Lead VFX Artist at Cloud Chamber
Company: Cloud Chamber
Location: Novato, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
Salary: $133,900 – $198,160 per year
About Cloud Chamber
Cloud Chamber is a game development studio dedicated to creating immersive and meaningful experiences through the BioShock franchise. The team focuses on building evocative worlds and delivering memorable storytelling that resonates with players long after the game ends.
By fostering strong collaboration and creative exploration, Cloud Chamber empowers its developers to push artistic and technical boundaries while delivering world-class gaming experiences.
Job Overview
Cloud Chamber is seeking a Lead VFX Artist to help drive the creation of cutting-edge visual effects for BioShock 4. In this role, you will lead a team of VFX artists while setting the technical benchmark for real-time visual effects quality.
You will oversee VFX pipelines, guide technical development, and collaborate with multiple departments to deliver visually stunning and optimized effects that enhance the gameplay experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, prototype, and implement real-time visual effects using Unreal Engine 5 and Niagara.
- Create effects for gameplay, environments, cinematics, characters, and destruction systems.
- Define and maintain the visual quality standards for VFX across the project.
- Develop and document efficient VFX pipelines, workflows, and integration standards.
- Collaborate with Tech Art and Engineering teams to troubleshoot and optimize effects.
- Establish best practices for shaders, asset creation, performance budgets, and memory usage.
- Mentor and lead a team of VFX artists to ensure high-quality creative output.
- Work closely with Environment, Animation, Lighting, Audio, and Design teams to integrate VFX into gameplay.
- Act as the primary contact for VFX-related topics across departments.
Required Skills and Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in game development.
- At least 3+ years in a Senior or Lead VFX role.
- Experience contributing to at least one shipped AAA console or PC game title.
- Expert-level knowledge of Unreal Engine 5, including Niagara, Material Editor, Sequencer, and Blueprint integration.
- Strong understanding of real-time VFX pipelines, asset workflows, and performance optimization.
- Experience with particle systems, dynamic materials, and visual storytelling techniques.
- Ability to balance artistic quality with performance across multiple platforms.
- Strong leadership and mentoring experience managing VFX teams.
- Excellent communication skills for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Art, Game Development, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Benefits and Compensation
- Competitive base salary with bonus and equity opportunities.
- 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock purchase program.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
- 14 paid holidays annually.
- Paid vacation ranging from 15 to 25 days per year.
- Up to 10 paid sick days annually.
- Paid parental and compassionate leave.
- Wellbeing programs and mental health support.
- Family planning benefits and wellness reimbursements.
- Commuter benefits and fitness-related reimbursements.