Senior VFX Artist - Real-time & Cinematic Integration

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Access to premium VFX software/hardare

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior VFX Artist to lead real-time and cinematic visual effects in a hybrid Sandton-based studio. You will craft high-fidelity effects for games and cinematic sequences, integrating assets into Unreal Engine or Unity while collaborating with directors, designers, and artists to achieve cinematic storytelling.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in VFX, strong shader skills, and a passion for evolving technologies in a fast-paced creative environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional VFX experience in real-time and cinematic contexts.
• Proficient in Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max, and particle simulations.
• Real-time pipeline experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Shader creation and optimization for VFX.
• Strong eye for color, composition and timing.
• Ability to work in a collaborative studio environment.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality visual effects for real-time applications (games, simulations).
• Design and implement particle effects, explosions, fire, smoke, magic, and other dynamic phenomena.
• Integrate VFX assets into game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) and render pipelines.
• Collaborate with art directors, game designers, and technical artists to achieve visual goals.
• Optimize VFX for real-time performance, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Develop custom tools and shaders to enhance VFX creation workflows.
• Maintain understanding of color theory, composition, and timing in VFX.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation and rendering.
• Stay current with industry trends and new technologies in VFX artistry.

Skills

Real-time VFX

Cinematic VFX

Shader programming

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Houdini

Maya

3ds Max

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading studio celebrated for its visually stunning interactive experiences and cinematic productions, is seeking a highly skilled Senior VFX Artist specializing in both real-time and cinematic integration. This role is based in our modern facilities in Sandton, Gauteng , and offers a hybrid work model. You will be responsible for creating breathtaking visual effects that enhance immersion and storytelling across our projects, from high-fidelity games to compelling animated sequences. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute your artistic talent and technical expertise to cutting-edge productions, working alongside a team of industry-leading creatives. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of particle systems, simulation, and real-time rendering, coupled with a keen eye for detail and a passion for crafting spectacular visual moments. Joining us in Sandton means being at the heart of innovation in visual effects.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality visual effects for real-time applications (games, simulations)
• Design and implement particle effects, explosions, fire, smoke, magic, and other dynamic phenomena.
• Integrate VFX assets seamlessly into game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and render pipelines.
• Collaborate with art directors, game designers, and technical artists to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Optimize VFX for real-time performance, ensuring efficient use of resources without compromising visual fidelity.
• Develop custom tools and shaders to enhance VFX creation workflows.
• Maintain a strong understanding of color theory, composition, and timing in relation to visual effects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation and rendering.
• Stay current with industry trends, new technologies, and techniques in VFX artistry.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a VFX Artist, with a portfolio showcasing strong work in both real-time and cinematic contexts.
• Proficiency in industry-standard VFX software such as Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max, and particle simulation tools.
• Expertise in real-time VFX creation within game engines like Unreal Engine and/or Unity.
• Experience with shader creation and optimization for visual effects.
• Strong understanding of physics, fluid dynamics, and natural phenomena simulation.
• Excellent artistic eye for detail, composition, color, and timing.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and receive constructive feedback.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to meet project deadlines.
• A passion for visual storytelling and creating impactful visual effects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Hybrid work model providing flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to state-of-the-art VFX software and hardware.
• Be part of a dynamic and creatively driven studio in Sandton .