Cloud Chamber · 1 week ago
Lead VFX Artist
Novato, CA
Full-time
Hybrid
Lead/Staff
$134K/yr - $198K/yr
8+ years expCloud Chamber is dedicated to creating immersive experiences through the BioShock series, and they are seeking a Lead VFX Artist to drive the creation and optimization of visual effects for BioShock 4. The role involves leading a team of VFX artists, setting technical benchmarks, and collaborating with various departments to ensure high-quality integration of effects into the gameplay.
ComputerDeveloper PlatformMedia and EntertainmentVideo Games
Responsibilities
Design, prototype, and implement real-time visual effects (environmental, gameplay, cinematic, character-based, destruction, etc.) using Unreal Engine 5 and Niagara
Help refine the artistic style and quality bar for VFX, ensuring alignment with the game’s creative vision
Develop, document, and maintain efficient VFX pipelines, including asset workflows, optimization guidelines, and integration standards
Partner with Tech Art and Engineering to troubleshoot, profile, and optimize effects across multiple platforms
Establish best practices for asset creation, shader usage, GPU/CPU performance, and memory footprint
Lead, mentor, and provide feedback to a team of VFX artists, fostering growth and high-quality output
Work closely with other departments (Environment, Animation, Lighting, Audio, Design) to integrate VFX seamlessly into the gameplay experience
Act as the primary point of contact for all VFX-related topics, guiding cross-disciplinary discussions
Qualification
Required
A minimum of 8+ years in game development, with at least 3+ years in a Senior or Lead capacity with 1 or more AAA console or PC titles shipped from concept to launch, recognized for high visual fidelity or complex technical effects
Bachelor's Degree in Art, or equivalent work experience
5+ years of professional VFX experience in the video game industry, with at least 1 shipped AAA title as a senior or lead artist
Expert knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 (Niagara, Material Editor, Sequencer, Blueprint integration)
Strong understanding of real-time pipelines, including asset workflows, performance budgets, and optimization techniques
Solid grasp of timing, motion, and visual storytelling principles to craft effects that enhance player immersion
Experience with particle simulation, and dynamic materials
Able to balance artistic quality with technical performance across multiple platforms
Experienced in working in cross-disciplinary teams with strong communication skills
Passion for pushing the boundaries of real-time visual effects
A proven leader with excellent management and mentoring skills and a track record of successfully guiding high functioning teams
A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism
A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment
Demonstrates persistence, self-motivation, and a proactive mindset, maintaining effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities
Build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, showing an ability to listen actively, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence
Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints
A strong ownership of tasks, drives work forward autonomously, and maintains a critical eye for detail and organization to ensure high standards of quality
Proficiency in French is required for candidates located in Quebec
Proficiency in English is required to effectively collaborate with teams based in the United States
Benefits
Bonus
Equity awards
Eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan
Employee Stock Purchase Program
Medical
Dental
Vision
Basic life insurance coverage
14 paid holidays per calendar year
Paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days)
Eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program
Up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year
Paid parental and compassionate leave
Wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support
Family planning support through Maven
Commuter benefits
Reimbursements for fitness-related expenses
Company
Cloud Chamber
Cloud Chamber is a gaming studio that develops video games and entertainment creation services.
51-200 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Cloud Chamber has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (7)
2024 (10)
2023 (21)
2022 (20)
2021 (12)
2020 (6)
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2025-11-08
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