Lead VFX Artist (Unreal Engine)

Location: Orange, California, United States; onsite or hybrid preferred, with remote considered.

Salary: $130,000–$170,000 USD annually, plus potential discretionary bonuses and benefits.

Company

hirify.global is a game development studio focused on creating powerful, transformative storytelling experiences, including Kena: Bridge of Spirits.

What you will do

• Lead the creation and implementation of real-time visual effects for characters, environments, and gameplay.
• Own the artistic and technical direction of particles, shaders, textures, simulations, and related VFX assets.
• Mentor, support, and develop a team of VFX artists through feedback, critique, and coaching.
• Collaborate with art, animation, programming, technical art, design, and production teams to integrate VFX into the game.
• Maintain and improve VFX tools, workflows, and production pipelines.
• Validate asset quality, optimization, and compliance with engine and platform performance constraints.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Art, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5–7 years of experience creating visual effects for video games, supported by a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in creating real-time VFX for Unreal Engine.
• Experience with VFX optimization and performance profiling.
• Experience creating stylized FX textures from scratch.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and attention-to-detail skills.

Nice to have

• Experience working on AAA game titles.
• Experience creating both stylized and realistic VFX.
• Knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 VFX tools, including Niagara Fluids and Chaos Destruction.
• Familiarity with Houdini, Maya, and Photoshop.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on storytelling and immersive game experiences.
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.
• Potential eligibility for discretionary bonuses.