Lead VFX Artist

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a talented and experienced Lead VFX Artist to drive the visual effects creation for a small incubation team in Bellevue, WA. The successful candidate will possess a passion for gaming, a portfolio of high-quality visual effects, and the leadership skills necessary to guide a growing team in creating visually impactful VFX. The Lead VFX Artist will be responsible for leading the creation and implementation of high-quality visual effects that align with the game's artistic and technical vision, utilizing advanced technical skills in Unreal Engine, Niagara, Houdini, and Sequencer. They will also collaborate effectively with various teams within the studio and contribute as an individual contributor while preparing to transition into a management role overseeing a small VFX team.

• Lead the creation and implementation of high-quality visual effects that align with the game’s artistic and technical vision.
• Craft intricate simulations, create stunning particle effects, and integrate these elements seamlessly into the game through a deep understanding of various game systems.
• Apply a strong mathematical foundation to design and implement visually stunning effects that also align with gameplay requirements.
• Utilize advanced technical skills in Unreal Engine, Niagara, Houdini, and Sequencer to develop and integrate high-impact visual effects.
• Develop and optimize VFX workflows, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and maintaining high visual impact.
• Collaborate effectively with various teams within the studio, including Design, Art, and Engineering, to ensure the seamless integration of visual effects into the game.
• Contribute to the team as an individual contributor while preparing to transition into a management role overseeing a small VFX team as the team grows.
• Cultivate strong relationships and effectively manage workflows with external partners.
• Document best practices and workflows for internal and external teams.
• Collaborate with recruiting on the hiring efforts for the rest of the internal VFX team.
• Proven experience in a VFX artist role within the games industry, with at least one shipped AAA title where you contributed to VFX as a Senior or Lead.
• Expertise integrating VFX into Unreal Engine and experience with either Niagara or Houdini.
• Proficiency in VFX workflows, tooling, and game system integration.
• Strong mathematical foundation to collaborate and partner with engineering effectively.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, delivering high-quality results with minimal supervision, as well as adaptable team player who is comfortable collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex VFX concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of VFX projects from concept to completion.
• A strong portfolio showcasing your best VFX work, demonstrating both technical skills and creative abilities.

• Proven experience in a VFX artist role within the games industry, with at least one shipped AAA title where you contributed to VFX as a Senior or Lead.
• Expertise integrating VFX into Unreal Engine and experience with either Niagara or Houdini. Candidates with experience in similar proprietary engines/tools that demonstrate a skill level that meets or exceeds our needs, will also be considered.
• Proficiency in VFX workflows, tooling, and game system integration.
• Strong mathematical foundation to collaborate and partner with engineering effectively.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, delivering high-quality results with minimal supervision, as well as adaptable team player who is comfortable collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex VFX concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of VFX projects from concept to completion.
• A strong portfolio showcasing your best VFX work, demonstrating both technical skills and creative abilities. An ideal portfolio will include:
• High quality and varied types of VFX work, such as different types of explosions, liquid simulations, smoke, particle effects, etc. This will help us evaluate your breadth of skills and creativity.
• Instances where you have integrated VFX into a gaming environment effectively. We're particularly interested in seeing how your VFX fits within the game's aesthetic and interacts with gameplay.

• Strong mathematical foundation to collaborate and partner with engineering effectively.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, delivering high-quality results with minimal supervision.
• Adaptable team player who is comfortable collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex VFX concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of VFX projects from concept to completion.
• Strong portfolio showcasing best VFX work, demonstrating technical skills and creative abilities.
• Bonus: Strong leadership skills and have managed a small team or strike team.
• Bonus: Experience with Sequencer.
• Bonus: Familiarity in partnering with outsourcing.
• Pay range of $110,000-$160,000 USD (annual base salary).
• Generous benefits package provided to all full-time employees.