Sr. VFX Artist

Disney is hiring a Sr. VFX Artist based in Glendale, CA, working remotely on a new interactive game experience under the Disney Digital Entertainment division. This role sits within the VFX pipeline of a game development team, responsible for building real-time visual effects that bring Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters and worlds to life in Unreal 5. It suits a seasoned VFX artist with a strong production background in games who can own effects from texture creation through final in-engine implementation.

About the Role

The Sr. VFX Artist reports to the Lead VFX Artist within a growing game development team building what Disney describes as a next-generation interactive universe. Day-to-day work centers on designing and implementing real-time VFX across gameplay systems, including magical powers, environmental atmospherics, and character transformations rooted in some of the most recognizable IP in entertainment. This is a production-active role, not a concept-only position, requiring both artistic vision and technical fluency inside the VFX pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement real-time visual effects in Unreal 5 using Niagara, covering gameplay moments, atmospheric systems, weather, and world-building effects across multiple Disney properties.
• Build VFX textures, materials, and geometry from scratch with the ability to match a broad range of styles without relying on existing concept art.
• Technically integrate and troubleshoot effects in-engine, maintaining visual fidelity and performance across game builds.
• Prototype and refine effects that directly support and communicate gameplay mechanics in collaboration with designers and engineers.
• Participate in group critiques and iterate on assets through paint-overs and studies alongside other artists on the team.
• Work within complex node-based systems and tools, applying technical problem-solving to production challenges in a real-time animation studio environment.

What You Bring

• Minimum 5 years in game development, with at least 3 years specifically holding a VFX Artist credit.
• Expert-level proficiency in Maya, Substance, and Photoshop, with production experience in Unreal 5 and Niagara strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of 3D graphics fundamentals including shaders, particle systems, physics simulations, and ribbon effects.
• Experience with Houdini or other VFX simulation tools is a plus.
• A portfolio of real-time VFX work created for games is required for consideration.
• Bachelor’s degree in Art or Design, or equivalent professional experience in game or film production.

Why This Role

Disney Digital Entertainment is building a new property from the ground up, which means this Sr. VFX Artist position carries genuine creative weight rather than maintenance work on an existing title. The salary range for this remote role is $120,800 to $186,200 per year, with potential bonus and long-term incentive units included in the compensation package. Disney also offers a full benefits package covering health, savings, and education.

Apply now for the Sr. VFX Artist role at Disney and submit your portfolio for immediate consideration.