Lead VFX Artist - Real-time Simulations

About the Role

Our client, a cutting-edge technology firm specializing in immersive simulation and training solutions, is seeking a talented Lead VFX Artist for their Pretoria, Gauteng office. This role requires a seasoned artist with a deep understanding of creating realistic and impactful visual effects for real-time applications. You will lead a team of VFX artists, guiding them in the creation of dynamic simulations, explosions, particle systems, and environmental effects. This is a hybrid role, requiring a balance of on-site collaboration and remote work. The ideal candidate is a creative visionary with exceptional technical skills, a strong understanding of physics-based simulations, and the ability to mentor and inspire a team. You will play a critical role in enhancing the visual fidelity and immersion of our training platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of VFX artists in the creation of high-quality real-time visual effects.
• Develop and implement complex particle systems, simulations (fire, smoke, fluid dynamics), and destruction effects.
• Collaborate closely with simulation engineers and software developers to integrate VFX seamlessly into the simulation engine.
• Establish and maintain visual quality standards and best practices for VFX production.
• Create and optimize VFX assets for performance across various hardware configurations.
• Contribute directly to asset creation, focusing on complex effects and challenging technical requirements.
• Develop and refine shaders and materials to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and techniques in real-time VFX and simulation.
• Provide technical and artistic feedback to team members.
• Manage project timelines and resource allocation for the VFX team.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in VFX artistry, with a significant portion focused on real-time applications (games, simulation, VR/AR).
• Proven experience leading a team of artists or managing VFX projects.
• Strong portfolio showcasing expertise in particle systems, simulations, and real-time rendering techniques.
• Proficiency with VFX creation tools such as Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max, and related plugins.
• Expertise in game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, particularly their VFX and simulation systems.
• Solid understanding of fluid dynamics, rigid body simulations, and other physics-based phenomena.
• Experience with shader development and material creation.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail and visual aesthetics.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing remote and in-office contributions in Pretoria, Gauteng.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous vacation and personal leave policy.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending industry conferences.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment with cutting-edge technology.
• Flexible working hours within the hybrid model.
• Contribution to impactful simulation and training technologies.

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