Principal VFX Artist in Manchester

Founded in 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is one of the largest global independent studios, dedicated to delivering next‑generation AAA games. CIG prides itself in thinking outside the box, encouraging creativity and developing ground‑breaking technology. CIG believes in raising the bar for the gaming industry and the community as a whole.

About the Role: As a Principal VFX Artist you will be a driving creative and technical force within our team of artists and programmers, helping to define the visual language of real‑time effects across a boundless sandbox universe. You will lead on the creation of ambitious, high‑impact effects – from epic spaceship battles inside giant gas clouds and characters struggling to survive raging storms on hostile planets, to holographic displays inside futuristic shopping malls and tiny dust motes in a desolate outpost. You will set the bar for quality and innovation, shaping both the work and the people around you.

What does a Principal VFX Artist at Cloud Imperium Games do?

• Own and drive the creation of ambitious sci‑fi VFX using CIG’s real time VFX Editor, setting the quality benchmark for the team.
• Leverage and champion best‑practice use of software packages such as 3DS Max, Houdini, Embergen and After Effects to generate high‑quality texture and mesh assets, helping to evolve team workflows and standards.
• Lead on performance optimisation strategy, ensuring effects run efficiently in‑game whilst pushing the boundaries of visual quality and fidelity.
• Act as a key technical voice in shaping VFX technology and pipelines, partnering closely with our dedicated VFX programmers to identify and drive meaningful improvements.
• Lead cross‑disciplinary collaboration with Art, Design and Audio teams, acting as a senior creative partner to help realise the full vision of the Star Citizen universe.

What do we expect from our Principal VFX Artists?

• Exceptional mastery of the artistic and technical fundamentals of real‑time visual effects, with a track record of delivering outstanding results on AAA titles.
• Extensive experience with real‑time particle systems in a game engine, with a deep understanding of the technical constraints and creative possibilities of each.
• An exceptional eye for detail, with the ability to analyse and deconstruct complex effects from games and film and translate those insights into practical guidance for the team.
• A proactive, self‑driven approach with a strong sense of ownership over both individual work and the broader health and direction of the VFX discipline.
• An ability to navigate complex technical and creative challenges, drawing on deep experience to find smart, scalable solutions and guide others through difficulties.
• An uncompromising passion for innovation in real‑time VFX, always pushing boundaries and inspiring the team to reach new levels of quality and ambition.
• Proven ability to mentor, develop and inspire artists at all levels, taking an active role in raising the skills and creative vision of the wider team.

Diversity Statement: CIG is a global company, staunchly committed to cultivating a culture and workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives. Together, we are creating a space where authentic recognition, appreciation, and understanding of the importance of diversity is fostered by everyone. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we strive to build a team that represents all walks of life, and we want every employee to bring all the things that make them unique to the work environment. The universe is as vast and varied as the people in it, and it’s our differences that make it special.