Lead VFX Artist

Summary

Join nDreams Studio Elevation, a leading VR game studio, as a Lead VFX Artist. You will lead and mentor a team, shaping the visual effects in our upcoming VR games. This fully remote UK-based position requires expertise in real-time engines (Unreal), VFX software (Photoshop, Maya, Houdini), and a strong understanding of VR hardware limitations. You will collaborate with other artists and programmers to create immersive and high-quality visual effects. The role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including flexible hours, personal development time, health insurance, and a pension scheme. We are seeking a proven leader with experience in game development and a passion for creating impactful visual effects in VR.

Requirements

• Excellent working knowledge of Photoshop, Unreal, Maya, Houdini or relevant equivalents
• Real-time engine experience in Unreal, creating VFX blueprints, shader networks, particles, dynamic systems, lighting, and post-processing
• Fundamental understanding of the importance of VFX on the users’ final experience within performance constraints of VR hardware
• Ability to deliver on a varied selection of art styles, from realistic to highly stylised
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to articulate and deliver constructive feedback on own and peers’ work
• Implement, troubleshoot, and debug VFX or cross-discipline VFX systems
• Shape and contribute to a VFX workflow for efficient design to delivery of effects within a game
• Proven leadership and mentorship skills, with experience leading a team of artists

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of VFX artists, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality work
• Define the visual language of effects within a game project in collaboration with the Art Director
• Plan, cost, and deliver VFX work in coordination with the Production team
• Create and implement effects that fit both the style of the game and the technical constraints of the platforms
• Contribute work back to the Core Tech project for re-use throughout nDreams
• Identify player issues where VFX could enhance enjoyment or understanding of the game
• Collaborate with other art team members, design, and Graphics Programmers on the implementation approach for VFX
• Consistently deliver impressive and dramatic VFX to projects
• Ensure VFX does not block the game’s delivery against the vision for timing or quality reasons
• Elevate the enjoyment of the product by players through VFX

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with VR development
• Knowledge of scripting languages such as Python or HLSL
• Previous experience in the gaming industry
• Published products within the Console, PC, VR, or Mobile space in a VFX role
• Experience working with Pre-Viz tools for VFX

Benefits

• Flexible hours
• Duvet days
• Your birthday off
• Dedicated personal development time and support
• Regular socials
• Excellent holiday offering
• Pension scheme
• Health insurance
• Life cover