Principal VFX Artist

Responsibilities

• In this role, you will
• Drive VFX systems and quality, design reusable, scalable solutions that support rapid iteration and long-term production across gameplay, cosmetics, and arena systems
• Author outstanding real-time effects across a range of styles, from grounded and physical to high-energy and stylized
• Collaborate with Tech Art and Programming to define performance budgets and hit them without sacrificing visual quality
• Prototype and validate new VFX workflows
• Set the quality bar, defining what "good" looks like for the team
• Mentor and elevate artists across disciplines; raise the floor and the ceiling

Requirements

• Real-time FX portfolio required, shipped titles carry more weight than student work
• Deep proficiency with Niagara and Unreal Engine's material system
• Shader authoring experience (HLSL or Material Editor)
• Scripting experience - Python, Blueprint, or equivalent; this is what separates a technical FX artist from a visual one
• Strong understanding of GPU performance - draw calls, particle costs, memory - and a track record of optimizing without killing the look
• A critical eye for timing, weight, and motion grounded in how things actually behave in the real world
• Experience shipping multiple titles in the game industry
• Experience on a live-service game is a strong plus
• Houdini experience is a plus for candidates who work from simulation reference
• This role is open to multiple locations in North America (including CA & WA).
• Pay Transparency Information
• California Base Pay Range$200,423-$293,954 USDWashington Base Pay Range$182,204-$267,232 USD ABOUT US
• Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
• Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here .

Additional Information

WHAT MAKES US EPIC? At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating. Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ART What We Do Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world-class environment, character and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.

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