Lead VFX Artist

5 Months ago • All levels • Technical Art

Job Summary

Job Description

As the Lead VFX Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, you will lead a team responsible for creating cutting-edge visual effects for a boundless sandbox universe. You will be creating a vast variety of effects supporting epic spaceship battles inside giant gas clouds, characters struggling to survive raging storms on hostile planets, holographic displays inside futuristic shopping malls and tiny dust motes in a desolate outpost. You will lead a team of dedicated VFX artists, pioneer best practices and set artistic standards for the team, create sci-fi VFX using CIG’s real-time VFX Editor, use software packages like 3DS Max, Houdini, Photoshop and After Effects, optimize your effects to run efficiently in-game, and work closely with VFX programmers. You will also be collaborating with other teams including Art, Design and Audio to help bring the Star Citizen universe to life.
Must have:
  • Proven management skills
  • Solid understanding of real-time visual effects
  • Experience with real-time particle systems
  • Keen eye for detail
  • Highly self-motivated and show initiative
  • Passion for real-time VFX
  • Ability to provide guidance and support

Job Details

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”. We want to build the best we can deliver and we believe wholeheartedly in the value of exceptional diverse talent.

As the Lead VFX Artist at Cloud Imperium Games, you will be leading the team responsible for creating cutting edge visual effects for a boundless sandbox universe. You will support the team in creating a vast variety of effects supporting epic spaceship battles inside giant gas clouds, characters struggling to survive raging storms on hostile planets, holographic displays inside futuristic shopping malls and tiny dust motes in a desolate outpost. And everything in between!

Check out what our VFX team get up to:

https://vimeo.com/673739954/a8b1af7327

Founded in 2012, Cloud Imperium Games creates cutting-edge videogames that defy expectations. We’re currently developing Star Citizen, a record-breaking multiplayer online space sim, and Squadron 42, a cinematic single-player adventure set in the same universe. Join us as we break boundaries and make videogame history.

We are a crowdfunded company and have a dedicated and enthusiastic community of backers who are helping us create the “Best Damn Space Sim Ever”.

For more information about life at CIG, follow this link: https://youtu.be/cXjp7SRBpIA

What does a Lead VFX Artist at Cloud Imperium Games do?

  • Lead a team of dedicated vfx artists by managing their workload and supporting with their art and development.
  • Pioneer best practices and set artistic standards for the team.
  • Create sci-fi VFX using CIG’s real time VFX Editor.
  • Use software packages such as 3DS Max, Houdini, Photoshop and After Effects to generate texture and mesh assets for use with your real time effects.
  • Optimize your effects to run efficiently in-game whilst maintaining high visual quality.
  • Work closely with our team of dedicated VFX programmers to improve our VFX technology and pipelines where possible.
  • Collaborate with other teams including Art, Design and Audio to help bring the Star Citizen universe to life.

What do we expect from our Lead VFX Artists?

  • Proven management skills and experience in a leadership role.
  • Solid understanding of the artistic and technical fundamentals of real-time visual effects.
  • Experience of using real time particle systems in a game engine.
  • Keen eye for detail and ability to break down existing effects in games and films.
  • Be highly self-motivated and show initiative.
  • Be able to rise to challenges and problem solve when required.
  • Passion to raise the bar in the field of real-time VFX.
  • Provide guidance and support to more junior team members.

Diversity Statement

CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special. 

Fraud Statement

We are aware of people receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from CIG. These types of fraud can be carried out through false websites, fake email addresses claiming to be from our company, or social media. We do not ask for your personal info like bank account numbers, identification numbers, etc through social media or chat-based apps, nor do we request or send money for the purchase of business equipment.

If you suspect fraud, please report it to your local authorities, as well as reaching out to us at info[@]cloudimperiumgames.com with any information you may have.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

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About The Company

Cloud Imperium Games is a new kind of independent studio dedicated to delivering AAA experiences outside the established publisher system, founded by Chris Roberts, creator of the best selling Wing Commander and Freelancer series, Cloud Imperium is currently developing Star Citizen, a record-shattering crowd funded title that combines classic space sim gameplay with Hollywood-caliber visuals.


Cloud Imperium aims to pave new ground in game development by sharing the process with the players. Where game development was once hidden, Cloud Imperium has opted to share the process with those backing Star Citizen. Supporters come to know the team and follow them every step of the way as the game created. The community is closely engaged and their feedback Is considered in all aspects of game development, avoiding standard publicity to put Roberts’ epic vision directly in players’ hands.


Cloud Imperium has studios in Los Angeles, California ; Austin, Texas ; Manchester, UK and Frankfurt, Germany.

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Manchester, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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