Lead VFX Artist (Real-time Environment Specialist)

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead VFX Artist in Soweto to guide a team creating immersive real-time effects for game environments. You will drive artistic direction, optimize visuals, and collaborate with designers and technical artists to deliver stunning, performant VFX.

The role requires a strong portfolio in real-time VFX, mastery of particle systems and shaders, and leadership experience. Based in Gauteng, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge interactive experiences and mentor a

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of VFX experience in games, with at least 2 in lead roles.
• Expertise in real-time VFX using particle systems and shaders.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of VFX artists with art direction and guidance.
• Create and implement high-quality real-time VFX for game environments.
• Develop and optimize particle systems, shaders, and post-process effects.
• Collaborate with level designers to enhance gameplay and visuals.
• Ensure assets are optimized for memory and performance.

Skills

Leadership

Real-time VFX

Particle systems

Shaders

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Texture creation tools

Post-processing tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading developer of immersive virtual worlds and interactive experiences, is seeking an experienced Lead VFX Artist with a specialization in real-time environments. Based in Soweto, Gauteng , this role is essential for creating breathtaking and technically optimized visual effects that bring our game environments to life. You will lead a team of VFX artists, guide artistic direction, and collaborate closely with level designers and technical artists to achieve stunning in-game visuals. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of particle systems, shaders, environmental effects, and real-time rendering pipelines, combined with strong leadership and artistic skills. Become a key contributor to groundbreaking interactive entertainment from Soweto .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of VFX artists, providing art direction and technical guidance.
• Create and implement high-quality real-time visual effects for game environments, including weather, foliage, destruction, magic, and atmospheric elements.
• Develop and optimize particle systems, shaders, and post-process effects for various platforms.
• Collaborate with level designers to ensure VFX enhances gameplay and narrative without compromising performance.
• Work with technical artists to establish and refine VFX pipelines and workflows.
• Ensure VFX assets are optimized for memory usage, frame rate, and overall performance.
• Develop stylistic guidelines for VFX and ensure consistency across the project.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation and performance.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices in real-time VFX.
• Contribute creatively to the overall visual direction of the game.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in VFX art for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Proven expertise in creating real-time visual effects using particle systems and shader editors in game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong understanding of environmental VFX, including elements like fire, smoke, water, fog, and destruction.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D art tools for creating textures, models, and animations for VFX.
• Experience with lighting and post-processing effects to enhance visual fidelity.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet project deadlines.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional real-time VFX work is mandatory.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
• You will work on exciting and innovative game projects within a creative and collaborative studio environment located in Soweto, Gauteng .
• We provide opportunities for professional development, including access to training, conferences, and cutting-edge technologies.
• Enjoy a supportive work culture that values teamwork and individual contributions, with potential for career growth within the company.
• We are committed to fostering a workplace where talent can thrive and contribute to the creation of outstanding gaming experiences.