VFX Artist, Auckland

At Blind Squirrel Games, making great games is only the beginning. Blind Squirrel Games is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, our people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our Squirrels. Depending on the needs of the project, we operate as a hybrid-remote studio, allowing our developers the flexibility to crush milestone goals at the studio or within the comfort of their own home.This is a full-time position onsite at our Auckland, NZ campus. VFX Artists at BSG… Supported by the Senior VFX Artist and project Leads, the VFX Artist will help create, implement, and modify VFX assets and textures to an exceptional standard. As a VFX Artist at BSG, you will contribute to the project by simulating dynamics to animate game assets and rendering both realistic and stylized VFX using a breadth of contemporary tools.The ideal candidate for this role has experience in creating various VFX assets for games and can translate comprehensive knowledge of VFX software and the production pipeline into stunning visuals that meet project expectations and deadlines. Role and Responsibilities Create textures, setup materials, manipulate particles, deform geometry, and program shaders that reflect physical dynamics of natural phenomena (e.g., fire, smoke, water, bubbles, lava, dust and/or foliage)Render both realistic and stylized looking VFX using game engine technology Maintain expert knowledge of production software, and the workflows needed to create real-time, in-game VFX Simulate believable dynamics to animate game assets Develop tools and processes to support the VFX pipeline Resolve VFX development issues with engineers and technical artistsReport progress to production, and ensure production VFX assets are in source control When necessary, adapt to create VFX for proprietary game pipelines Learn new industry techniques, technology, and traditional art methods Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectivesQualifications and Education Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Art or equivalent work experience 2+ years of experience in VFX entertainment production At least one shipped AAA title as an FX Artist Preferred Skills Production level knowledge on one 3D package (Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini) Comprehensive knowledge of VFX production pipelinesFamiliar with video game production and the limitations it places on in-game VFX Used VFX software tools such as Maya nCloth, FumeFX, or Houdini Pyro Game Engine experience with any of the following: Unreal, Unity, Lumberyard, or CryEngine Generate textures using Photoshop or Substance DesignerAuthor VFX elements and sprite flipbooks using compositing programs like After Effects or Nuke. Understand shaders as applied to game engine VFX Comfortable working with node-based systems, scripts, proprietary tools Passion for Video Games Pluses Previous experience developing VFX for contemporary engines, such as UE4 and UnityFamiliar developing VFX assets for modern consoles and PC Source control experience using Perforce Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.#J-18808-Ljbffr