Vfx Artist

At Blind Squirrel Games, making great games is only the beginning. Blind Squirrel Games is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, our people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our Squirrels. Depending on the needs of the project, we operate as a hybrid-remote studio, allowing our developers the flexibility to crush milestone goals at the studio or within the comfort of their own home.

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas, Auckland, New Zealand, & an upcoming new studio in Manizales, Colombia!

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us, diversity isn't a metric—it's a must!

This is a full-time position onsite at our Auckland, NZ 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 both realistic and stylized VFX using a breadth of contemporary tools.

The ideal candidate for this role has experience in creating various VFX assets for [project genre] games and can translate comprehensive knowledge VFX software and the production pipeline of into stunning visuals that meets project expectations and deadlines.

Role and Responsibilities

• Create textures, setup materials, manipulate particles, deform geometry, and program shaders that reflect physical dynamics of natural phenomena (e.g., fire, smoke, water, bubbles, lava, dust and/or foliage)
• Render both realistic and stylized looking VFX using game engine technology
• 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, 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 Houdini Pyro
• Game Engine experience with any of the following: Unreal, Unity, Lumberyard, or CryEngine
• 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 UE4 and Unity
• Familiar developing VFX assets for modern consoles and PC
• Develop tools using script languages; Python, MAXScript, 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, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.

Notice to Job Applicants that certain personal information is collected as a part of this application process and submission of your application is considered your acknowledgment that you have read and understand our policies applicable to such process and consent to the collection and processing of your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy. To review our policies, please visit our [website] and click [“Privacy”].