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Remote Vfx Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

Technical Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$130K - $156K/yr

Remote - US and Canada only thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly ... Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal performance across a wide range of target ...

All JobsVfx JobsRemote Vfx JobsRemote Vfx Jobs in Chicago, IL

Remote Vfx information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$43.3K

$109.2K

$156.6K

How much do remote vfx jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote vfx in Chicago, IL is $109,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,000.00 and $124,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote VFX artist?

Remote VFX (Visual Effects) artists are professionals who create digital effects for films, television, video games, and other media while working from a location outside of a traditional studio environment. They use specialized software to design, animate, and composite visual elements that enhance or create scenes. Working remotely allows VFX artists to collaborate with global teams and studios, offering flexibility and access to a wider range of projects. The role requires strong technical skills, creativity, and effective communication to ensure seamless integration of effects into various media.

What is a remote VFX job?

Visual effects or VFX is an animation process in which live-action film footage is enhanced with generated images. In a remote VFX job, you may work from home to help create VFX for animated shows, movies, video games, or another medium, such as mobile interfaces. You may help design graphics and special effects, work with another artist virtually to create the tools needed to realize their vision, or help to create a consistent visual appearance for a product. Most VFX artists collaborate with other creatives when working on special effects remotely. Other job titles include remote VFX animator and remote VFX designer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote VFX artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote VFX Artist, you need expertise in visual effects design, a strong portfolio, and proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Nuke, or Houdini. Familiarity with project management tools, cloud-based collaboration platforms, and sometimes certifications like Autodesk Certified Professional can enhance your workflow. Strong communication, self-motivation, and time management skills are crucial for effective remote collaboration and meeting deadlines. These abilities ensure high-quality visual output, seamless teamwork, and project success in a distributed work environment.

How do remote VFX artists typically collaborate with directors and other team members during a project?

Remote VFX artists often work closely with directors, producers, and other team members through digital communication tools such as video conferencing, project management platforms, and cloud-based file sharing systems. Regular virtual meetings and clear documentation help ensure everyone stays aligned on creative vision and deadlines. Artists may also use screen-sharing sessions to review work, receive feedback, and make real-time adjustments. Strong communication and proactive updates are essential for overcoming the challenges of remote collaboration and maintaining a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Remote Vfx vs Remote 3D Artist?

AspectRemote VfxRemote 3D Artist
CredentialsVFX software skills, portfolio, sometimes certifications3D modeling, rendering skills, portfolio, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentRemote, collaborative with VFX teams, post-production studiosRemote, working on 3D models, animations, often in design or entertainment industries
Employer & Industry UsageFilm, TV, advertising, gamingVideo games, film, advertising, product visualization

Remote Vfx specialists focus on creating visual effects for media, often collaborating with post-production teams. Remote 3D Artists develop 3D models and animations, typically for games, films, or product visuals. While both roles require strong technical skills and remote work capabilities, their focus areas and industry applications differ, making each role unique in its scope and expertise.

More about Remote Vfx jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Vfx jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Vfx jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Remote Vfx jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Remote Vfx jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Vfx jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Vfx jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Remote Vfx jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Remote Vfx job openings:

Remote Vfx jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Vfx job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 2% Temporary, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,184 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Technical Artist

NxT Level

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$130K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Remote – US and Canada only

thatgamecompany designs and develops artistically crafted, broadly accessible video games that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. We respect our players and want to contribute meaningful, enriching experiences that touch and inspire them.

We seek talent that values integrity and personal growth within an environment of intense collaboration and experimentation.

Our mission - create timeless entertainment that makes positive change to the human psyche worldwide. If you’ve been wanting to have a positive impact on people's lives and the creative challenges associated with doing something different and unique, then come help us shine brighter together.

Major Responsibilities

  • Work with engineering and art teams to develop custom shaders from scratch
  • Work across several art disciplines including shading, environment art, character art, animation and general art to support as the need arises.
  • Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal performance across a wide range of target platforms.
  • Lead efforts in building foundational systems for art to establish scenes, animation, rigging, FX, and material tests.
  • Coordinate with art, technical, and studio leads to help build and maintain a high-performance art pipeline from creation to final package delivery.
  • Contribute to the unique product artistic vision holding high standards for aesthetics and technical art implementation.
  • Optimizing art content for performance.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Profile and optimize shaders and VFX for optimal performance across a wide range of target platforms.
  • Working in our proprietary engine, help to establish our material and vfx pipelines.
  • Document workflows and best practices for materials and vfx

Must-Haves

  • A good understanding of shaders (HLSL and/or GLSL) and ideally able to handle supporting c++ code for those prototypes or tools if required
  • Solid experience working with shader, materials and vfx in an industry standard or proprietary game engine
  • Experience implementing visual effects in an industry standard or proprietary Game Engine from concept to completion
  • Solid experience profiling and optimizing shaders and vfx on multiple platforms
  • 3-5 or more years experience as a Technical Artist
  • Must have 3 or more years experience with Maya and modern 3D art pipelines
  • Proven experience building tools for modern art pipeline with a solid understanding of game engine scripting (ex. Unity, Unreal, Proprietary Engine)
  • Portfolio demonstrating the technical artistic ability, with a focus on custom shaders and vfx
  • Self-motivated and diligent, with established habits for tracking one’s own tasks and seeking out answers when needed

Nice to Haves

  • Writing c++ code would be a plus
  • Knowing Mel, Python, Lua, C++, is a plus
  • Understanding of animation pipelines, including character and environment systems
  • Strong communication skills and a positive and professional attitude
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience in Computer Science, 3D graphics, or related field
  • Experience working with offsite art and programming teams

Perks:

  • Paid Time Off, Holidays and Two Weeks Winter Break
  • Employees and their dependents get medical, dental, and vision coverage, regardless of their level, tenure, or position within the company. Moreover, these benefits start on the first day of the job—there’s no waiting period before they kick in.
  • Pet Insurance for those who need it too.
  • Compassionate leave for employees who needs to take care of their family members
  • Pre-tax wellness stipend
  • Pre-tax work from home stipend
  • Access our savings plan (401K program) with company match
  • Mental health resources including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program (CCA)
  • Discount portal for everyday goods and services
  • Employee inclusive and diversity initiatives such as Grow Together
  • Support for personal professional development

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