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Vfx Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Scattermesh

VFX Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced VFX Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis in Herndon, VA. This role requires a skilled ...

Scattermesh

VFX Artist

Herndon, VA · On-site

Job Summary Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced VFX Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis in Herndon, VA. This role requires a skilled ...

Distant Moon

Film Editor

Leesburg, VA · On-site

Prepare projects for color, sound, VFX, and final delivery * Upload and manage review versions through Frame.io * Maintain organized project files suitable for collaboration and archival * Track ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Virginia Beach, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Norfolk, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Salem, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Blacksburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Charlottesville, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Varsity Tutors

Autodesk 3DS Max Tutor

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Emphasizes production pipeline understanding and connects 3DS Max skills to architectural visualization, film VFX, and game development. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction: Familiar with ...

Red Carrot

Graphic Designer II

Arlington, VA · On-site

Minimum 5 years of experience creating AI-generated content, motion design, rigging, and VFX * Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, and Premiere ...

All JobsVfx JobsVfx Jobs in Virginia

Vfx information

See Virginia salary details

$41.6K

$105.1K

$150.7K

How much do vfx jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for vfx in Virginia is $105,079.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does VFX pay well?

VFX artists and professionals can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, strong portfolios, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Maya or Nuke. Entry-level positions typically pay less, but senior roles or specialized skills can lead to higher compensation, often supplemented by freelance work or project-based contracts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VFX (Visual Effects) Artist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VFX Artist, you need strong artistic abilities, a solid understanding of computer graphics, and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your work. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Adobe After Effects, Autodesk Maya, Houdini, or Nuke is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the creation of visually compelling effects that meet project requirements and foster successful collaboration within production teams.

Will VFX be replaced by AI?

VFX artists use specialized software and creative skills to produce visual effects for media. While AI tools can assist with tasks like rotoscoping and image enhancement, they are unlikely to fully replace the creative and technical expertise of VFX professionals, who adapt and integrate new technologies into their workflows.

What are some common challenges faced by VFX artists when collaborating with other departments on a film or television project?

VFX artists often work closely with directors, cinematographers, editors, and other creative departments, which can present challenges such as aligning artistic vision, meeting tight production deadlines, and adapting to last-minute changes. Communication is key—misunderstandings or incomplete briefs can lead to rework. Additionally, VFX artists must ensure their digital effects integrate seamlessly with practical footage, requiring flexibility and strong problem-solving skills. Successful collaboration relies on clear feedback loops and a willingness to iterate quickly in a fast-paced environment.

What is VFX vs CGI?

VFX (Visual Effects) refers to the integration of generated imagery with live-action footage to create realistic environments or effects, often used in film and television. CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) is a subset of VFX that involves creating digital images, characters, or environments entirely with computer software. VFX artists often use tools like Maya or Nuke and need strong skills in compositing and 3D modeling.

Is VFX replaced by AI?

VFX artists use AI tools to assist with tasks like image enhancement and automation, but AI has not replaced the need for skilled VFX professionals. Creativity, technical expertise, and understanding of software like Adobe After Effects or Nuke remain essential in the industry.

What is a VFX job?

A VFX (Visual Effects) job involves creating or manipulating imagery to enhance or alter visual content in film, television, or video productions. VFX artists use software like Adobe After Effects, Nuke, or Maya to produce effects such as explosions, weather, or fantastical elements, often working closely with directors and production teams. The role requires technical skills, creativity, and knowledge of compositing, 3D modeling, and animation.

Is VFX a good career?

VFX (visual effects) is a growing field within the entertainment industry, requiring skills in software such as Adobe After Effects and Nuke. It offers opportunities in film, television, and gaming, often involving project-based work with variable schedules. Success typically depends on technical proficiency, creativity, and building a strong portfolio.

What are VFX artists and what do they do?

VFX artists, or visual effects artists, are professionals who create digital imagery to enhance or complete scenes in movies, television, advertising, and video games. They use computer software to generate effects that are either impossible or too expensive to achieve with practical effects, such as explosions, magical creatures, or realistic environments. VFX artists often work closely with directors, animators, and editors to seamlessly integrate visual effects with live-action footage, ensuring the final product looks believable and visually compelling.

What is the difference between Vfx vs Motion Graphics Designer?

AspectVfxMotion Graphics Designer
Required CredentialsPortfolio, sometimes a degree in film, animation, or related fieldPortfolio, degree in graphic design, animation, or related field
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, advertising, post-production studiosAdvertising agencies, media companies, digital content studios
Industry UsageVisual effects for live-action footageAnimated graphics for videos, presentations, and digital media

Vfx specialists focus on creating visual effects that integrate seamlessly with live-action footage, often requiring advanced compositing and 3D skills. Motion Graphics Designers primarily craft animated graphics and visual elements for digital media, emphasizing design and animation skills. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments but serve different creative purposes within the media industry.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a VFX Job?

The qualifications and skills needed to start a career in visual effects (VFX) depend on your career plans and the exact duties and responsibilities of your chosen VFX specialty. You may decide to pursue a degree in animation, computer-aided design, video game design, visual effects, or 3D modeling. VFX animators typically need skills in software such as AutoDesk Maya, After Effects, or Fusion 9. While you may want to obtain a degree and certification in relevant software, you should also build a portfolio of work to show prospective clients and employers.

What does VFX stand for?

VFX stands for Visual Effects, which involve creating or manipulating imagery outside of live-action footage, often using software like Adobe After Effects or Nuke. VFX artists work to enhance or create scenes in film, television, and video games, requiring skills in compositing, 3D modeling, and animation.

Is VFX hard to learn?

VFX (visual effects) is a complex field that requires learning software such as Adobe After Effects or Nuke, as well as understanding principles of compositing, animation, and timing. It often involves a steep learning curve initially, but consistent practice and training can lead to proficiency over time.
More about Vfx jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Vfx jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Vfx jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Vfx jobs in Virginia? For Vfx jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vfx jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Vfx jobs in Virginia are:
Vfx jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vfx job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 60% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,079 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

VFX Artist

Scattermesh

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Scattermesh is expanding its team and we are looking to hire experienced VFX Artists to work across client projects on a full time basis in Herndon, VA. This role requires a skilled artist with experience realizing complex pre-rendered fluid body and rigid body dynamic simulations to a photo real deliverable. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the physics and 3D model preparation that goes into creating believable simulations and has experience in Houdini, EmberGen, LiquiGen and/or other similar tools. If your portfolio/demo reel showcases your ability and knowledge of the physics, mathematics, and artistry that goes into a photorealistic render of these complex systems we look forward to your application.
Responsibilities and Duties
  • Make Cool Stuff - Create photo-realistic render sequences of 3D effects including a variety of subject matter; waves, smoke, explosions, fire, etc.
  • Collaborate - Work closely with our 3D artists and compositing team to deliver high impact vfx comps
  • Development of templates or scripts to enhance the VFX pipeline

Qualifications and Skills
  • 10+ years experience in a professional setting creating dynamic effects and simulations for photo-realistic cinematics
  • High level of expertise in Houdini
  • Knowledge of EmberGen, LiquiGen, and/or similar tools is a plus
  • Knowledge of scripting custom tools and automation is a plus
  • Strong sense of color, space, light, motion, materials and physical interactions
  • Communicate effectively with team members across departments
  • Strong problem solving and research skills
  • Strong foundational knowledge of the physics and mathematics as they are applied in physically based simulations
  • Understanding of 3D rendering

Benefits and Perks
Scattermesh is as obsessed about our employees as our customers. We want to provide great benefits and perks so you can focus on making an impact. We recognize that industry is moving away from better benefits so we have decided to do our part to start reversing the trend. Join us in our quest to disrupt, transform and innovate.
Benefits
  • Competitive Market Leading Pay
  • 25-30 days - Paid Time Off (PTO) / Holiday
  • 100% Company paid medical/dental/vision/plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) Matching with no cliff vest

Apply