Senior VFX Artist

ABOUT THIS POSITION 

Digital Extremes is seeking an experienced Senior VFX Artist to join our team. You will utilize traditional art training and knowledge of 3D art, design, and computer graphics software to build efficient, high-quality special effects while maintaining technical specifications for memory usage and gameplay speed. As an adaptable communicator and proactive collaborator, you will work closely across multi-disciplinary teams to elevate artistic vision and iterate through active feedback. You bring a thorough understanding of real-time visual effects, game engines, tools, and development pipelines, paired with the strong time-management skills needed to prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Preferred extras include experience with Maya, JangaFx, Houdini, Photoshop, and scripting languages such as Python or Lua.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilize traditional art training and 3D software to build efficient, high-quality special effects while managing memory usage and gameplay speed.
• Keep up-to-date with contemporary effects techniques and research new technologies and solutions.
• Cooperate closely with art, design, audio, and development departments to deliver first-class visual effects.
• Work under the creative guidance of the Art Director and deliver work on time according to production schedules.
• Actively participate in the feedback loop, including giving and receiving feedback within the art and level design teams.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

Technical Requirements 

• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience creating high-quality VFX for video games.
• Core VFX Knowledge: Deep understanding of real-time special effects, particle systems,
  postprocessing effects, shaders, and animation principals

• Strong artistic portfolio
• Pipeline & Tools: Strong grasp of game engines, tools, pipelines, and development processes, along with working knowledge of a commercial 3D package.
• Education: University degree in visual arts (specialization in graphic design, commercial art, graphic communications, or fine arts) or a college diploma in graphic arts

Soft Skills & Personal Attributes 

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent cross-discipline communication skills with a proven ability to follow direction and collaborate effectively across art, design, and technical teams.
• Time Management & Organization: Strong ability to multitask, prioritize competing demands, pay attention to detail, and meet deadlines under production conditions.
• Adaptability & Feedback: Receptive to creative direction and actively engaged in giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Work Ethic & Vision: Self-directed with a strong work ethic, high standards of quality, and a clear artistic vision.
• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm and passion for video games and visual storytelling.
  
  

  Please note that the salary range mentioned in this job description should serve simply as a guide. The final compensation offered may vary based on a variety of factors, including bonuses and/or incentives, or a candidate’s experience, skills, budget and location. Digital Extremes is committed to providing a fair, equitable, and competitive package that reflects the value a candidate brings.

  Salary Range: Up to $125,000 CAD

  Existing Vacancy: Yes – we’re currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position
  

  We believe in the power of human connection. At Digital Extremes, we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select candidates. All applications are reviewed by human, qualified recruiters.

  During your interview, our recruitment team will leverage  Gemini as a note-taker only. At Digital Extremes, a core value of our studio is that we do not leverage AI in any of our development processes; this is a strict company policy.
  Please note that we permit the use of AI tools exclusively for administrative support, it is not used for candidate selection, screening, or any part of the decision-making process. All evaluations are conducted solely by our team to ensure our hiring remains a human-led process, just as our development remains the work of our artists and creators.

  
  

ABOUT DIGITAL EXTREMES

Founded in 1993 by James Schmalz, Digital Extremes ranks as one of the world's top independent video game development studios. Originating with the co-creation of Epic Games' multi-million unit selling Unreal® franchise including Unreal and Unreal Tournament, Digital Extremes went on to develop Dark Sector®, BioShock® for the PlayStation®3, the BioShock 2 multiplayer campaign, and The Darkness® II. The studio has reached its greatest critical and commercial success with the free-to-play action game, Warframe®, boasting a global community of 75 million registered players on PC, PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One™, Xbox Series X/S™, Nintendo Switch™, and iOS™. The studio's most recently announced project is the much anticipated Soulframe®, an open-world action-fantasy MMORPG title that is currently under development.

Digital Extremes is headquartered in London, Ontario, Canada, and is proud to be selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.

For more information and exciting news related to Digital Extremes, please visit www.digitalextremes.com.

WHY WORK AT DIGITAL EXTREMES

At Digital Extremes, we don’t just make games - we craft immersive worlds that inspire and connect millions of players around the globe. Our award-winning studio is home to passionate, creative, and collaborative talent who thrive in a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and respect. We offer competitive compensation, industry-leading benefits, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities to grow your career while working on beloved titles like Warframe and the highly anticipated Soulframe. Whether you’re developing cutting-edge gameplay, designing stunning art, or supporting the teams that make it all happen, you’ll be part of a studio where your ideas matter, your contributions are valued, and your work leaves a lasting impact on our community.

Please note, some benefits may be subject to eligibility for employees.

JOIN US

At Digital Extremes, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our people and the respect we show one another. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a welcoming, accessible, and supportive environment where everyone can do their best work and feel valued for who they are. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented communities and people with disabilities. If you require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process, we will work with you to ensure you have the support you need. We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team, and while we may not be able to respond to every application, we will connect directly with candidates moving forward in the process.