Senior VFX Artist & Simulation Specialist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a Senior VFX Artist & Simulation Specialist to join their expanding team. You will design, implement, and optimize real-time visual effects, collaborating with designers and programmers to integrate effects into gameplay.

Advanced knowledge of particle systems, shaders, and simulation tools (Houdini, Niagara) plus experience with Maya/3ds Max and Unreal/Unity is required.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a VFX Artist in game development.
• Portfolio demonstrating real-time VFX work.
• Strong understanding of timing and color theory.
• Experience with Houdini for procedural effects.
• Proficiency in Maya or 3ds Max and Unreal Engine or Unity.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality VFX for in-game elements, cinematics, and UI.
• Develop particle systems, shaders, and textures for a variety of effects.
• Use Houdini and Niagara to craft fire, smoke, water, and destruction.
• Optimize VFX assets for performance across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with art directors and programmers to define visual style and quality.
• Work with gameplay designers to integrate VFX into gameplay mechanics.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation.
• Stay current with latest VFX techniques, tools, and industry trends.
• Provide mentorship to junior VFX artists.

Skills

Senior VFX artist

Real-time VFX

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Unreal Engine

Unity

Houdini

Niagara

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and innovative game development studio, is seeking a creative and technically adept Senior VFX Artist & Simulation Specialist to join their expanding team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is critical for creating stunning visual effects that enhance the immersion and excitement of our game worlds.

You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing a wide range of visual effects, from spell impacts and explosions to environmental phenomena and character abilities. This position demands a strong artistic eye, a solid understanding of real-time rendering, and expertise in particle systems and simulation tools.

You will collaborate closely with level designers, gameplay programmers, and other artists to ensure VFX are seamlessly integrated and perform optimally. We are looking for a passionate individual who can bring extraordinary visual flair to our projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality visual effects (VFX) for in-game elements, cinematics, and UI using industry-standard tools.


• Develop and implement particle systems, shaders, and textures for a variety of effects.


• Utilize simulation software (e.g., Houdini, Niagara) to create realistic fire, smoke, water, and destruction effects.


• Optimize VFX assets for performance across multiple platforms, ensuring efficient memory and GPU usage.


• Collaborate with art directors and technical artists to define and maintain the visual style and quality of effects.


• Work with gameplay designers and programmers to integrate VFX seamlessly into gameplay mechanics.


• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to VFX implementation and performance.


• Stay current with the latest VFX techniques, tools, and industry trends.


• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior VFX artists.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a VFX Artist in the game industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional real-time VFX work.


• Proficiency in industry-standard DCC tools (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max) and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).


• Expertise in particle system editors (e.g., Unity Particle System, Unreal Engine Niagara) and shader creation.


• Experience with simulation software such as Houdini for procedural effects generation.


• Strong understanding of timing, animation principles, and color theory as applied to VFX.


• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to optimize complex effects.


• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.


• A passion for visual storytelling and creating impactful in-game moments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance incentives.


• Opportunity to contribute to exciting and visually stunning game titles.


• Access to cutting-edge VFX software and hardware.


• A creative and collaborative work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.


• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.


• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.