Sr. VFX Artist

Studio Wildcard; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Studio Wildcard in Seattle, WA seeks a Senior VFX Artist to create high-impact real-time VFX for ARK Survival Ascended and related updates. You will craft particle systems, shaders, textures, and tools, collaborating with designers and engineers to deliver polished visuals.

The role requires a strong portfolio, expert knowledge of Unreal Engine Niagara, and experience with Houdini/Embergen. A bachelor’s degree and 5+ years in game development are expected.

Qualifications

• Portfolio showing real-time VFX using Niagara in Unreal Engine.
• Proficiency with fluids/pyro techniques in Houdini/Embergen/Maya/Blender.
• Strong math, lighting, shaders, and performance optimization.

Responsibilities

• Independently create high-quality VFX assets and systems for games.
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to implement VFX in code/blueprints.
• Troubleshoot performance issues and optimize real-time effects.
• Document workflows and keep VFX assets organized for the team.
• Be proactive, meet deadlines, and adapt to studio needs.
• Communicate effectively and maintain a positive team attitude.

Skills

VFX design

Real-time rendering

Blueprint scripting

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Digital Art

Tools

Unreal Engine (Niagara)

Houdini

Embergen

Maya

Blender

3D software suites (General)

HLSL shader writing

Python scripting

Job description

Studio Wildcard - Seattle, WA

Open role:

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 that 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

Requirements:

• 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.)

About Studio Wildcard

Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.

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