VFX Artist at Blind Squirrel Games
Company: Blind Squirrel Games
Location: Irvine, California, USA
Job Type: Full-Time / Onsite
Salary: $70,000 USD – $95,000 USD annually
About the Role
Blind Squirrel Games is seeking a talented VFX Artist to join its Irvine studio and help create stunning AAA-quality visual effects for action RPG games. Working alongside Senior VFX Artists and project leads, you will develop real-time visual effects, shaders, textures, particle systems, and dynamic simulations that enhance gameplay immersion and cinematic presentation.
Job Overview
The VFX Artist will contribute to the creation and implementation of high-quality game visual effects while collaborating closely with engineers, technical artists, and production teams. This role requires strong knowledge of contemporary VFX pipelines, real-time game engines, and industry-standard tools such as Houdini, Maya, Photoshop, and Unreal Engine.
Responsibilities
- Develop shaders, textures, geometry, and particle systems for AAA-quality visual effects.
- Create believable dynamic simulations to animate game assets.
- Maintain strong knowledge of real-time VFX production workflows and pipelines.
- Develop tools and processes to improve the VFX production pipeline.
- Collaborate with engineers and technical artists to resolve VFX development challenges.
- Ensure VFX assets are properly tracked and maintained in source control.
- Adapt VFX workflows to proprietary game pipelines when required.
- Research and apply emerging industry techniques and technologies.
- Support project and department objectives through additional production tasks.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Art or equivalent professional experience.
- 2+ years of experience in VFX entertainment production.
- At least one shipped AAA title as an FX Artist.
- Production-level knowledge of Maya, 3DS Max, or similar 3D software.
- Strong knowledge of Houdini and modern VFX production pipelines.
- Experience using tools such as Maya nCloth, FumeFX, Embergen, or Houdini Pyro.
- Experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, or other real-time game engines.
- Ability to create textures using Photoshop or Substance Designer.
- Knowledge of compositing tools such as After Effects or Nuke.
- Understanding of shaders and node-based systems for game engine VFX.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Passion for video games and interactive entertainment.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work on premium AAA game projects.
- Collaborative and innovation-driven studio culture.
- Career development alongside experienced global development teams.
- Exposure to cutting-edge VFX pipelines and game technologies.
- Comprehensive employee benefits and perks based on eligibility.
How to Apply
Apply through the official application page below:
Required: Submit your resume, portfolio, and examples of AAA-quality VFX work for consideration.