Lead VFX Artist

Company Description

To create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs which go straight to the hearts of gamers — this is our mission. Want to dive deeper into our company’s culture? Explore our social media and check out our YouTube channel where we share behind-the-scenes insights and stories direct from our team members!

Job Description

CD PROJEKT RED is on the lookout for a Lead VFX Artist to join our studio and help bring to life Project Sirius—an ambitious and fresh take on The Witcher universe. We’re searching for someone with strong leadership capabilities, deep technical and artistic skills, and a passion for delivering world-class visual effects that elevate storytelling and gameplay. As a Lead VFX Artist, you'll play a key role in driving the next generation of high-fidelity effects in our games, while also shaping a team culture grounded in creativity, trust, and respect.

Daily Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of skilled VFX Artists, supporting their development and championing a collaborative, inclusive environment.
• Design and implement impactful real-time VFX that support a wide range of in-game moments and player experiences.
• Foster technical excellence and artistic creativity across the VFX pipeline.
• Guide team members on setting meaningful goals, career growth, and performance.
• Collaborate with other disciplines—gameplay, cinematics, environments—to deliver impactful and immersive visuals.
• Research and prototype new workflows, tools, and techniques to push the boundaries of real-time VFX.
• Ensure all VFX content is performant, optimized, and within technical constraints.
• Oversee external collaboration: prepare briefs, review outsourced work, and maintain high-quality standards.
• Coordinate with Directors and Production to align VFX planning with milestones and timelines.
• Help maintain an efficient and scalable production pipeline.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a VFX Artist in game development.
• Shipped at least one AAA title as a Lead VFX Artist or in a comparable senior leadership role.
• Deep expertise in Unreal Engine 5 and real-time VFX development.
• Proven track record in mentoring and growing talent within a creative team.
• Strong proficiency in real-time and baked simulations.
• Solid knowledge of VFX pipelines and tools—including SideFX Houdini.
• Understanding of PBR workflows, shaders, real-time rendering, and lighting.
• Advanced skills in performance optimization and debugging.
• Ability to independently lead high-impact initiatives and solve complex challenges.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• A strong portfolio showcasing mastery in VFX for games is required.

Candidates should include a portfolio in their application. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

Additional Information

Working mode

• In-office in a hybrid or full-time capacity in Warsaw, Poland.
• Relocation is required.

Relocation support

• Relocation package – flight ticket, company apartment for your first month, relocating your pet, shipping your belongings: it’s all covered.
• Relocation assistance — processing your legalization operations for you, assistance with finding residence, tax settlements - all you need to feel right at home is taken care of.
• Polish lessons for foreign employees — and for your spouse or partner, too.
• Paid Leave — from 20 to 26 days of holiday for every team member per year, paid sick leave, and paid maternity & paternity leave.

Perks & Professional Growth

• A welcome pack filled with goodies — to help you feel right at home once you join the team.
• Trainings, lectures and courses — internal workshops, external training for each employee, ‘Meet a star’ events, knowledge-sharing initiatives, online tutorials, and e-learning classes are all available. There’s always something to learn!
• REDs have access to the cafeteria platform through which they can receive subscription benefits, additional medical packages or vouchers and codes to shops and cinemas.
• Merch — gifts for newborn rebels and regular chances to nab some cool swag!

Health & Well-being

• Private medical healthcare — a selection of medical plans with dental care to choose from, which are also accessible for your partner and relatives.
• Psychological care — free mental health support and various well-being webinars.
• Multisport card — gain access to a wide number of sporting and fitness facilities across the city.

Social Activities & Life in the Office

• Dog-friendly office — dog owner? Bring your pooch with you and look after them while working! There’s always a furry friend or two to meet at the studio.
• Social events — we host regular gatherings at the studio where we can all unwind, play games, and just have some fun together.
• Healthy selections — ​​organic fruit, snacks, muesli, organic honey, vegan milk, and speciality coffee are all at your disposal around the studio. Enjoy!
• Truly international working environment — a chance to meet and work with a diverse selection of people from all around the world.

Head office in Warsaw

• Sustainable campus with an eco ethos — solar panels provide green energy, 2000 plants and an air-filtering system to help provide clean air, electric car charging points, flower meadows, and more green features in the works.
• An onsite, well-equipped gym with a climbing wall, daily Gym Assistant support and yoga and healthy spine classes.
• Car and bike parking spaces.
• A designated space for your bicycle, as well as bicycle repair equipment and showers available whenever you need them.
• No dress-code — we like to keep it casual.