Lead VFX Artist

About the Role

The Lead VFX Artist will work closely with the Principal VFX Artist to plan, create, and test content creation and pipelines, ensuring seamless integration into the development team. This role requires a unique blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to balance hands-on VFX asset creation with day-to-day team management.

Insomniac Games is committed to creating a collaborative and dynamic work environment, where artists are encouraged to push the boundaries of what is possible in visual effects. As a Lead VFX Artist, you will be part of a talented team of artists, engineers, and designers working together to create innovative and engaging games.

What You Will Do

• Balance hands-on VFX asset creation with day-to-day team leadership and management of the VFX team
• Partner closely with the Principal VFX Artist to plan, create, and test content creation and pipelines
• Oversee and support external VFX partners, ensuring they meet quality expectations and adhere to style and technical standards
• Collaborate with Production Management to scope and estimate work, build schedules, assign tasks, and track progress for VFX deliverables
• Work closely with Art Directors to develop visual targets, maintain a cohesive visual style, and ensure consistent quality across all aspects of VFX
• Review VFX artists' work to ensure VFX content is performant, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with Art Direction
• Collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments, and VFX requirements
• Coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure VFX assets are delivered on time and integrated smoothly into the game
• Work closely with the Tool and Engine team to aid in the ongoing evolution and enhancements of proprietary tools and engine to improve and enhance VFX fidelity
• Champion and implement new production methods, best practices, and optimizations to improve efficiency and in-game performance

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience as a VFX Artist or Lead VFX Artist in the gaming industry
• Strong understanding of industry-standard tools and technologies, such as Maya, Houdini, or Nuke
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team of artists
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with multiple disciplines
• A portfolio demonstrating exceptional VFX art assets and a strong understanding of visual effects techniques
• Experience working with proprietary tools and engines, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze and resolve technical issues

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a remote or distributed team environment
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and version control systems, such as Git or Perforce
• Knowledge of scripting languages, such as Python or C#
• Experience with machine learning or AI-powered tools and technologies

Benefits and Perks

• The opportunity to work on high-profile, AAA games with a talented team of artists and developers
• A competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment, with regular team-building activities and social events
• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies, as well as ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• The flexibility to work remotely from anywhere in the United States, with regular check-ins and team meetings
• A comprehensive health and wellness program, including mental health support and employee assistance
• A generous retirement savings plan, with company matching and vesting schedules
• Paid parental leave and family care programs, with flexible scheduling and work arrangements

• When applying, be sure to mention the word QUIET and tag ROjox to show you've read the job post completely.
• Showcase your expertise in industry-standard tools and technologies, such as Maya, Houdini, or Nuke, and be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools in detail.
• Highlight your leadership and management skills, with specific examples of how you've motivated and guided a team of artists in the past.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience working with proprietary tools and engines, as well as your willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Emphasize your ability to work effectively in a remote or distributed team environment, with regular check-ins and team meetings.
• Consider creating a portfolio that demonstrates your exceptional VFX art assets and strong understanding of visual effects techniques.
• Be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits package, with a clear understanding of your worth and the market rate for your skills and experience.