the overall art style of game.
• Orchestrates FX events involving layering and timing of different FX to create a believable scene.
• Demonstrated professionalism in attendance, communication, reading comprehension, receiving feedback and working in a production setting.
• Other duties may be assigned

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills: Proficient in Maya, competent working with joints and locators, keyframing, rigid body simulations, hard surface modeling, and UV mapping. Proficient in Photoshop for painting and editing textures. Proficient with node- based shader networks. Knowledge of other visual effects software is a plus.

Other Skills: Good team skills, collaborative attitude, and good observation skills and ability to use reference materials. Ability to work independently. Proficient Animation and timing skills. Solid traditional arts background a plus.

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click here to learn more.

This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$75—$85 USD

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