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Unreal Niagara Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insomniac Games

OR · On-site

Proficient with real-time particle-editors and VFX systems such as Unreal's Niagara, PopcornFX, etc. * Advance understanding of complex node-based shader networks such as those used in Unreal, Unity ...

Snail Games USA

Senior VFX Artist - Art Center

CA · On-site +1

$115K - $155K/yr

Proven experience delivering high-quality real-time VFX in Unreal Engine (UE4 or UE5) * Strong expertise in Niagara systems and real-time shader/material workflows * Deep understanding of gameplay ...

Tencent

Senior VFX Artist (Gameplay)

Los Angeles, CA

$106K - $199K/yr

Create weather, atmospheric, and ambient environment effects using Niagara and other Unreal tools. * Create effects required for gameplay like impact decals, explosions, muzzle flashes and other ...

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How much do unreal niagara jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for unreal niagara in the United States is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Unreal Niagara VFX Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unreal Niagara VFX Artist, you need a solid foundation in real-time visual effects, a strong understanding of particle systems, and proficiency in Unreal Engine, typically supported by a degree in game art or a related field. Familiarity with the Niagara visual effects system, shader creation, and scripting in Blueprints or HLSL is often required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration skills help artists stand out when designing and implementing compelling visual effects. These abilities are essential to create immersive, high-performance VFX that enhance gameplay and meet production goals in interactive environments.

What is Unreal Niagara?

Unreal Niagara is a powerful visual effects system within Unreal Engine, designed for creating complex particle effects such as fire, smoke, explosions, and more. It allows artists and developers to build, control, and customize real-time visual effects using a node-based interface. Niagara offers flexibility and scalability for both simple and advanced particle behaviors, making it a popular choice for game development and interactive experiences. It replaces the older Cascade system and provides enhanced features and performance.

What are some common challenges faced by Unreal Niagara specialists when integrating visual effects into real-time projects?

Unreal Niagara specialists often encounter challenges such as optimizing complex particle systems to maintain real-time performance, ensuring that visual effects are consistent across different hardware platforms, and collaborating closely with artists and programmers to achieve the desired look without compromising gameplay. Additionally, balancing creative vision with technical constraints and quickly iterating based on feedback from the team are key aspects of the role. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.
Infographic showing various Unreal Niagara job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,189 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Lead VFX Artist

Lead VFX Artist

Insomniac Games

OR • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Insomniac Games is searching for a Lead Visual Effects Artist. The Lead VFX Artist is responsible for managing and developing a visual effects team. Has the knowledge and experience of creating art assets and sets an example for the team by demonstrating a mastery of industry standards and tools, proprietary technology, and departmental production workflows. Has a proven understanding of production schedules and project goals, along with game performance, and technical considerations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Balance hands-on VFX asset creation with day-to-day team leadership and management of the VFX team.

  • Partner closely with Principal VFX Artist to plan, create and test content creation and pipelines before deploying to the development team

  • Oversee and support external VFX partners, ensuring they are properly onboarded to style and technical standards and that their deliveries meet quality expectations.

  • Collaborate with Production Management to scope and estimate work, build schedules, assign tasks and track progress for VFX deliverables.

  • Works closely with Art Directors to develop visual targets, maintain a cohesive visual style and consistent quality bar across all aspects in VFX.

  • Review VFX artists' work to ensure VFX content is performant aesthetically and technically that is aligned with Art Direction.  

  • Collaborate with multiple disciplines to support gameplay, characters, cinematics, environments with VFX requirements. 

  • Coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure VFX assets are delivered on time and integrated smoothly into the game.

  • Works closely with the Tool and Engine team to aid in the ongoing evolution and enhancements of proprietary tools and engine to improve and enhance VFX fidelity.

  • Champion and implement new production methods, best practices, and optimizations to improve efficiency and in-game performance.

  • Ensures that all complaints and concerns related to inappropriate or unprofessional conduct in the workplace are addressed immediately to foster a safe work environment.

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a team of VFX artists, including consistent quality bar, goalsetting and performance reviews.

  • Other duties may apply

Supervisory Duties:

  • This job has supervisory responsibilities

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws

  • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems

Computer Skills:

  • Advanced level in Houdini and Maya: expert understanding of these DCC visual effects packages, competent working with joints and locators, animation/keyframing, rigid-body and fluid simulations, materials, shaders, lighting and rendering.

  • 3d modeling and procedural modeling/UV'ing skills are a must.

  • Strong knowledge and experience with modern game engines/editors such as Unreal, Unity, proprietary, etc.

  • Proficient with real-time particle-editors and VFX systems such as Unreal's Niagara, PopcornFX, etc.

  • Advance understanding of complex node-based shader networks such as those used in Unreal, Unity, etc.

  • Familiarity with game scripting and/or node-based systems (e.g. Unreal Blueprint, etc).

  • Have strong grasp of technical scripting, programming and expressions pertaining to DCC and graphics: e.g. MEL, Python, Houdini VEX, HLSL Shaders, etc.

  • Proficient in Photoshop for painting and editing textures.

  • Strong knowledge of procedural texture generation software (e.g. Substance Designer, Filter-Forge, After-Effects, etc).

  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Knowledge of other visual effects or CG software a plus (e.g. Blender, Nuke, etc).

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please submit your application below.

Apply