Lead Technical Artist (VFX)

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Remote work

Professional development budget

AAA game titles

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Technical Artist specializing in VFX to join a forward-thinking game studio. The role is based in Mahikeng, North West, ZA, with a fully remote arrangement, enabling you to contribute from anywhere.

You will bridge art and engineering, optimize VFX pipelines, and guide the VFX team to deliver high-fidelity real-time effects while optimizing performance across platforms. A strong portfolio and 7+ years in the field are required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as a Technical Artist or VFX Artist in the game industry.
• Proven experience leading a technical art or VFX team.
• Expertise in one or more real-time VFX creation tools (e.g., Houdini, EmberGen, Niagara).
• Strong proficiency in shader development (HLSL, GLSL, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain VFX pipelines, tools, and workflows for real-time applications.
• Create high-quality visual effects using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate with designers, artists, and engineers to define VFX requirements.
• Profile and optimize VFX assets and shaders for performance across platforms.
• Mentor and guide junior technical artists and VFX artists.
• Research and implement new technologies to enhance visual quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues related to VFX implementation.
• Establish and enforce best practices for VFX asset creation and integration.
• Document tools, workflows, and specifications for the VFX team.

Skills

Leadership

VFX pipeline

Real-time rendering

Shader development

Python scripting

Tools

Houdini

EmberGen

Niagara

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking game studio known for its visually stunning titles, is seeking an exceptional Lead Technical Artist specializing in Visual Effects (VFX). This position is based in Mahikeng, North West, ZA, but offers a fully remote working arrangement, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be a critical bridge between art and engineering, optimizing complex VFX pipelines and empowering the art team to create breathtaking visual elements. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity in interactive entertainment and require a leader who can guide the VFX team in achieving these ambitious goals. This role is perfect for an experienced technical artist who possesses both strong artistic sensibilities and deep technical knowledge. You will play a key role in shaping the aesthetic direction and performance optimization of our game's visual effects. Join a collaborative and innovative environment where your contributions will have a significant impact on the final player experience. We value creativity, problem-solving, and a passion for visual excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and maintain VFX pipelines, tools, and workflows for real-time applications.
• Create high-quality visual effects (e.g., explosions, magic spells, environmental effects) using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate with game designers, artists, and engineers to define the technical and artistic requirements for VFX.
• Profile and optimize VFX assets and shaders to ensure optimal performance across target platforms.
• Mentor and guide junior technical artists and VFX artists, providing technical support and artistic direction.
• Research and implement new technologies and techniques to enhance visual quality and performance.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues related to VFX implementation and rendering.
• Establish and enforce best practices for VFX asset creation and integration.
• Document tools, workflows, and technical specifications for the VFX team.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience as a Technical Artist or VFX Artist in the game industry.
• Proven experience leading a technical art or VFX team.
• Expertise in one or more real-time VFX creation tools (e.g., Houdini, EmberGen, Niagara).
• Strong proficiency in shader development (HLSL, GLSL, or similar).
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL) for tool development.
• Familiarity with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity, including their VFX systems.
• Excellent understanding of real-time rendering principles and performance optimization techniques.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote, collaborative environment.
• A portfolio showcasing impressive real-time VFX and technical art solutions is mandatory.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package, negotiable based on experience.
• Opportunity to work on AAA game titles with a talented international team.
• Flexible remote work arrangement, offering a great work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Be at the forefront of real-time visual effects technology in Mahikeng, North West, ZA.
• A culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.