Remote US
Lead Visual Effects Artist
Posted:
about 7 hours
Art and Animation
Full-Time
Lead / Principal
$147,700 - $221,500 USD
Insomniac is looking for a new Lead VFX Artist. In this role, the Lead VFX Artist is responsible for managing and developing a visual effects team. Has the knowledge and experience of creating art assets and sets an example for the team by demonstrating a mastery of industry standards and tools, proprietary technology, and departmental production workflows. Has a proven understanding of production schedules and project goals, along with game performance, and technical considerations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Balances hands-on VFX creation with leadership and VFX team artist management.
- Collaborates with Principal VFX Artist to plan, create and test content creation pipelines before deploying to the development team.
- Ensures that external VFX partners are trained properly and performing at quality.
- Works alongside Production Management team to scope, plan, and manage tasks and track bugs for a project
- Works closely with the Art Director to maintain quality and style consistent across all VFX for a project.
- Provides direction to VFX artists for aesthetic and technical considerations
- Provides support in the creation and animation of real-time digital FX elements to meet and enhance art direction, including VFX that reflect physical dynamics of natural phenomena.
- Works closely with the design and gameplay teams to aid in the production of VFX that support gameplay, accessibility, and the user experience.
- Works closely with the Tool and Engine team to aid in the ongoing evolution and enhancements of proprietary tools and engine to improve and enhance VFX fidelity.
- Works closely with cross-disciplinary art teams to aid in the production of spectacle cinematic moments and support game narrative.
- Manages, mentors and grows the interpersonal and technical skills of VFX Artists, including performance reviews.
- Helps implement new production methods to improve performance and efficiency of the team.
- Works with cross-disciplinary departments to ensure that assets are delivered in a timely manner.
- Ensures that all complaints and concerns related to inappropriate or unprofessional conduct in the workplace are addressed immediately to foster a safe work environment.
- Other duties may apply.
Supervisory Duties
This role has supervisor duties.
Supervisory Duties Details
Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Computer Skills:
- Advanced level in Houdini and Maya: expert understanding of these DCC visual effects packages, competent working with joints and locators, animation/keyframing, rigid-body and fluid simulations, materials, shaders, lighting and rendering.
- 3d modeling and procedural modeling/UV’ing skills are a must.
- Strong knowledge and experience with modern game engines/editors such as Unreal, Unity, proprietary, etc.
- Proficient with real-time particle-editors and VFX systems such as Unreal’s Niagara, PopcornFX, etc.
- Advance understanding of complex node-based shader networks such as those used in Unreal, Unity, etc.
- Familiarity with game scripting and/or node-based systems (e.g. Unreal Blueprint, etc).
- Have strong grasp of technical scripting, programming and expressions pertaining to DCC and graphics: e.g. MEL, Python, Houdini VEX, HLSL Shaders, etc.
- Proficient in Photoshop for painting and editing textures.
- Strong knowledge of procedural texture generation software (e.g. Substance Designer, Filter-Forge, After-Effects, etc).
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Knowledge of other visual effects or CG software a plus (e.g. Blender, Nuke, etc).
Other Skills:
- Excellent foundations skills, including composition, design, and color theory.
- The ability to work with detailed concept art or reference art/ materials.
- Strong traditional painting skills in both stylized and photorealistic styles.
- Strong leadership and mentoring abilities and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to find creative solutions for technically challenging tasks.
Please refer to our Candidate Privacy Notice for more information about how we process your personal information, and your data protection rights.
At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.
Base pay is one component of our total compensation package. Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location, as well as additional compensation components, such as annual bonus, profit sharing, and other incentive plans.
In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.
Profit Sharing (PSS Only)
$147,700 - $221,500 USD
About Insomniac Games
What does it take to be an Insomniac? A true passion for game development, especially for the types of games we create. The ability to thrive in the rapid pace of an exciting studio. The imagination to deliver amazing player experiences. Sound like you? We can’t wait to hear from you!
Insomniac Games has studios in Burbank, CA and in Durham, NC with talented developers all over the country. Insomniac embraces a flexible work environment, and we will consider remote work arrangements for most openings across the US*. Positions that require in-studio only work are in the specific job posting.
PLEASE NOTE: Insomniac Games will only reach out to candidates via an @insomniacgames.com domain, and we will/would NEVER ask a candidate for personal information, money to purchase technology, or for banking information. If you feel that you have been contacted by someone posing as an Insomniac, please feel free to reach out to us at hrinfo@insomniacgames.com and we can confirm your contact/emails. We would never want anyone to be taken advantage of, and hope that by sharing this information we can help our talented community of developers avoid being taken in by scams. Thank you.
*Our recruitment team is happy to confirm whether or not a state is eligible for remote work before scheduling an interview.
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