Unity Technical/VFX Artist

Creating and setting up visual effects

• Develop particle effects, shaders, animations, and other VFX elements in Unity.

• Work with both built-in tools (Shuriken Particle System, VFX Graph) and third-party tools (for example, packages from the Asset Store).

Performance optimization

• Optimize visual effects for target platforms (PC, mobile devices, game consoles, etc.).

• Maintain a balance between quality and resource consumption (Draw Calls, Overdraw, VRAM usage, CPU/GPU load).

Technical collaboration with the team

• Work closely with programmers to integrate VFX into the game engine, taking into account code specifics and gameplay requirements.

• Ensure compatibility of effects with the shader system, lighting, and game object mechanics.

Working within art direction and concepts

• Follow the overall visual style of the project, guidelines, and concept art.

• Collaborate with the art director and concept artists to achieve the desired quality and style of VFX.

Creating realistic and stylized effects

• Work with different artistic directions (realism, fantasy, sci-fi, etc.) to create appropriate visual effects.

• Take into account physics, dynamics, and the behavior of materials (smoke, fire, water, magic, energy, etc.).

Quality control and debugging

• Regularly test effects in various project environments (levels, scenes, locations).

• Troubleshoot and fix issues related to rendering or missing effects.

Research and testing of new technologies

• Keep track of Unity updates (especially VFX Graph, Shader Graph) and implement new features in project work.

• Study and experiment with cutting-edge VFX creation methods to enhance efficiency and visual appeal.

Knowledge of the Unity Engine

• Experience with the Shuriken Particle System and VFX Graph.

• Understanding of Shader Graph (or the ability to write custom shaders in HLSL/Cg).

• Skills in setting up materials, lighting, and post-processing (Post Processing Stack).

Foundations of 3D Graphics and Animation

• Understanding the principles of working with 3D objects (modeling, texturing, UV mapping).

• Basic knowledge of animation and rigging (to properly integrate animated effects or skeletal meshes).

• Practical application of physics laws (gravity, inertia, particle motion) when creating effects.

Shader Creation Skills

• Understanding of the PBR (Physically Based Rendering) approach and the ability to configure materials for different tasks (water, fire, metal, magic, etc.).

• Proficiency with Shader Graph (node-based system) or manual shader coding for more flexible customization.

Artistic Ability and Eye

• Ability to create textures for particle systems and other VFX elements.

• Knowledge of color theory, composition, and the basics of animation style.

• A sense of dynamics and style so that effects are not only technically correct but also visually appealing.

Optimization and Production Process Understanding

• Ability to optimize effects for target platforms (reducing polygons, texture compression, minimizing overdraw, etc.).

• Familiarity with profiling tools in Unity (Profiler, Frame Debugger) to monitor performance.

• Understanding of basic CPU/GPU optimization principles (Draw Calls, Batching, Instancing).

Programming/Scripting (Preferred)

• Basic knowledge of C# for tighter integration with gameplay systems (setting up triggers, timing, events).

• Ability to create Editor Tools or small scripts to streamline VFX workflows.

Communication and Teamwork

• Ability to clearly convey ideas and ask the right questions to developers, designers, and other artists.

• Participation in brainstorming and team meetings, the ability to justify decisions and propose various solutions.

• Adaptability to technical constraints and the art director’s vision.

Remote work;

Open management without bureaucracy;

Salary reviews according to the results of performance appraisal;

10 days paid sick leave and 18 working days’ vacation;

Days off on National/Bank Holidays according to the legislation of Ukraine;

Conferences, knowledge-sharing activities, certification;

Availability of sabbatical;

Possibility to grow inside the friendly and professional team.