Absurd Ventures hiring Lead VFX Artist (Real-Time UE5)

Absurd Ventures is seeking a talented and experienced Lead VFX Artist to drive the creation of stunning real-time visual effects for our ambitious open-world project. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the visual identity of the project in its early stages while collaborating closely with Art, Design, and Engineering teams to bring our expansive world to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the VFX Team: Mentor and guide junior VFX artists, fostering growth and ensuring high-quality output.
• Create Real-Time VFX: Develop high-quality effects for environmental elements, character abilities, destruction systems, and cinematic sequences.
• VFX Pipeline & Best Practices: Define workflows to optimize asset creation and integration while ensuring AAA-quality standards.
• Artistic Direction: Collaborate with the Art Director to establish visual style, tone, and pacing for both game and cinematic events.
• Pre-Production & Concepting: Lead concept development, reviews, and previsualization (previs) planning to set AAA visual goals.
• Technical Collaboration: Work with Technical Material Artists, Engineering, and Tech Art to build tools, master materials, and implement optimized real-time effects.
• Problem Solving: Troubleshoot integration, performance, and memory optimization challenges for complex VFX.
• R&D & Innovation: Stay updated on the latest real-time VFX trends and implement innovative techniques to enhance the project.
• Production Coordination: Plan, estimate, and track VFX tasks in alignment with project milestones and deadlines.

Core Qualifications

• Strong portfolio showcasing real-time VFX work across multiple projects.
• 5–8 years of experience as a VFX Lead or Senior VFX Artist.
• Shipped at least one AAA title as a VFX Lead or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine 5, particle systems, shaders, lighting, and real-time rendering pipelines.
• Ability to balance visual fidelity with optimized technical performance.
• Experience collaborating across departments including Design, Lighting, Environment, Cinematics, and Marketing.
• Deep understanding of timing, animation, physics, and motion in visual effects.
• Familiarity with PBR lighting and physics-based effects.
• Experience with third-party VFX tools: Houdini, 3ds Max, Maya, Embergen.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for creating immersive, visually compelling game worlds.

Bonus / Preferred Skills

• Experience with dynamic weather systems, large-scale destruction effects, or advanced open-world VFX.
• Familiarity with scripting or visual scripting tools for VFX implementation.

Employment Details

• Type: Full-time, On-site
• Location: Santa Monica, CA (near downtown, accessible via metro/freeway)
• Salary: $150,000 – $190,000 per year (based on experience, location, and qualifications)
• Benefits: Paid time off, sick leave, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401(k). Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

This is a high-impact role for a creative and technical VFX leader ready to influence the visual direction of a AAA open-world game and push the boundaries of real-time effects.