VFX Director - Infinity Ward

Infinity Ward; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 247,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with Company match

Paid time off and holidays

Mental health & wellbeing programs

Job summary

A leading video game development studio is seeking an experienced VFX Director to oversee the creation and integration of visual effects in real-time engines. The ideal candidate will have over 12 years of experience in creating real-time and pre-rendered cinematics, along with a strong knowledge of VFX workflows and tools. Responsibilities include collaborating with the project director and production staff to define the visual effects style for in-game content, ensuring alignment with the artistic vision. Competitive base pay ranges from $134,000 to $247,900 annually, based on experience and performance.

Qualifications

• 12+ years’ experience creating real-time and pre-rendered cinematics.
• Strong knowledge of multiple scripting languages.
• Expert knowledge of real-time VFX workflows and tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project director and production staff.
• Define the visual effects style for in-game cinematics.
• Oversee creation of VFX in real-time engines.

Skills

Knowledge of Call of Duty

Real-time VFX workflows

Scripting languages

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Tools

Unreal Engine Niagara

Houdini

Maya

EmberGen

Job description

Job Title

VFX Director – Infinity Ward (Requisition ID: R027119)

Location & Schedule

Position based in Woodland Hills, California. Onsite schedule five days per week, with possible work arrangement changes at company discretion.

Your Mission

Our team is currently looking for a talented Director, VFX Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the project director, production staff, and department leads to help achieve the creative vision of the project while staying within the technical, resource, and budget limitations.
• Be aware of, and communicate to leadership and game team leadership any blocking issues or potential technical problems before they negatively affect production schedules.
• Be an envoy for any technology transfer requested by the game teams.
• Define the visual effects style and quality bar for in-game cinematics and narrative sequences.
• Partner with the Cinematics Director, Art Director, and Narrative team to ensure all VFX align with IW’s artistic vision and emotional tone.
• Work within the established art styles of our wide-ranging IPs.
• Lead creative reviews and provide actionable feedback to internal and external artists to maintain consistency.
• Drive innovation in real-time effects, blending traditional cinematic techniques with the latest engine technology.
• Oversee the creation and integration of VFX in real-time engines (Unreal Engine, proprietary tools, etc.).
• Collaborate with engineering and tools teams to develop efficient, scalable VFX pipelines for both pre-rendered and in-engine cinematics.
• Partner with gameplay design, animation, and level design teams to ensure that cinematic effects integrate seamlessly with real-time gameplay experiences.
• Partner with production to scope workloads, maintain schedules, and manage milestones.

Minimum Requirements

• 12+ years’ experience creating real-time and pre-rendered cinematics.

Knowledge & Skills

• An intimate knowledge of Call of Duty, its associated lore, characters, and history.
• An intimate working knowledge of the Pre-Render and In-Game Cinematics core pipeline.
• A basic understanding of IW’s proprietary engine.
• Ability to adapt to various art styles.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Strong knowledge of multiple scripting languages, development practices, and asset deliverable pipeline architecture.
• Expert knowledge of real-time VFX workflows and tools (e.g., Unreal Engine Niagara, Houdini, Maya, EmberGen, or proprietary tech).

Extra Points

• Familiarity with game engine optimization, scripting (Python, MEL, Blueprint), and VFX pipeline automation.
• Experience working on AAA game franchises or high-end cinematics.
• Familiarity with Call of Duty and their visual tone.

Application Materials

• Demo Reel/Portfolio of work in digital format (website, blog, online album, Dropbox, etc.). Physical media will not be accepted.
• Resume.
• Cover letter (optional).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance.
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching.
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave.
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others.
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Salary

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $134,000.00 – $247,900.00 annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, the specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation, which is not guaranteed.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email [e-mail].