Remote Technical Artist - Real-time VFX

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,317,000 - 2,305,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a remote Technical Artist specializing in real-time VFX to bridge artistic vision and technical execution in our real-time pipeline. You will develop, optimize, and troubleshoot VFX across platforms with a focus on performance and visual fidelity.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in game VFX/Tech Art, expert shader knowledge (HLSL/GLSL), experience with Unreal Engine or Unity, and strong scripting (Python/C#) to automate pipelines while collaborating with a global team

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, or related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Technical Artist or VFX Artist with a strong technical focus, ideally within the game industry.
• Expertise in real-time VFX creation using leading game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proficiency in shader development (e.g., HLSL, GLSL, node-based editors) and particle system design.
• Strong scripting skills in languages such as Python, C#, or similar, for tool development and pipeline automation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize visually compelling real-time visual effects (VFX) using game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Create and maintain VFX assets, including particle systems, shaders, and post-processing effects.
• Collaborate closely with VFX artists, environment artists, and game designers to achieve desired aesthetic and gameplay outcomes.
• Write and maintain scripts (e.g., Python, HLSL, GLSL) to automate tasks, improve workflows, and enhance VFX capabilities.
• Optimize VFX assets and systems for performance across various target platforms, ensuring high frame rates and visual quality.
• Troubleshoot and debug VFX-related issues, providing technical solutions to artists and engineers.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in real-time VFX technologies, engine features, and rendering techniques.
• Document technical processes, best practices, and tool usage for the team.
• Assist in defining the technical pipeline and best practices for VFX creation and implementation.
• Contribute to the overall visual quality and technical excellence of the project.

Skills

Real-time VFX

Shader development

Python scripting

Unreal/Unity

PBR workflows

Problem solving

Remote collaboration

Portfolio

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

HLSL/GLSL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge studio pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment and digital experiences, is seeking a highly skilled Remote Technical Artist specializing in Real-time VFX. This fully remote position is critical for bridging the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation within our real-time development pipeline. You will be responsible for developing, optimizing, and troubleshooting visual effects that enhance immersion and visual fidelity across our platforms. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of particle systems, shaders, and real-time rendering engines, combined with excellent scripting and problem-solving abilities. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative projects from the comfort of your home office, collaborating with a talented global team.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and optimize visually compelling real-time visual effects (VFX) using game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Create and maintain VFX assets, including particle systems, shaders, and post-processing effects.
• Collaborate closely with VFX artists, environment artists, and game designers to achieve desired aesthetic and gameplay outcomes.
• Write and maintain scripts (e.g., Python, HLSL, GLSL) to automate tasks, improve workflows, and enhance VFX capabilities.
• Optimize VFX assets and systems for performance across various target platforms, ensuring high frame rates and visual quality.
• Troubleshoot and debug VFX-related issues, providing technical solutions to artists and engineers.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in real-time VFX technologies, engine features, and rendering techniques.
• Document technical processes, best practices, and tool usage for the team.
• Assist in defining the technical pipeline and best practices for VFX creation and implementation.
• Contribute to the overall visual quality and technical excellence of the project.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Art, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Technical Artist or VFX Artist with a strong technical focus, ideally within the game industry.
• Expertise in real-time VFX creation using leading game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proficiency in shader development (e.g., HLSL, GLSL, node-based editors) and particle system design.
• Strong scripting skills in languages such as Python, C#, or similar, for tool development and pipeline automation.
• Solid understanding of real-time rendering principles, PBR workflows, and performance optimization techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote, distributed team environment.
• A portfolio showcasing impressive real-time VFX work and technical problem-solving is essential.
• Passion for visual effects and creating immersive digital experiences.

Benefits

This position offers the significant advantage of being fully remote, providing flexibility and work-life balance. Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to work on exciting, cutting-edge projects with a globally recognized team. Join us in shaping the future of real-time visual experiences from anywhere.