VFX Art Lead - Azra Games

VFX ART LEAD

Azra Games is recapturing the childhood thrill of storytelling with your entire toy box for modern AAA gaming. We are dedicated to one genre, role-playing games, and led by veteran designer Mark Otero (Zero-to-one director of Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, EA's most successful mobile game of all time, with $1.5B lifetime revenue). Azra has assembled an expert team with decades of experience building blockbuster games. Our debut release, Code named 'Project: Legends', will be Mark's ninth RPG. And his best. Azra Games believes in harnessing the power of technology, with a focus on generative AI, to radically disrupt & transform game development.

Description:

Azra Games is looking for a VFX Art Lead with a passion for gritty, realistic effects to join us and help make our AAA collectible open-world RPG a reality!

As the VFX Art Lead, you'll oversee the visual effects pipeline from concept through to final implementation, ensuring high-quality and innovative effects that align with our project's artistic and technical vision.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and mentor a team of VFX artists, providing guidance, feedback, and support to ensure high-quality output and professional growth.
• Design, create, and integrate complex visual effects using industry-standard tools and techniques. This includes simulations, particles, shaders, and compositing.
• Work closely with other departments, including Art, Design, and Engineering, to ensure VFX assets meet artistic and technical requirements and are integrated seamlessly into the project.
• Contribute to developing and optimizing the VFX pipeline, tools, and workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Maintain and ensure the highest standards of VFX quality through regular reviews and iteration based on feedback.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies, incorporating innovative techniques and best practices into the team's work.

Requirements:

• Minimum 6 years of experience in VFX production, with a strong portfolio showcasing a range of visual effects work.
• Proven experience leading a team of artists, with the ability to inspire, manage, and guide the team to achieve project goals.
• Advanced knowledge of VFX tools and software e.g., Houdini, Maya.
• Strong artistic skills and an eye for detail, with the ability to create visually compelling and technically sound effects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex issues in the VFX pipeline.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and clearly articulate artistic and technical concepts.

Pluses:

• Experience with mobile and/or VR development 
• Experience working with the Unity game engine.
• A strong creative vision with the ability to translate ideas into visually stunning effects.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a passion for delivering high-quality work.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and deadlines with a flexible approach to problem-solving.

The perks of working at Azra:

• Competitive salary & equity 
• Platinum healthcare plan for you and your family paid for by Azra Games. Including health, vision, and dental!
• Parental leave
• Unlimited paid time off
• Work that fits your lifestyle – Work from our studio office in Sacramento, CA, hybrid or fully remote.
• Occasional catered lunches and dinners
• Office social events, including happy hours, parties, and community service projects.
• A generous technology budget to provide the best gear you need to be your most productive and happy self.
• A packed snack room and loaded fridge
• Dedicated Game Room for "Market Research"
• An authentic office environment where you get to be YOU

Azra Games is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Azra Games is an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, and employee differences are celebrated.

Base Salary Range: $127,000 - $190,500 USD. The final salary offered for this position may take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, location, skills, education, and experience.