VFX Artist (Lead)

Location: Hybrid or onsite in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, or Troy, New York, United States; hybrid work requires three studio days per week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Salary: CAD 95,000–115,000 per year for Senior level, CAD 110,000–130,000 per year for Specialist level; USD ranges are also listed at USD 100,000–120,000 for Senior and USD 115,000–140,000 for Specialist.

Company

hirify.global creates original and licensed video games with a focus on craft, experimentation, and distinctive gameplay experiences.

What you will do

• Define and build the visual effects look and style with the Art Director and project leadership.
• Create a wide range of real-time VFX for original and existing game properties.
• Establish visual benchmarks, references, best practices, and documented VFX systems.
• Plan VFX schedules, estimate resources, run team reviews, and maintain consistent quality.
• Mentor artists, support recruitment, and provide feedback on performance and career development.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, QA, and other art disciplines to solve complex technical and gameplay challenges.

Requirements

• 10+ years of real-time VFX experience in the game industry on console and/or PC platforms.
• A strong portfolio of shipped games.
• Strong skills in custom texture and shader creation.
• High proficiency with Photoshop, Substance Designer, EmberGen, Maya, Blender, Houdini, or related VFX tools.
• Technical understanding of hardware limitations, optimization, asset management, and collaboration with engineering teams.
• Self-direction, creativity, strong organization, and the ability to respond constructively to feedback.

Nice to have

• Experience with node-based VFX systems such as PopcornFX v2, Unity VFX Graph, or Unreal Engine Niagara.
• Experience with the EmberGen Elemental Suite.
• Additional experience in Tech Art, concepting, animation, UI, lighting, or design.
• A degree or equivalent experience in Digital Media Design, Game Design, or a related field.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid studio work with three required in-studio days each week.
• Opportunity to work on original and existing game IP.
• Inclusive workplace committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and a harassment-free environment.
• Lead responsibilities include promoting best practices, mentoring, and contributing to interdisciplinary project planning.