Job Description

Position at ILMxLAB

Position Summary

Senior Real-Time VFX Artists bring our worlds and characters to life with realistic visual effects that are optimized for real-time performance. We are looking for a Senior Real-Time VFX Artist who is passionate about bringing wizardry to our world-class, interactive experiences, and who reflects the innovative spirit and immersive storytelling that defines ILMxLAB. You will also play a key role in mentoring junior and mid-level artists.

On Any Given Day, You Might..

• Partner with the dev team to advance the state of real-time rendered immersive experiences, striving for highest possible visual representation of VFX while staying performant in the game engine
• Create and implement dynamic and compelling real-time effects animation, simulations, particle systems and shaders that meet all aesthetic, design and technical requirements for the project.
• Ensure that VFX design and implementation meets run-time and performance budgeting requirements
• Preview work in-engine & through the VR headset. Iterate, optimize, and polish to quality and visual direction set by the creative leads
• Strive to continually raise the bar for quality, efficiency and adaptability
• Keep up with industry trends and new real-time tools/workflows; contribute to improving and advancing workflows and inspire others through sharing knowledge
• Collaborate in development of breakdowns, task lists, estimates, schedules, milestones and overall project goals as necessary; participate in project stand-ups, meetings, and reviews
• Develop creative solutions to complex production issues and technical challenges, prioritizing and resolving bugs and clearing obstacles
• Actively participate in concept testing of new ideas and building of rapid prototypes
• Supervision of junior and mid-level artist, as required

Here Are The Skills And Experience You Need To Be Successful In This Role:

• 5+ years experience in games, film, television, AR/VR or related fields
• Proficiency in real-time and interactive production workflows, tools, particle systems, lighting, texture painting, texture/UV animation, UV layout, engine parameters/optimizations, material setup, and procedural animation
• Strong 3D art skills with experience and deep understanding of optimizing and constructing modelling, texturing, UV mapping, animation, shading, lighting and particle effects for real-time workflows
• Experience using Unreal Engine (or equivalent), Photoshop and Maya to create real-time VFX
• Able to paint VFX textures from scratch and match an established style
• Experience creating and using real-time shaders
• Experience with modelling & physics for realistic hair and cloth
• Strong artistic & technical problem-solving skills, able to adapt and learn new processes and technical skills
• Comfortable 'wearing a few different hats' in a dynamic, small-to-medium sized team environment

Here Are Some Additional Skills And Experience That Would Add To Your Preparedness For This Role:

• Basic understanding of game scripting
• Professional experience with dynamics and simulation packages: Houdini, Real Flow, Fumefx, etc.
• Experience or interest in the creation of VR & AR experiences
• Passion for playing and making games
• VFX production / pipeline experience
• Previous experience as a lead on a project is a plus

• A portfolio / reel submission - including a detailed breakdown of your work in each section/shot - is required with all applications