Job Description

Niantic’s Art department is seeking a skilled VFX Artist to help realize compelling visual effects for both characters and UI. The VFX artist will work closely with the Art, Design and Engineering teams to create stylized visuals that set the bar for the next generation of AR and VR platforms.

We work with some of the world's most advanced AR technologies to design visually creative, ground-breaking mobile experiences for tens of millions of users worldwide, inspiring discovery, exercise, and meaningful social experiences.

Responsibilities

• Build VFX across all areas of the game ranging from environmental and character related FX to User Interface FX.
• Author Particle VFX and shaders in the Unity Game Engine whilst making sure they are optimum for mobile and VR platforms.
• Demonstrate creative solutions to technically challenging VFX requests.
• Collaborate with Art Design and Engineering teams, offering creative and efficient solutions to help solve performance related issues.
• Maintain clean, organized VFX and Shader libraries.
• Clearly communicate updates and communicate timely concerns to the production team.

Qualifications

• BA in Fine Arts or equivalent skillset.
• Minimum of 4 years industry or related experience.
• A portfolio that demonstrates an advanced standard of realtime VFX across all areas of the game ranging from environmental and character related FX to User Interface FX.
• Expert level skills with particle systems and node based shader creation.
• Proficient with Photoshop, Maya, Max or Houdini.
• Experience having published 2 or more games.
• Self driven - actively improves skill set and abilities by keeping aware of industry trends and techniques, evaluating high-reaching products and learning new software packages.

Plus If…

• You have experience on AAA console games or high profile mobile titles.
• Your portfolio demonstrates VFX with a stylized visual aesthetic.
• You have experience using the Unity game engine.

Join the Niantic team!

Niantic is the world’s leading AR technology company, sparking creative and engaging journeys in the real world. Our products inspire outdoor exploration, exercise, and meaningful social interaction.

Originally formed at Google in 2011, we became an independent company in 2015 with a strong group of investors including Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and Alsop Louie Partners. Our current consumer titles include pioneering global-control game Ingress, record-breaking AR game Pokémon GO, and Pikmin Bloom. In November 2021, we launched our developer platform, Lightship, enabling creators to build immersive AR experiences around the globe.

Niantic is an Equal Opportunity employer. We believe that cultivating a workplace where our people are supported and included is essential to creating great products our community will love. Our mission emphasizes seeking and hiring diverse voices, including those who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry, and we consider this to be one of the most important values we hold close.

We're a hard-working, fun, and exciting group who value intellectual curiosity and a passion for problem-solving! We have growing offices located in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Bellevue, Los Angeles, New York, London, Tokyo, Hamburg, and Zurich.