Senior VFX Artist - Real-time Rendering

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health coverage

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior VFX Artist to design and implement real-time visual effects for our game projects. You will craft particle systems, explosions, magical effects, and environmental visuals across multiple platforms, collaborating with designers, artists, and engineers.

You should bring 5+ years of VFX experience, a strong portfolio, and deep knowledge of Unity or Unreal Engine. This role is onsite in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, with opportunities for growth and advancement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience as a VFX Artist with focus on real-time game development.
• Portfolio showcasing high-quality real-time VFX for games.
• Proficiency in Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Experience creating and optimizing particle systems and visual effects.
• Understanding of shader development and material creation.
• Strong artistic sense, timing, motion, and color theory.
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a fast-paced studio.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with 2D animation and digital art software (e.g., Photoshop, After Effects).
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality real-time VFX for games (particles, explosions, fire, smoke, magic, environmental effects).
• Design and implement VFX using Unity or Unreal Engine tools (Shuriken, Niagara/Cascade).
• Optimize VFX for performance across platforms for high frame rates and fidelity.
• Collaborate with designers and art directors to align with game aesthetics and gameplay.
• Develop shaders and materials to enhance visual effects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in VFX implementation and performance.
• Stay updated with trends and tools in real-time VFX creation.
• Provide input and guidance to junior VFX artists.
• Manage VFX assets and ensure efficient integration into pipelines.
• Experiment with new tech to enhance visual storytelling.

Skills

VFX artistry

Real-time rendering

Shader development

Color theory

2D/3D art knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics or related

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Shuriken/Niagara

Shader languages (HLSL/GLSL)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative game development studio located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, is actively seeking a talented Senior VFX Artist specializing in real-time rendering to join their esteemed team. This role is instrumental in creating visually stunning and impactful special effects that enhance the gameplay experience. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing particle systems, explosions, magical effects, and other dynamic visual elements across various game platforms. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic eye, a deep technical understanding of real-time VFX creation in game engines, and a passion for pushing visual boundaries. You will work collaboratively with game designers, environment artists, and technical artists to bring dynamic and memorable effects to life, contributing significantly to the Arts & Entertainment sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality real-time visual effects (VFX) for games, including particle systems, explosions, fire, smoke, magic, and environmental effects.
• Design and implement VFX using game engine tools (e.g., Unity's Shuriken, Unreal Engine's Niagara/Cascade).
• Optimize VFX for performance across target platforms, ensuring high frame rates and visual fidelity.
• Collaborate with game designers and art directors to conceptualize and execute VFX that align with the game's aesthetic and gameplay requirements.
• Develop shaders and materials to enhance the look and feel of visual effects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation and performance.
• Stay current with the latest trends, techniques, and tools in real-time VFX creation.
• Provide creative input and technical guidance to junior VFX artists.
• Manage VFX assets and ensure efficient integration into the game pipeline.
• Experiment with new technologies and approaches to enhance visual storytelling through effects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a VFX Artist, with a significant focus on real-time game development.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of high-quality real-time VFX for games.
• Proficiency in industry-standard game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Experience creating and optimizing particle systems and visual effects.
• Understanding of shader development and material creation.
• Excellent artistic skills, including a strong sense of timing, motion, and color theory.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with 2D animation and digital art software (e.g., Photoshop, After Effects).
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Game Art, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Must be able to work full-time onsite in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, comprehensive health coverage, and opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.
• Employees will work in a creative and dynamic studio environment, gain experience on exciting game projects, and contribute to the vibrant Arts & Entertainment scene in Queenstown.
• We value innovation and provide a supportive atmosphere for our team.