Sr. VFX Artist

studiowildcard; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% premium coverage for employees

Discounted dependent premiums

401(k) option

Unlimited Sick Time

Paid Holidays

Job summary

Studio Wildcard is seeking a Senior VFX Artist to create high-impact VFX for their franchise ARK. The role involves developing visually compelling assets, collaborating closely with teams, and ensuring optimal performance of VFX. Candidates should have a strong portfolio showcasing real-time VFX proficiency and experience with Unreal Engine.

This exciting opportunity not only offers the chance to work on a popular franchise but also provides comprehensive health benefits and a supportive company culture.

Qualifications

• Portfolio demonstrating proficiency in creating real-time VFX.
• 5+ years experience in game development or related field.
• At least 2 or 3 shipped AAA game as a VFX or Technical Artist.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement high-quality VFX assets and tools for games.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to improve VFX.
• Troubleshoot and maintain performance issues.

Skills

Real-time VFX using Niagara in Unreal Engine

Advanced techniques like fluids/pyro in software packages

Vector math

Real-time lighting and post-FX

Unreal Engine Blueprint

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Houdini

Maya

Blender

Job description

Studio Wildcard - Seattle, WA

Senior VFX Artist

We’re Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved – one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we’ve been able to stay independent so we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There’s never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We’re expanding and updating many of the ARK community’s most beloved features, while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies. And now we’re searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior VFX Artist who can create high‑impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.

Responsibilities

• Independently create and implement high quality, performant, and visually compelling VFX Assets/Tools/Systems for games – including real‑time particle systems, textures & texture atlases, shaders/materials, and scripting/Blueprints as needed
• Work closely with designers, engineers and related artists to design, implement, and troubleshoot VFX
• Be a self‑starter who meets deadlines and actively collaborates with team on VFX goals, prioritization, and scheduling
• Seek out, troubleshoot, and fix performance issues
• Maintain a meticulous, organized approach to creating, documenting, and sharing VFX for the team
• Have a great attitude and be a positive force at the studio – flexible and adaptive to the needs of the team

Qualifications

• Portfolio of work demonstrating proficiency in creating and implementing real‑time VFX using Niagara in Unreal Engine
• Proficiency in creating VFX Assets using advanced techniques like fluids/pyro/etc. in a software package like Houdini/Embergen/Maya/Max/Blender/etc.
• Deep knowledge of vector math, real‑time lighting, post‑FX, shaders, and real‑time performance issues
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine Blueprint for implementing VFX and creation of VFX Systems and Tools
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, related field or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of experience working in game development or related field
• At least 2 or 3 shipped AAA game as a VFX or Technical Artist

Pluses

• HLSL or equivalent shader writing language
• Houdini Knowledge
• Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.)

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wildcard is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.

Pay Transparency Information

The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren’t limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.

Wildcard Benefits

We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (3 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options.