Lead VFX Artist

Turtle Rock Studios•Irvine, CA

3h•$135,000 - $165,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Turtle Rock, we make the games we want to play. We're dedicated to providing a collaborative environment where our team members feel empowered with the creative freedom to contribute and grow. While we are based in Orange County, CA, we support flexible work arrangements ranging from in-studio, hybrid, to fully remote throughout North America. Join our award-winning game development team and help create our next hit title. We are looking for a Lead VFX Artist to be a part of our VFX team. The Lead VFX Artist will maintain consistency across the department providing direction and feedback, ensuring all team members understand their role in the department and know what is expected of them. The right candidate will look for opportunities to enhance the player experience, embrace and provide constructive feedback while guiding the creative process; driving VFX process for game effects. This position will report to the Creative Director.

Requirements

7+ years game experience in creating effects in game development with one or more shipped titles on multiple platforms
Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in creating real-time effects
Self-driven, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude
Ability to problem-solve and prioritize issues while working with a team
Experience with creating compelling, real-time effects using Photoshop, Maya, and/or in-game effects systems
Knowledgeable of 3D graphics, particle systems, physics, etc.
Experience in UE5
Keen production sensibilities, ability to collaborate on timelines and communicate with Production and team members on task duration and prioritization
Ability to maintain high quality and consistent progress
Strong leadership, mentoring, and teaching skills
Strong ability to interpret and adapt to general and flexible direction. Can thrive in a highly collaborative, team-oriented environment
Proficient in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender

Nice To Haves

Shipped one or more major titles on current generation/PC platforms as a Senior VFX artist
Experience with AAA First Person action titles
Previous leadership experience preferred, or senior/principal role in games environments
Experience working with shaders and materials
Familiarity with asset tracking and issue tracking tools such as Perforce and JIRA
Passion for games

Responsibilities

Lead the VFX team: maintain consistency across the department providing direction and feedback, ensuring all team members understand their role in the department and know what is expected of them
Lead team meetings and relay important studio information when required
Work closely with department manager to provide mentorship and coaching for VFX team members including but not limited to: 1:1s, career development, performance evaluations, and goal setting
Guide the creative process; drive the concept process for game effects
Bring in-progress and prototype effects to completion
Work with the Art Directors and art teams to ensure artistic unity across the game
Create real-time visual effects to enhance environments, characters, and combat
Work with designers, engineers, and other artists in creating strong moment-to-moment gameplay
Collaborate with other team members to ensure that assets fall within set parameters in regards to performance, best practices, and art style
Playtest with both the studio and the VFX team to review and iterate VFX