Principal VFX Artist

What You’ll Do
Push your artistic talent to the limit on a team of world‑class environment, character, and concept artists who strive to innovate and inspire.

In this Role, You Will

Drive VFX systems and quality, design reusable, scalable solutions that support rapid iteration and long‑term production across gameplay, cosmetics, and arena systems

Author outstanding real‑time effects across a range of styles, from grounded and physical to high‑energy and stylized

Collaborate with Tech Art and Programming to define performance budgets and hit them without sacrificing visual quality

Prototype and validate new VFX workflows

Set the quality bar, defining what "good" looks like for the team

Mentor and elevate artists across disciplines; raise the floor and the ceiling

What We’re Looking For

Real‑time FX portfolio required; shipped titles carry more weight than student work

Deep proficiency with Niagara and Unreal Engine’s material system

Shader authoring experience (HLSL or Material Editor)

Scripting experience—Python, Blueprint, or equivalent; this separates a technical FX artist from a visual one

Strong understanding of GPU performance—draw calls, particle costs, memory—and a track record of optimizing without killing the look

A critical eye for timing, weight, and motion grounded in how things actually behave in the real world

Experience shipping multiple titles in the game industry

Experience on a live‑service game is a strong plus

Houdini experience is a plus for candidates who work from simulation reference

This role is open to multiple locations in North America (including CA & WA).

Pay Transparency Information
The expected annual base pay range(s) for this position are detailed below. Each base pay range is relevant only for individuals who are residents of or will be expected to work within the specified locale. Compensation varies based on a variety of factors, which include (but aren’t limited to) things such as skills and competencies, qualifications, knowledge, and experience. In addition to base pay, most employees are eligible to participate in Epic’s generous benefit plans and discretionary incentive programs (subject to the terms of those plans or programs).

California Base Pay Range: $200,423—$293,954 USD

Washington Base Pay Range: $182,204—$267,232 USD

Equal Employment Opportunity
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer.

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