Senior VFX Artist

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary & bonuses

Cutting-edge VFX software

Medical and dental coverage

Professional development

Durban studio culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Senior VFX Artist to join our award-winning visual effects team. You will design, simulate and refine high-end sequences for film, TV, and games, pushing creative and technical boundaries.

You will collaborate with the VFX Supervisor and directors, mentor junior artists, and optimize assets for real-time engines and film pipelines using Houdini, Maya, Nuke and After Effects. A strong portfolio and 6+ years of experience are required.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of VFX experience with focus on simulations.
• Strong portfolio of film/TV/game work.
• Proficiency in Houdini for simulations.
• Experience with real-time optimization is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, create, and implement visual effects including explosions, magic, fire, smoke, and particle systems.
• Collaborate with directors and supervisors to meet aesthetic and technical requirements.
• Utilize Houdini, Maya, and other software to develop simulations and effects.
• Optimize VFX assets for real-time engines or efficient rendering in pipelines.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges related to VFX creation and integration.
• Mentor junior VFX artists and contribute to pipeline improvements.

Skills

VFX artistry

Team collaboration

Communication under pressure

Tools

Houdini

Maya / 3ds Max

Nuke / After Effects

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and skilled Senior VFX Artist to join their award-winning visual effects team in Durban. This role is critical in creating breathtaking visual effects for film, television, and game projects. You will be responsible for the conceptualization and execution of complex visual effects sequences, pushing the boundaries of creative possibility. Working closely with the VFX Supervisor and other artists, you will contribute to the overall artistic vision and technical execution of projects. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented artist to contribute to high‑profile productions and work within a collaborative studio known for its cutting‑edge visual effects.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, create, and implement stunning visual effects, including explosions, magic, fire, smoke, and particle systems.
• Collaborate with directors and supervisors to achieve the desired aesthetic and technical requirements for VFX shots.
• Utilize Houdini, Maya, and other industry‑standard software to develop complex simulations and effects.
• Optimize VFX assets for real‑time performance in game engines or for efficient rendering in film pipelines.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges related to VFX creation and integration.
• Mentor junior VFX artists and contribute to the continuous improvement of the VFX pipeline.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in visual effects artistry, with a focus on simulation and particle effects.
• A strong portfolio showcasing high‑quality VFX work for film, TV, or games.
• Expertise in Houdini for procedural content generation and complex simulations.
• Proficiency in one or more 3D applications (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max) and compositing software (e.g., Nuke, After Effects).
• Strong understanding of physics, color theory, and cinematic composition.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and project‑based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on visually spectacular and diverse projects.
• Access to cutting‑edge VFX software and hardware.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• A supportive and creative studio culture in Durban.
• Professional development and ongoing training programs.