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Senior Vfx Artist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior VFX Artist We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we ...

Senior VFX Artist _____ We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success ...

What We Are Looking For The Senior VFX Artist works across all our titles and interacts directly with the VFX Director, Art Directors, and Designers to create world-class special effects that push ...

What We Are Looking For The Senior VFX Artist works across all our titles and interacts directly with the VFX Director, Art Directors, and Designers to create world-class special effects that push ...

Summary We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Real-Time VFX Artist to craft stunning visual effects for our ambitious open-world project. As a core member of the VFX team, you will be relied upon to ...

Shipped one or more major titles on current generation/PC platforms as a Senior VFX artist * Experience with AAA First Person action titles * Previous leadership experience preferred, or senior ...

Lead VFX Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Shipped one or more major titles on current generation/PC platforms as a Senior VFX artist * Experience with AAA First Person action titles * Previous leadership experience preferred, or senior ...

VFX Artist III

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$69.26 - $85.41/hr

As a Senior Real-Time VFX Artist, you will work closely with animators, artists, and designers to create exceptional action and combat experiences. Leveraging your expertise, you will craft ...

Senior CG Lighting Artist

New Orleans, LA · Hybrid

$122K - $146K/yr

The Senior CG Lighting Artist will focus mainly on facial performance replacement with a handoff to ... This is a perfect position for a VFX artist who understands the subtle art of expression, setting a ...

Senior CG Lighting Artist

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$122K - $146K/yr

The Senior CG Lighting Artist will focus mainly on facial performance replacement with a handoff to ... This is a perfect position for a VFX artist who understands the subtle art of expression, setting a ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$114K - $156K/yr

The job consists of being the support contact for any technical queries and helping out any senior ... Provide technical support for VFX Artists using Linux workstations. * Mentor Technical Engineers ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site +1

$114K - $156K/yr

The job consists of being the support contact for any technical queries and helping out any senior ... Provide technical support for VFX Artists using Linux workstations. * Mentor Technical Engineers ...

Senior Technical Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Technical Artist who will bridge the gap between art and engineering ... shaders, VFX, prefab/UI creation, and building amazing animations. • Work with timeliness ...

Senior Technical Artist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$134K - $161K/yr

... seeking a Senior Technical Artist to enhance their game development team. The role involves ... shaders, VFX, prefab/UI creation, and building amazing animations. • Work with timeliness ...

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Senior Vfx Artist information

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How much do senior vfx artist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior vfx artist in the United States is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $32.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Vfx Artist vs Vfx Artist?

AspectSenior Vfx ArtistVfx Artist
Required ExperienceTypically 5+ years in VFX productionEntry to mid-level, 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading complex VFX projects, mentoring juniorsCreating visual effects under supervision
Skills & CertificationsAdvanced proficiency, portfolio, relevant certificationsBasic skills, portfolio, some training
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, gaming, advertising studiosSimilar industry settings, often collaborative teams

The main difference between a Senior Vfx Artist and a Vfx Artist lies in experience, responsibilities, and skill level. Senior Vfx Artists lead projects and mentor others, requiring more experience and advanced skills. Vfx Artists are typically entry to mid-level, focusing on executing tasks under guidance. Both roles work in similar environments within the film, TV, gaming, and advertising industries.

What are Senior VFX Artists?

Senior VFX Artists are experienced professionals who design and create visual effects for films, television, video games, and other media. They use advanced software and artistic skills to produce realistic or stylized effects such as explosions, weather, creatures, and more. In addition to creating effects, they often lead teams, mentor junior artists, and collaborate closely with directors and other departments to bring creative visions to life. Their expertise ensures the final visual effects meet high-quality standards and integrate seamlessly into the project.

What are the most common challenges faced by Senior VFX Artists when collaborating with other departments on a project?

Senior VFX Artists often face challenges aligning their creative vision with the technical and narrative requirements of other departments, such as animation, lighting, and compositing. Effective communication and adaptability are crucial, as VFX work must integrate seamlessly with assets created by others while meeting tight deadlines. Regular cross-department meetings and feedback sessions help ensure consistency and maintain project timelines. Developing strong collaborative relationships can make the process smoother and lead to more compelling final results.

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

To thrive as a Senior VFX Artist, you need advanced skills in visual effects design, a strong portfolio, and experience with industry-standard software, typically supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Mastery of tools such as Autodesk Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and Adobe After Effects, along with knowledge of scripting languages like Python, is crucial. Outstanding creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities help you deliver compelling effects and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities enable Senior VFX Artists to create high-quality, on-time visual effects that meet artistic and technical standards in film, television, or games.
More about Senior Vfx Artist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Vfx Artist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Vfx Artist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vfx Artist jobs? The most popular types of Vfx Artist jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Senior Vfx Artist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,546 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Sr. VFX Artist

Sr. VFX Artist

Studio Wildcard

Bellevue, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Studio Wildcard - Seattle, WA
Open role:
Senior VFX Artist
We're Studio Wildcard, developers of the smash indie hit ARK: Survival Evolved -- one of the most popular and original video games in recent years. Despite our massive success, we've been able to stay independent, so that we can steer our own future in games and beyond. There's never been a better time for you to join this adventure and help us build ARK Survival Ascended, the next chapter of our original hit franchise! We're expanding and updating many of the ARK community's most beloved features, while taking full advantage of the latest tools and technologies. And now we're searching for an exceptionally talented and passionate Senior VFX Artist who can create high-impact work for the expanding ARK franchise.
Responsibilities:
  • Independently create and implement high quality, performant, and visually compelling VFX Assets/Tools/Systems for games- including real time particle systems, textures & texture atlases, shaders/materials, and scripting/Blueprints as needed
  • Work closely with designers, engineers and related artists to design, implement, and troubleshoot VFX
  • Be a self starter who meets deadlines and actively collaborates with team on VFX goals, prioritization, and scheduling
  • Seek out, troubleshoot, and fix performance issues
  • Maintain a meticulous, organized approach to creating, documenting, and sharing VFX for the team
  • Have a great attitude and be a positive force at the studio- flexible and adaptive to the needs of the team

Requirements:
  • Portfolio of work demonstrating proficiency in creating and implementing real-time VFX using Niagara in Unreal Engine
  • Proficiency in creating VFX Assets using advanced techniques like fluids/pyro/etc in a software package like Houdini/Embergen/Maya/Max/Blender/etc
  • Deep knowledge of vector math, real time lighting, post FX, shaders, and real time performance issues
  • Proficiency with Unreal Engine Blueprint for implementing VFX and creation of VFX Systems and Tools
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, related field or equivalent work experience
  • 5+ years of experience working in game development or related field
  • At least 2 or 3 shipped AAA game as a VFX or Technical Artist

Pluses:
  • HLSL or equivalent shader writing language
  • Houdini Knowledge
  • Scripting (Python, Vex, Mel, etc.)

Required Application Materials:
  • Resume
  • Demo reel with breakdown/explanation of what you did

About Studio Wildcard
Studio Wildcard was founded in 2014 by industry veterans Jeremy Stieglitz and Jesse Rapczak, with the mission of bringing AAA quality to ambitious indie productions designed for core gamers. With countless years of combined industry experience across multiple independent and studio-backed titles, Wildcard's core team continues to grow, with offices in Redmond, WA and Gainesville, FL including distributed team members across multiple continents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Wildcard is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws, regulations or ordinances. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to disability during the application or the recruiting process, please let us know.
Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position vary based on a variety of factors, which include: (but aren't limited to) skills, competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Each pay range is only relevant to those residing in WA state and can vary based on geographical location.
Wildcard Benefits
We pay 100% of all premiums for the employee and discounted rates for dependent premiums. Our coverage includes Medical (3 different plans to choose from), Dental, Vision, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, 401(k) option, 100% covered Parental Leave, PTO, Paid Holidays, Unlimited Sick Time, and FSA/ HSA options