Senior VFX Artist

Keywords Studios

1d•Remote

About The Position

Keywords Studios is seeking a Senior VFX Artist to join their team in Japan. This role involves driving the creation and optimization of complex real-time VFX and shader networks, designing and implementing shader networks, and researching innovative rendering techniques. The artist will also be responsible for developing and maintaining tools and scripts to improve content creation efficiency, establishing content creation standards, and leading the advancement of the art production pipeline. Collaboration with Art, Design, and Engineering teams is crucial, as is providing technical support and mentoring junior artists. The role also includes creating and maintaining technical documentation and staying aware of emerging technologies and industry trends.

Requirements

Approximately 5+ years of professional experience in the games industry.
Strong foundational knowledge of the art pipeline, an artistic eye and practical experience in art and animation content creation.
Demonstrated skills and interest across multiple technical domains: Shader development, VFX / Particles, Pipeline and tool development, and Real-time physics simulations.
Proven proficiency in scripting and coding in one or more core languages.
Current, hands-on development experience with modern commercial game engines.
Strong foundational knowledge in at least one industry DCC package (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, Adobe Suite) and advanced skills in at least one relevant development package (Houdini, EmberGen, After Effects, or Substance suite).
Strong attention to detail, excellent time management, problem-solving, and highly effective communication skills.
Fluent in Japanese and with a high degree of English language proficiency.
Applicants must be currently residing in Japan and possess valid authorization to work in Japan.

Nice To Haves

Previous production experience working on the demands and complexities of AAA game development.
Familiarity with console development, including handheld platforms.
Specialised experience creating motion graphics, interface animations and in-engine visual effects (VFX) specifically designed for user interface elements.
skill set in traditional art, drawing, or painting, providing a solid foundation in composition, colour theory, and aesthetic sensibility.

Responsibilities

Drive the creation and optimisation of complex real-time VFX and shader networks to achieve the game's visual goals.
Design, implement, and optimise complex real-time shader networks and materials to support both VFX and general rendering needs (e.g., custom rendering passes, post-effects).
Research and integrate innovative rendering techniques, specialised VFX tools, and procedural methods to push the visual quality bar.
Develop and maintain robust tools, scripts, and processes that facilitate content creation, focusing on automation and improving team productivity and user experience.
Establish and govern content creation standards and technical specifications for all art assets, personally overseeing optimisation, integration, and validation prior to certification.
Lead the advancement and maintenance of the art production pipeline, ensuring smooth data flow and technical stability between DCC packages and the game engine.
Act as the primary technical liaison between the Art, Design, and Engineering teams, translating artistic requirements into technical specifications and engineering limitations into actionable art goals.
Serve as the go-to for the Art and Animation teams, providing prompt technical support, troubleshooting complex bugs, and resolving pipeline blockages.
Share learnings, technical insights, and new workflows across the studio, actively mentoring mid-level and junior artists on best practices in real-time VFX and optimisation.
Create and maintain clear, up-to-date technical documentation on all tools, workflows, best practices, and established art specifications.
Proactively identify technical debt and potential future production risks, proposing, testing and documenting long-term technical solutions.
Maintain an active awareness of emerging technologies, engine updates, and industry trends to ensure the studio's technical art practices remain competitive and efficient.