Senior VFX Artist (Real-Time Engines)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health insurance

Retirement plan options

Paid time off

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior VFX Artist for a leading game development studio in Sandton, Gauteng. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time VFX using Unreal or Unity, Houdini, and Maya, delivering high-quality particle effects and shaders.

Collaborate with art and design, ensure performance across platforms, maintain a strong portfolio, and push visual boundaries.

Qualifications

• Proven real-time VFX portfolio with work in games.
• Expertise in particle systems and shaders in Unreal/Unity.
• Proficiency in Houdini, Maya, Niagara or VFX Graph.
• Solid understanding of VFX principles and real-time rendering.
• Able to balance artistic vision with technical efficiency.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork for cross-functional collaboration in Sandton.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and create high-quality VFX for gameplay events and environments.
• Implement particle systems, shaders, and scripts in game engines.
• Develop tools and shaders to support VFX creation and performance.
• Collaborate with art directors to align with the game’s style and story.
• Optimize VFX assets for smooth performance across platforms.
• Integrate VFX into the engine and troubleshoot issues.
• Stay current with real-time VFX trends and technologies.

Skills

VFX Artist experience

Unreal Engine

Unity

Houdini

Maya

Niagara

VFX Graph

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics / Digital Art or related field

Tools

Houdini

Maya

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent game development studio in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA, is actively seeking a talented Senior VFX Artist to enhance the visual spectacle of our upcoming titles. This role is pivotal in creating breathtaking visual effects that elevate gameplay immersion and narrative impact. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing a wide range of particle effects, shaders, and simulations within real-time game engines. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic sense, exceptional technical skills in VFX creation and engine integration, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of visual effects in interactive media. You will collaborate closely with the art and design teams in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA to bring our game worlds to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and create high-quality visual effects (VFX) for gameplay events, environmental effects, and cinematic sequences.
• Utilize particle systems, shaders, and scripting within game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Develop custom shaders and tools to support VFX creation and optimization.
• Collaborate with art directors and game designers to conceptualize and implement VFX that align with the game's art style and narrative.
• Optimize VFX assets for performance, ensuring smooth frame rates across target platforms.
• Integrate VFX into the game engine, ensuring seamless implementation and functionality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation and performance.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in real-time VFX.

Requirements

• Proven professional experience as a VFX Artist in the game industry, with a compelling portfolio of real-time VFX work.
• Expertise in creating VFX using particle systems and shaders within game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Proficiency in relevant software such as Houdini, Maya, Niagara (Unreal Engine), or Unity's VFX Graph.
• Strong understanding of visual effects principles, simulation techniques, and real-time rendering.
• Ability to create both artistic and technically efficient VFX.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Digital Art, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement plan options.
• Enjoy working in a modern, creative studio environment located in Sandton, Gauteng, ZA.
• We provide opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• This role includes paid time off and potential for performance bonuses.
• Join a team passionate about creating visually stunning and engaging gaming experiences.