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Vfx Software Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Framestore Limited

VFX Editor

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Knowledge of The Foundry's Hiero software * Knowledge of shotgun or equivalent asset management ... Python programming knowledge New York Pay Range: $75,000 - $85,000 per year, exempt. The posted ...

Mundo Gamer Network

NY · On-site

Operate closely with programmers, designers and artists * Work on the software that we use in our ... Strong technical skills concerning VFX production * Fluent English (C1/C2 level) We offer: * Salary ...

ACTIVISION PUBLISHING, INC.

WI · On-site

Job Title Lead VFX Artist - Raven - Middleton, WI Requisition ID R028050 Raven Software is seeking ... They will partner with some of the most talented and passionate developers in the industry to ...

Autodesk

$139K - $249K/yr

... VFX, TV, and Games. On the Autodesk Consulting Media and Entertainment Team, we have an exciting ... software engineer and subject matter expert to join our growing team, directly supporting our ...

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Vfx Software Engineer information

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$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do vfx software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for vfx software engineer in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a VFX software engineer?

VFX Software Engineers are specialized professionals who develop and maintain software tools used in the creation of visual effects for films, television, and games. They work closely with artists and technical directors to design, implement, and optimize systems that process and render complex graphics and simulations. Their work enables artists to create realistic animations, simulations, and compositing effects, making them a crucial part of any VFX production team.

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

To thrive as a VFX Software Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, mathematics, and programming languages such as C++ or Python, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with graphics APIs (like OpenGL or DirectX), VFX software (such as Houdini or Maya), and version control systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving ability, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities enable the creation of efficient, visually impressive effects and ensure smooth collaboration with artists and technical teams.

What are some common challenges a VFX software engineer faces when working with artists and production teams?

A VFX Software Engineer often encounters the challenge of translating creative visions into technical solutions, which requires strong communication and collaboration with artists and production teams. Balancing performance optimization with user-friendly tools, accommodating evolving project requirements, and troubleshooting issues under tight deadlines are also typical hurdles. Success in the role depends on adaptability, proactive problem-solving, and a good understanding of both software engineering and the artistic workflow.

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

AspectVfx Software EngineerVfx Artist
Primary FocusDeveloping and coding visual effects software and toolsCreating and implementing visual effects in projects
Required SkillsProgramming, software development, scriptingArtistic skills, creativity, understanding of visual effects
Work EnvironmentSoftware studios, R&D teams, technical departmentsPost-production, film, animation, and game studios
Common CertificationsComputer Science, Software Engineering, relevant coding coursesArt and design degrees, VFX-specific training

While both roles are integral to visual effects production, Vfx Software Engineers focus on developing the tools and software that enable Vfx creation, requiring strong programming skills. Vfx Artists, on the other hand, specialize in creating visual effects directly within projects, emphasizing artistic talent. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path or job focus within the VFX industry.

Does Vfx Software Engineer pay well?

Vfx Software Engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and skill level. Professionals with expertise in tools like Maya, Nuke, or Houdini and strong programming skills tend to have higher earning potential in this field.

What cities are hiring for Vfx Software Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Vfx Software Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Vfx Software Engineer jobs?

For Vfx Software Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vfx Software Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,524 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

VFX Artist - GameSim - Talent Pipeline

New Orleans, LA • On-site, Remote

Keywords Studios
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Keywords Studiosexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Keywords Studios rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

GameSim is a game development studio that partners with clients to build games across PC/console and a range of art styles. We care about craftsmanship, collaboration, and shipping work we're proud to put our names on. If you love building environments and believable spaces we'd like to meet you. Our headquarters is based in Orlando, FL!

Talent Pipeline Posting Notice
Please note that this posting is not tied to an immediate vacancy. We are proactively building a pipeline of qualified candidates in anticipation of potential hiring needs over the coming months. Applications will be reviewed and retained for future consideration as opportunities arise.

We are looking for a VFX Artist with strong real-time effects skills, solid technical judgment, and the potential to grow into broader lead responsibilities over time.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys creating high-quality visual effects while also helping teams stay aligned, organized, and efficient. Depending on the project, this person may contribute directly to hands-on VFX production, in-engine implementation, feedback, task breakdowns, optimization, workflow documentation, and cross-discipline collaboration.

Because our projects can vary widely in style, scope, platform, and client needs, we are looking for an adaptable VFX artist with strong fundamentals, a practical production mindset, and the ability to translate creative or design direction into clear, executable effects work.

This is a hands-on production role with opportunities to support small pods or strike teams, guide VFX quality, mentor other artists, and grow toward lead-level responsibilities.

This role offers flexible work options, including remote, hybrid or in-office arrangements.

Responsibilities
  • Create custom real-time visual effects and implement them in-engine using Unreal Engine 5, Unity, or proprietary tools.
  • Build high-quality effects for gameplay, environments, cinematics, atmosphere, combat, interaction, destruction, UI/game feedback, and other project needs.
  • Create all necessary textures, flipbooks, materials, meshes, simulations, and supporting assets for real-time VFX.
  • Maintain clean, readable, well-structured material graphs, Niagara systems, parameters, naming conventions, and reusable effect setups.
  • Use tools such as Photoshop, Substance Designer, Blender, Houdini, Maya, EmberGen, or other software as needed to support effect creation.
  • Work with complex material setups, Blueprints, scripting hooks, animation events, gameplay triggers, or engine-specific implementation needs.
  • Troubleshoot VFX issues in partnership with Technical Art, Engineering, Design, Animation, Audio, and other disciplines.
  • Own VFX optimization fundamentals, including particle counts, overdraw, shader cost, texture memory, spawn rates, scalability settings, and platform performance constraints.
  • Help ensure effects are readable, performant, and aligned with gameplay needs, art direction, timing, mood, and player feedback.
  • Review work from internal artists, partner studios, or external vendors and provide clear, constructive, actionable feedback.
  • Help maintain a consistent quality bar across a set of effects, a feature, a level, or a small team pod.
  • Support short-term planning by helping break down VFX requests into clear tasks, priorities, dependencies, risks, and definitions of done.
  • Proactively identify production risks, including missing gameplay hooks, performance spikes, unclear direction, pipeline gaps, dependency issues, or inconsistent style execution.
  • Collaborate closely with Designers, Concept Artists, Art Directors, Technical Artists, Engineers, Animators, Audio Designers, and Producers.
  • Support client-facing communication when needed by clarifying requirements, sharing WIP, explaining constraints, and aligning on expected outcomes.
  • Contribute to VFX workflow improvements, reusable templates, documentation, libraries, naming standards, or scalability rules when appropriate.

What Keywords Studios employees say

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About Keywords Studios

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Whatever the scale of your project, whatever the time frame, whatever your location: Keywords is here for you, bringing our network of 13,000+ people and 70+ studios together to deliver the unified solutions you need. We offer everything necessary to ensure your project achieves its full potential and that strategic opportunities are turned into long-term growth. The games industry is complex and fast-moving. Working with Keywords allows you to remain lean and agile, and to remain focused on creating the world’s most immersive playing experiences. Our network of studios brings best-in-class experience, expertise, technology and capacity across the full development, release and player-support lifecycle.

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

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