ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Senior Vfx Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

2K

Senior AI Engineer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Cloud Chamber is seeking a Senior AI Engineer to join our talented development team to further push ... You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and ...

Amazon

Software Development Manager, AI Studios

Culver City, CA · On-site

$135K - $178K/yr

Join us as a Software Development Manager in the AI Studios Engineering org within Prime Video and ... What makes this role unique is the opportunity to work on-site alongside VFX artists and creative ...

teamLFG

Senior Game Engineer - Graphics

$160K - $240K/yr

As a Senior Game Engineer - Graphics on teamLFG, you will work closely with artists, designers and ... shaders, VFX workflows, post-process effects, camera techniques, and other expressive visual ...

LAIKA

Studio Pipeline Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

You'll report to the Studio Pipeline Sr Manager and collaborate closely with other engineers and development teams, as well as artists and production managers in the fabrication , stage, VFX , and ...

LAIKA

Studio Pipeline Engineer

Hillsboro, OR

You'll report to the Studio Pipeline Sr Manager and collaborate closely with other engineers and development teams, as well as artists and production managers in the fabrication , stage, VFX , and ...

AGBO

Senior Technical Designer, Events

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

... engineers, animators, VFX, and sound. • Support collaborative, iterative prototyping from early concepts through in-engine execution. • Participate in playtests, gather feedback, and find ...

Comfy

Senior Product Designer

San Francisco, CA

$150K - $185K/yr

Collaborate closely with engineering to ensure seamless implementation and design fidelity ... It's used by artists, filmmakers, video game creators, designers, researchers, VFX houses , and ...

dsn-it

Technical Designer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

... Senior CandidatesA strong demo reel demonstrating animation principles, VFX, and real-time ... developers to bring ideas to life--this is the type of role where you'll do your best work.

HARMAN International

3D Motion Designer-Unity

Novi, MI · On-site

Drive animation and VFX optimization for embedded hardware performance through profiling, testing ... Provide senior-level guidance in reviews, workshops, and critiques, helping raise the overall ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVfx Engineer JobsSenior Vfx Engineer Jobs

Senior Vfx Engineer information

See salary details

$71.5K

$120.8K

$170.5K

How much do senior vfx engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior vfx engineer in the United States is $120,817.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $136,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior VFX Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of computer graphics, real-time rendering, and a strong background in programming languages such as C++ and Python, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, Houdini, and shader development, along with technical certifications, is highly valuable. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating artistic vision into technical solutions and working with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure efficient production of high-quality visual effects that meet both artistic and technical requirements in a fast-paced environment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior Vfx Engineers in the entertainment and gaming industries can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary with extensive experience, specialized skills in software like Maya or Houdini, and often in senior or lead roles. High compensation is typically associated with large studios, high-profile projects, or roles requiring advanced technical expertise and leadership.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior VFX Engineers when collaborating with other departments during production?

Senior VFX Engineers often work closely with artists, animators, and software developers to ensure the seamless integration of visual effects into a project. A common challenge is balancing artistic vision with technical constraints, such as hardware limitations and rendering times. Effective communication is crucial, as the role requires translating creative concepts into technical specifications while troubleshooting issues that arise. Staying adaptable and proactive in resolving cross-departmental challenges helps ensure project timelines and quality standards are met.

Is VFX a good career in 2026?

A career as a Senior VFX Engineer remains viable in 2026 due to ongoing demand in film, gaming, and advertising industries. Success requires strong skills in software like Maya, Nuke, or Houdini, and staying updated with industry trends and technology advancements. Job prospects depend on experience, portfolio quality, and ability to adapt to new tools and workflows.

How much does a senior VFX Artist make?

A senior VFX artist typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often possess advanced skills in software like Houdini or Maya and may lead teams or manage complex projects.

What are Senior VFX Engineers?

Senior VFX Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and optimize visual effects (VFX) for films, video games, and other digital media. They are responsible for creating realistic and compelling visual effects using advanced software, programming, and artistic skills. In addition to hands-on VFX work, they often lead teams, develop new tools and workflows, and collaborate closely with artists and technical directors to ensure high-quality results. Their expertise bridges the gap between creative vision and technical implementation.

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

AspectSenior Vfx EngineerVfx Artist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Graphics, VFX, or related field; experience with programming and software developmentPortfolio showcasing visual effects work; often a degree in Fine Arts, Animation, or related field
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with engineers, programmers, and technical teams in film, gaming, or animation studiosWorks primarily on creating visual effects, often in post-production or pre-visualization stages
Industry UsageCommonly employed in technical roles within film, gaming, and animation industriesPrimarily found in creative departments focusing on visual effects design and artistry

The main difference is that a Senior Vfx Engineer focuses on the technical development and integration of visual effects, requiring programming skills and engineering knowledge. In contrast, a Vfx Artist emphasizes creating and designing visual effects through artistic skills and software proficiency. Both roles are essential in the VFX pipeline but serve different functions within the production process.

Will AI replace VFX?

As a Senior VFX Engineer, AI is increasingly used to automate repetitive tasks and assist in creating visual effects, but it is unlikely to fully replace skilled artists due to the need for creativity, artistic judgment, and complex problem-solving. Human expertise remains essential for high-quality, innovative VFX work, though familiarity with AI tools can enhance productivity. The role continues to evolve alongside technological advancements in software and machine learning.
More about Senior Vfx Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Vfx Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Vfx Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Vfx Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Vfx Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Vfx Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Vfx Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Vfx Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Vfx Engineer jobs are:
Senior Vfx Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Vfx Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,817 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Senior AI Engineer

Senior AI Engineer

2K

Novato, CA • On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Cloud Chamber is seeking a Senior AI Engineer to join our talented development team to further push the development of the AI Systems and AI Archetype for BioShock 4. We have high ambitions for tying AI and storytelling together in our project. It will be your responsibility to crystallize that ambition, helping to support several AI systems, and bring several AI Archetypes to life.
In this role, you'll collaborate with an engaged team to push the state of the art and experiment with unproven ideas. We are attempting new and ambitious things with AI in this game. You are bold, brave, and believe in an iterative, experimental approach to game development, moving comfortably between design and engineering, collaborating and communicating ambition and limitations.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with the team to:
    • Iterate and polish existing AI Systems and Archetypes.
    • Bring new Archetypes into existence.
  • Take confident ownership over the architecture and implementation within the systems of your domain.
  • Work on implementation and maintenance of AI behavior tree and associated systems.
  • Focus and help plan for ensuring all of our AI Systems and Archetypes operate performantly and within memory budgets.
  • Improve design-facing tools for authoring and scripting combat encounters.
  • Create and maintain technical documentations.
  • Review the work of other engineers and share expertise in your area of knowledge.
What We'll Do Together:
You will work closely with our Design, Animation, Audio, VFX, and Art departments to support and finalize the implementations for core AI systems: Combat Management, Perception, Steaming/Memory/Performance, etc. You will also help bring new AI Archetypes into realization and work to flush out and finalize existing ones. You will share ownership of those systems and archetypes and collaborate with current engineering leadership to shepherd them to ship. You will be encouraged to push our conception of what is possible in this arena, doing as much to advance the ambition as you will attempt to build it, ultimately bringing our richly imagined world to life.
What You've Done:
  • 5+ years industry or related experience.
  • Worked in an AI for video games programming role.
  • Used Unreal Engine in a professional capacity for scripting Basic AI Systems.
  • Used UE5 AI Debugging Tools and Rewind Debugger.
  • Strong math skills.
  • Strong C++ experience.
  • Developed for current gen AAA consoles.
Who You Are:
  • A reliable, positive force multiplier, actively seeking opportunities to integrate work across disciplines and contribute to a healthy, supportive team environment.
  • A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, package information for diverse audiences, and deliver difficult feedback with empathy and professionalism.
  • A persistent and self-motivated person with a proactive mindset.
  • Able to maintain effectiveness and quality under pressure, ambiguity, and fast-changing priorities.
  • An active listener able to build and maintain trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, understand differing perspectives, and navigate organizational complexity with tact and emotional intelligence.
  • Highly open to feedback and direction, possessing a desire to learn new skills, and capable of producing quick, quality revisions based on new insights or constraints.
  • A strong owner of your tasks, who strives to drive their work forward autonomously while maintaining a critical eye for detail and organization, ensuring high standards of quality.
  • Dedicated to upholding Cloud Chamber's core values, contributing to a positive and respectful company culture while striving for excellence in all endeavors.
Who We Are:
At Cloud Chamber we strive to make BioShock games that move people: evocative, immersive, and meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you've rolled credits. Great games are born from great collaborations, supported by a culture that brings out the best in our teams. We work openly, learn through play, take ownership, push ourselves to be better, and deliver for our players.
The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $108,900 and $161,160 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.
For candidates located in Quebec:This position requires professional proficiency in both French and English. Proficiency in English is required to collaborate with our U.S. teams and international partners, as well as to handle specialized technical documentation (reading, writing, and communication).
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform their essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never use instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing only use 2K.com accounts.

Apply