VFX Artist

Frontier; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Success-based annual bonus

Share option schemes

Private family healthcare

Cycle to Work scheme

In-house subsidised catering

Job summary

Frontier, located in Cambridge, is seeking a talented VFX Artist to join their VFX team. The role requires collaboration in crafting stunning effects that enhance gameplay and storytelling.

Candidates should have a strong grasp of VFX principles and experience using industry-standard tools. Benefits include competitive salary, annual bonuses, and flexible working hours in a creative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-level VFX skills.
• Deep understanding of VFX principles including timing, motion, and colour.
• Great communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the VFX team to create realistic VFX.
• Create high-quality effects using in-house tools.
• Partner with artists and programmers to enhance visuals.

Skills

VFX principles

Real-time game engines

Maya

After Effects

Photoshop

Tools

Janga Suite

Houdini

Job description

Frontier is an independent video game developer and publisher, crafting immersive gaming experiences with fun gameplay and unparalleled artistic quality. Renowned for its iconic creative management simulation games, Frontier captivates players worldwide with immersive and authentic game worlds. The modern studio is located in the vibrant technology hub of Cambridge (UK). The talented team at Frontier are dedicated to nurturing our existing portfolio and delivering our exciting future roadmap.

This role is offered on a full in‑studio basis or a hybrid basis (minimum 3 days per week in the studio). We can provide a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

We’re looking for a talented VFX Artist to join our VFX team who will help bring our next generation of immersive experiences to life. This is a multi‑faced role that requires a strong grasp of VFX principles and a passion for creating stunning, believable effects that elevate gameplay and visual storytelling.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Collaborate with the VFX team to plan and deliver realistic and stylised VFX using our proprietary game engine (Cobra) and tools.
• Create high‑quality effects such as fire, smoke, explosions, debris, and clouds using our in‑house particle editor and other tools.
• Influence the development of internal technologies and tools.
• Work closely with Art and Design teams on all VFX aspects of game development.
• Partner with artists, designers, animators, and programmers to achieve next‑gen visuals.
• Ensure VFX are efficient, performant, and creatively impactful.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Previous experience as a VFX Artist or a strong portfolio demonstrating high‑level VFX skills.
• Deep understanding of VFX principles: gameplay, shape, timing, motion, contrast, colour, and composition.
• Strong attention to detail and observational skills for creating authentic and dynamic effects.
• Solid knowledge of real‑time game engines and particle systems.
• Ability to balance aesthetic and technical aspects of VFX.
• Proactive and inquisitive approach to problem‑solving.
• Great communication and collaboration skills.
• Awareness of memory and performance considerations in VFX creation.
• Proficiency in Maya, Janga Suite, Photoshop, After Effects, Houdini, or equivalent industry‑standard software.
• Awareness of industry technology trends.

BONUS IF YOU HAVE

• Knowledge of game lighting and full‑screen FX systems.
• Experience in the film industry working in real‑time environments.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

You will work with talented and passionate people to support, develop or publish our sophisticated and enduring games, in a creative, collaborative and inclusive environment.

Wellbeing is a big focus at Frontier, and we are continually evolving how we can support our people. We encourage a healthy work/life balance and provide a range of wellbeing activities, initiatives and sessions to support both mental and physical health.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success‑based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in‑house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

If you therefore need any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please speak to your Talent Acquisition representative.