VFX Artist-Irvine

At Blind Squirrel Games, creating exceptional games is just the start. As a proud, independent studio, we collaborate with developers and publishers who value innovation and excellence, serving as a trusted partner in bringing high-quality games to life.

Our people are central to our success, and we foster a dynamic, curious, and collaborative environment where individuals are empowered to take initiative and make a meaningful impact.

With studios in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; Auckland, New Zealand; and Manizales, Colombia, we bring together global talent to build premium, cutting-edge games. Guided by the Blind Squirrel Way, our teams operate with a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and collaboration to continually raise the bar.

This is a full-time position based in Irvine, CA, with a fully onsite requirement at our studio campus.

VFX Artists at BSG… 
Supported by the Senior VFX Artist and project Leads, the VFX Artist will help create, implement, and modify VFX assets and textures to an exceptional standard.  
As a VFX Artist at BSG, you will contribute to the project by simulating dynamics to animate game assets and rendering realistic, AAA Quality VFX using a breadth of contemporary tools.    
The ideal candidate for this role has experience in creating various VFX assets for Action RPG games and can translate a comprehensive knowledge of VFX software and the production pipeline of into stunning visuals that meets project expectations and deadlines.   

The salary for this position ranges from $70,000 to $95,000, depending on location, experience, and other relevant factors.

Role and Responsibilities 

• Develop shaders, textures geometry, and particle systems that simulate a wide variety of realistic, AAA quality VFX

• Maintain expert knowledge of production software, and the workflows needed to create real-time, in-game VFX 

• Simulate believable dynamics to animate game assets 

• Develop tools and processes to support the VFX pipeline 

• Resolve VFX development issues with engineers and technical artists 

• Report progress to production, and ensure production VFX assets are in source control 

• When necessary, adapt to create VFX for proprietary game pipelines 

• Learn new industry techniques, technology, and traditional art methods 

• Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectives 

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

•  Bachelor’s Degree in Art or equivalent work experience 

• 2+ years of experience in VFX entertainment production 

• At least one shipped AAA title as an FX Artist  

Preferred Skills  

• Production level knowledge on one 3D package (Maya, 3DS Max)
• Production level knowledge of Houdini

• Comprehensive knowledge of VFX production pipelines 

• Familiar with video game production and the limitations it places on in-game VFX 

• Used VFX software tools such as Maya nCloth, FumeFX, or Embergen or Houdini Pyro

• Extensive Game Engine experience 

• Generate textures using Photoshop or Substance Designer 

• Author VFX elements and sprite flipbooks using compositing programs like After Effects or Nuke. 

• Understand shaders as applied to game engine VFX 

• Comfortable working with node-based systems, scripts, proprietary tools 

• Passion for Video Games 

Pluses 

• Profile game performance using in-game tools 

• Previous experience developing VFX for contemporary engines, such as UE5 and Unity 

• Familiar developing VFX assets for modern consoles and PC 

• Develop tools using script languages; Python, Mel, etc. 

• Source control experience using Perforce

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Eligibility for benefits and perks may vary based on position, employment status, and location.     

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