Senior VFX Artist

Join Romero Games as we develop John Romero’s next First Person Shooter in partnership with a major publisher! This is an unprecedented opportunity to join a thriving independent development studio and work on a high-profile title that will be played by millions of gamers worldwide.

We are looking for a Senior VFX Artist with a keen eye for detail, who has 3+ years experience working on real-time environments with at least 1 published title (ideally AAA). The Senior VFX Artist position requires an excellent understanding of Unreal Engine, in particular using Niagara to generate game-changing visual effects on characters, weapons and environments. 

Ideally, you can relocate to join us in Galway, Ireland, but a remote role is also possible for the right candidate in a European timezone. In your cover letter or email, please note your preference (remote/hybrid/onsite in Galway).

The target start date for this position is December 2024.

What you will do:

• Create high quality real-time VFX for weapons, characters, environments, and gameplay.

• Optimising visual effects for performance while maintaining high-quality standards.

• Maintaining the production pipeline and meeting deadlines.

• Working closely with other departments to create and integrate VFX assets.

• Research and experiment with new techniques and technologies to improve the quality and efficiency of VFX production

What you need to have:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a VFX role within the games industry as well as Unreal experience is a must

• Experience with creating a wide variety of game-ready visual effects, from concept through texture creation to final setup and scripting

• Experience in Photoshop or similar 2D software

• Good general knowledge of Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender

• Outstanding creativity and a very strong commitment to a project

• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

• Good attitude towards receiving feedback and exchanging knowledge

• A strong passion and interest in games

• A strong portfolio or demo reel

What is nice to have:

• Experience with the Unreal game engine and its built-in particle systems, such as Niagara 

• Experience creating and working with shaders and materials in a node-based editor such as Unreal’s

• Experience working with Houdini, especially for physics and dynamics simulations

• Experience with version control systems like Perforce

Benefits:

• Ownership. Everyone in the company benefits from ownership in the company. Every full-time Romero Games employee is given a stake. (This benefit is not open to contractors.)

• Vacation: Time off for vacation. Five weeks vacation per year + 10 national holidays. Extra vacation days after 5 and 10 years of service.

• Hybrid Working. Flexible working hours, including work-from-home and remote work.

• Sabbaticals: At 5+ years, should you choose to take unpaid time for a personal project, we will cover 20% of your pay provided that it is in your area of interest.

• Premium Health. Premium health benefits, plus extended healthcare coverage.

• Fertility Leave: For employees undergoing IVF treatment, surrogacy or other forms of fertility treatment, two days per cycle for recovery or travel.

• Relocation assistance. Flexible start dates, relocation reimbursement and assistance in finding housing. 

• Life-Friendly Policies: We understand that work is one of the things that you do and that life happens. We have a long and consistent pattern of life-friendly management, whether taking your kids to creche, assisting your parents with an appointment, or taking your pet to the vet.

• Menopause: Up to five days off per year for appointments or recovery days.

• Clothing Assistance Program: A financial support for people going through a major life event such a pregnancy or gender affirming care.

• Compassionate Leave / Bereavement. We support employees by offering paid time off during bereavement for immediate family. This includes loss of pregnancy, including the loss of surrogate pregnancy.

• Parental Leave and Support. Family-focused benefits include fully paid maternity and paternity leave and flexible work hours. Most people here are parents. We get it.

• Professional Development: World-class workshops on accessibility, diversity, design and more, from internationally recognized experts.

• Social Events. Regular social events such as pub nights (including online pub nights), holiday parties, barbecues and conferences, with accommodation and travel covered by us. 

• Expert Speakers. Monthly insider expert seminars with renowned creators such as John Carmack, Rhianna Pratchett (Tomb Raider), Warren Spector (Deus Ex), David Brevik (Diablo), Harvey Smith (Dishonored), Josh Sawyer (Pillars of Eternity), and more.

• Bike to Work Programme: Within Ireland, using the Bike-to-Work government initiative, employees obtain a brand new bike and safety equipment worth up to €1,250 for a regular bike, and up to €1,500 for an electric bike. The scheme covers your new bike and gear, saving 52% of the retail price of bike and equipment.