Gaming Full-Time Hybrid

Lead VFX Artist

Company: Cloud Chamber

Location: Novato, California, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $133,900 – $198,160 / Year

About the Role

Cloud Chamber is seeking a Lead VFX Artist to help shape the visual effects pipeline and artistic quality of the next BioShock title. This role combines creative leadership with advanced technical expertise to deliver immersive real-time visual effects that enhance gameplay and storytelling.

The successful candidate will mentor a team of VFX artists, collaborate across multiple disciplines, and establish technical standards for high-fidelity visual effects within Unreal Engine 5.

Job Overview

The Lead VFX Artist will design, prototype, implement, and optimize real-time visual effects including gameplay, environmental, cinematic, destruction, and character-based effects. The role requires balancing artistic vision with technical performance across multiple platforms while supporting efficient production pipelines.

This hybrid position offers the opportunity to work alongside talented AAA developers to create atmospheric and visually striking experiences for BioShock 4.

Key Responsibilities

VFX Development: Design and implement high-quality real-time visual effects using Unreal Engine 5 and Niagara.
Pipeline Leadership: Develop and maintain efficient VFX pipelines, workflows, optimization standards, and integration processes.
Technical Optimization: Collaborate with Tech Art and Engineering teams to optimize GPU, CPU, and memory performance for effects across platforms.
Creative Direction: Help define and refine the artistic style and quality standards for visual effects throughout the project.
Team Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and support a team of VFX artists to maintain high-quality creative output.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with Animation, Lighting, Audio, Design, and Environment teams to integrate effects seamlessly into gameplay experiences.
Best Practices: Establish standards for shaders, materials, particle systems, and asset creation workflows.

Qualifications

8+ years of professional game development experience with AAA console or PC titles.
5+ years of professional VFX experience in the video game industry.
Experience in senior or lead VFX roles with at least one shipped AAA title.
Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine 5, Niagara, Material Editor, Sequencer, and Blueprint integration.
Strong understanding of real-time rendering pipelines, optimization, and asset workflows.
Experience with particle simulations, dynamic materials, and visual storytelling techniques.
Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-disciplinary collaboration skills.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Art, Game Development, Animation, or a related field preferred.
Equivalent professional experience may be considered in place of formal education.
Additional expertise in technical art or shader development is beneficial.