Magic Media hiring VFX Artist, Dublin

Elevate your career with Magic Media, a pioneering global entertainment and technology powerhouse. We are seeking a visionary Senior Real-Time VFX Artist to contribute to an unannounced AAA title for one of the industry’s most renowned studios. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise in fantasy and semi-realistic visual effects within a studio that values innovation, technical excellence, and creative freedom.

Job Overview: VFX Artist

Detailed Job Description

Magic Media is not just a service provider; we are a global partner to the world’s leading developers and publishers. With a physical presence in 15 countries, our expertise spans art, animation, cybersecurity, and game development. As a Senior Real-Time VFX Artist, you will be at the forefront of this creative machine, working on a high-profile, unannounced project that demands the highest level of fidelity and artistic polish.

This role is tailored for an artist who thrives in the “fantasy” and “semi-realistic” niches—someone who can balance the magical sparks of a spell with the grounded physics of a high-octane AAA environment. You will be part of a multicultural, international group that provides the support and infrastructure of a large organization with the agility of a focused creative studio.

Core Responsibilities

Your daily workflow will involve bridging the gap between artistic vision and technical implementation.

1. VFX Creation & Technical Artistry

• Real-Time Execution: Create visually stunning and stylistically consistent effects within a proprietary third-party engine.
• Asset Authoring: Develop all relevant VFX assets from scratch, including high-quality textures, static meshes, and custom shaders.
• Concept to Completion: Create initial concepts and describe ideas for visual effects, following them through to final implementation and polish.
• Shader Development: Utilize node-based editors (Shader Graph, Amplify) or code-based solutions to author complex shaders that bring your effects to life.

2. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

• Integration: Work hand-in-hand with Art Directors, Technical Artists, and Engineers to ensure VFX support and enhance gameplay systems.
• Communication: Proactively discuss implementation hurdles and resolve “blockers” by collaborating with specialized teams.
• Optimization: Ensure all effects are performant across multiple platforms (Console, PC, Mobile) without compromising the artistic “wow” factor.

3. Artistic Leadership

• Self-Critique: Operate with high autonomy, maintaining a self-reflecting outlook to identify and improve upon your own work before it reaches review.
• Mentorship & Problem Solving: Identify technical issues within the VFX pipeline and propose creative, scalable solutions.

Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a seasoned professional who understands that great VFX is a combination of timing, color theory, and technical optimization.

Required Technical Proficiencies

• Industry Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in the video game industry with at least one shipped AAA title.
• Engine Expertise: Expert-level knowledge of Unreal Engine or Unity (specifically Niagara or Shuriken/VFX Graph).
• Artistic Fundamentals: Deep understanding of color, shape language, ratio, and the vital importance of timing/weight in animation.
• Software Suite: Highly skilled in Photoshop or Substance for texture authoring.
• 3D Modeling: Proficient in Blender, Maya, 3DS Max, or Houdini for creating specialized meshes for VFX.

Soft Skills & Professionalism

• Autonomy: The ability to work without constant oversight while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Proactive Mindset: A “team player” attitude with an open mind toward finding creative solutions to complex technical constraints.
• Fluent English: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for this remote, international role.

Desirable Pluses

• Advanced Simulation: Experience with Houdini, Embergen, or Liquigen for fluid and smoke simulations.
• Coding: Basic programming skills in C# and experience with HLSL/GLSL for custom shader creation.
• Adaptability: A proven track record of quickly learning and mastering proprietary or third-party engines.
• Advanced Texturing: Familiarity with Substance Designer or Illugen.

The Magic Media Experience: Benefits & Culture

At Magic Media, we believe that a global workforce is a stronger workforce. We offer a professional environment where your potential can be fully unleashed.

Professional Development

• Diverse Portfolio: The opportunity to work on a wide variety of engaging projects beyond just one title, ensuring your skills stay sharp and versatile.
• Training: Ongoing professional training and self-improvement opportunities provided by the company.
• Career Pathing: Clear opportunities for growth within an international group that has offices worldwide.

Work-Life & Remote Culture

• Permanently Remote: Work from the comfort of your home, regardless of where you are located in the 15 countries we operate in (or beyond, depending on project needs).
• Inclusive Environment: Be part of a culture that prioritizes open communication and inclusivity.
• Global Collaboration: Daily interaction with a multicultural team of experts in VFX, animation, and game tech.

How to Apply

If you are ready to shape the visual identity of a major AAA title, we want to see your work.

1. Portfolio/Reel: Applications without a portfolio or demo reel showcasing real-time VFX will not be considered.

2. Resume: Please provide an updated CV in English.

3. Submission: Highlight your experience with fantasy or semi-realistic styles in your cover letter.

Magic Media is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate creativity and innovation through a diverse and inclusive workforce.