Lead VFX Artist

ARCANAUT STUDIOSLead VFX ArtistFULL-TIME | BC OR ALBERTA
(REMOTE FRIENDLY)
OUR ARC
Arcanaut Studios is a team of seasoned developers founded on the axiom that creative freedom and independence lead to better, more innovative games. We believe in the power of small, agile teams. We are decision makers with consistent collaboration across disciplines that drive the project vision and create a seamless player experience.
Arcanaut Studios is a Canadian company with offices in Edmonton, AB and Kelowna, BC. We offer a flexible work environment combining from-home, in-office, and remote work as well as competitive industry compensation and benefits. By joining us, you will be welcomed into a diverse team of talented developers creating an immersive universe of story, character, and discovery.
YOUR ARC
As the Lead VFX Artist, you will define the visual language of the game with a focus on technical leadership, VFX pipelines, combat-focused artistry and performance optimization. You will ensure every effect enhances gameplay clarity and cinematic immersion. You are the mentor and coach to talented VFX artists internally and externally to create earth shattering combat abilities to immersive environmental atmospheres.
Responsibilities

• Collaboration and aligned vision with the Art Director to define the game’s VFX style and maintain consistency across environments, characters and combat
• Mentoring and coaching a team of VFX artists, internally and externally, providing clear direction and feedback on technical and creative challenges
• Establish and optimize a scalable VFX pipeline with VFX tools and Unreal Engine 5
• Design high-impact combat VFX that prioritize gameplay readability and player feedback
• Set and maintain performance budgets across PC and consoles, ensuring “spectacle” moments do not compromise framerate
• Work closely with designers, programmers and animators to integrate VFX into complex RPG systems and cinematic sequences.
• Define and write clear documentation that outline pipelines and process from initial concepts to final asset delivery of VFX from initial concepts to final asset delivery of VFX
• Leverage capabilities in marketplace and Unreal Engine to advance production time on VFX

Qualifications and Experience

• 8+ years in game VFX with at least one shipped AAA title in a Lead role
• Expert proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, Niagara, Houdini and Maya
• Strong understanding of blueprints, shaders, real-time rendering and lighting
• Ability to lead high impact initiatives and solve complex problems
• Excellent cross discipline collaboration, communication and presentation skills
• Advance skills in debugging and performance optimization

BENEFITS

• We offer a rewards package to help you live your best life while doing your best work, including medical and dental coverage, retirement savings contributions and a Flex Benefit program that has a wide array of coverage to best fit your personal situation.
• We offer 3 weeks of vacation per year in addition to summer and winter studio breaks that are each two weeks long.
• The hiring range for this position is $130,000 – $180,000 in addition to a bi-yearly performance-based bonus. The base pay may vary depending on the candidate’s region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

To apply, please include your CV with a link to your demo reel if applicable.