Contract VFX Artist

Virtual Vocations is hiring a Contract VFX Artist for a remote position based in the US. This role sits within the real-time VFX pipeline, responsible for building particle systems, shaders, and environmental effects that drive both gameplay moments and cinematic sequences. It’s a strong fit for a mid-to-senior level effects artist with game production credits and a portfolio that shows range across stylized and atmospheric work.

About the Role

The Contract VFX Artist works directly within the art department, contributing to a real-time VFX pipeline built around Unreal Engine. Day-to-day work includes building and iterating on effects for in-engine cinematics and interactive environments, coordinating with art direction to keep the visual language consistent across the project. This is a remote contract role, so the expectation is that you can take a brief and deliver production-ready assets with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Build high-quality real-time visual effects for gameplay, environmental storytelling, and in-engine cinematics using Unreal Engine’s Niagara system.
• Design particle systems and shader-driven effects that communicate player feedback clearly without compromising frame budget.
• Develop materials and shader networks that support the overall art direction and hold up across varied lighting conditions.
• Work within performance constraints to balance visual fidelity against real-time rendering requirements across target platforms.
• Collaborate with art directors and environment designers to ensure effects integrate cleanly with existing assets and scene composition.
• Iterate on effects based on design and creative feedback, delivering polished, implementation-ready work within production timelines.

What You Bring

• A minimum of 3 years creating real-time VFX within a game production pipeline or comparable interactive media context.
• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, with Niagara proficiency strongly preferred over legacy Cascade workflows.
• A portfolio that demonstrates high-quality stylized and atmospheric effects across multiple production types.
• Solid technical grounding in shaders, materials, and particle systems as they function within real-time engines.
• Proven ability to scope and deliver VFX work that meets both creative and performance targets.

Why This Role

Virtual Vocations connects skilled contractors with remote production work across the US, and this role offers direct engagement with a real-time VFX pipeline at a meaningful level of creative responsibility. For a Contract VFX Artist looking to build credits in interactive and cinematic game production, the scope of work here covers both the technical and expressive sides of the discipline.

Apply now to be considered for the Contract VFX Artist position with Virtual Vocations.