Lead VFX Artist

The Studio

Torn Banner Studios is an independent video game studio founded in Toronto in 2010, which is now continuing its expansion with the opening of new offices in Montréal in 2026. We first became known thanks to Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, a game that sold several million copies and redefined melee combat in the video game industry. Since then, we have continued our growth and innovation with the release of Chivalry 2 and, more recently, No More Room in Hell 2. Today, our team of more than 100 developers is dedicated to creating fun, cinematic and social game experiences.

The Role

Torn Banner Studios is looking for an experienced Lead VFX Artist to help define the visual identity of our next multiplayer game.As Lead VFX Artist, you will be responsible for the overall quality, implementation and technical direction of visual effects, both for gameplay and cinematics. You will work closely with artists, designers and programmers to create impactful, polished and performant effects that bring the game's universe to life across multiple platforms.

This is a hands-on position for a person able to combine artistic vision with technical expertise in Unreal Engine and Niagara. You will also be the team's go-to person for everything related to visual effects. You will help establish best practices, mentor and support other artists, and ensure the consistency and quality of all VFX deliverables.

Note: Although this position may be remote, to be hired you must reside in Ontario or Quebec, or be willing to relocate to Ontario.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the overall quality, implementation and visual direction of the project's VFX, from initial concept through final integration into the game.
• Design, create and maintain high-quality particle systems and complex visual effects using Unreal Engine's Niagara system.
• Develop and integrate visual effects for gameplay and cinematics to improve game readability, visual feedback, atmosphere and visual storytelling.
• Write scripts and develop technical solutions to support complex VFX systems and workflows.
• Leverage Niagara Data Channels and other advanced Unreal Engine tools to create dynamic and reactive gameplay effects.
• Create and integrate destruction effects, ideally using Houdini and Unreal Engine's Chaos system.
• Perform profiling, debugging and optimization of visual effects to ensure their performance, scalability and visual quality across multiple platforms.
• Collaborate closely with gameplay programmers, technical artists, designers and other artistic disciplines to ensure seamless integration of visual effects.
• Establish and maintain VFX standards, workflows and best practices throughout the project.
• Mentor and support VFX artists by providing technical and artistic guidance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of professional VFX experience in the video game industry.
• Experience on at least 2 commercially released games in AA or AAA productions.
• In-depth mastery of Unreal Engine and its Niagara visual effects system.
• Strong technical skills, particularly in creating complex particle systems, scripting and solving problems related to advanced VFX implementation.
• Experience creating visual effects for both gameplay and cinematics.
• Excellent understanding of real-time rendering, performance profiling and optimization techniques.
• Experience with destruction workflows and systems, ideally with Houdini and Unreal Engine's Chaos.
• Artistic sense and ability to create visually impactful effects that harmonize with the art direction and gameplay.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and experience in mentoring.
• Demo reel showcasing your most recent work.

Bonus

• Previous experience as a Lead VFX Artist or in a senior role with responsibility for VFX deliverables.
• Experience with Niagara Data Channels.
• Familiarity with EmberGen.

Benefits and Perks

• 6.5 weeks of paid vacation.
• Eligibility for the employee stock purchase plan.
• Flexible hours and work location, with the option to work remotely, in a hybrid model, or in the office.
• Group insurance plan and benefits for you and your family.
• 100% salary top-up for 16 weeks of parental leave for Canadian employees.

To learn about our team, our offices and our company, visit our We Are Torn Banner Studios page.

Torn Banner Studios welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates participating in all stages of the selection process.

Compensation

• The salary range for this position is between $120,000 and $170,000 per year. This range takes into account the diversity of skills and experience levels of candidates for this position. Higher compensation may be considered for individuals who have reached an advanced level of expertise and possess an in-depth knowledge of the industry acquired over the years. The salary offer will be determined based on your experience, your expertise and how well they match the needs of our team.

Transparency Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence and Job Status

• Our recruitment process does not use artificial intelligence to automatically sort, evaluate or select applications. All decisions regarding the progression of applications, rejections and job offers are made by people.
• A tool using artificial intelligence may be used during the interview process to record, transcribe and summarize exchanges. This tool makes no decisions and is used solely to facilitate the review of interview notes. We will always ask the candidate's permission before using such a tool.
• In accordance with Ontario regulations, this job posting concerns a position that is currently vacant.