VFX Animator

# Senior VFX Animator (Unity / Spine) We are hiring a Senior VFX Animator for our client — a product-focused gaming company building next-generation interactive gameplay experiences inspired by modern casual and skill-based games. We’re looking for a hands-on VFX expert with strong real-time production experience in Unity and Spine who can independently own the full VFX animation pipeline — from concept creation to final in-engine implementation. The ideal candidate combines strong artistic sensibility with deep technical expertise, creating effects that are visually impactful, gameplay-readable, and optimized for real-time performance across mobile and desktop platforms. You will collaborate closely with game designers, UI/UX teams, engineers, and artists across multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment. ## Responsibilities ### End-to-End VFX Ownership * Own the complete VFX workflow from concept to implementation * Create: * UI interaction animations * Gameplay and feature-related VFX * Reward and bonus animations * Item usage effects * Gameplay feedback animations * Translate gameplay requirements into clear and satisfying visual feedback * Ensure animations improve gameplay clarity, engagement, and user experience ### Real-Time Production & Technical Execution * Work extensively with Spine for: * Rigging * Mesh deformation * Animation state setup * Export optimization * Build and optimize VFX workflows in Unity: * Particle systems * Animator & Timeline integration * UI animation integration * Prefab organization * Combine Spine and Unity workflows efficiently * Optimize assets for mobile and desktop performance * Maintain strong performance standards while preserving visual quality ### Artistic Quality & Gameplay Readability * Create animations with strong timing, impact, and rhythm * Balance visual richness with gameplay clarity * Maintain consistency with overall art direction * Improve user interaction through polished feedback systems * Iterate quickly based on reviews and feedback ### Pipeline & Integration * Structure assets for clean integration and scalable workflows * Collaborate closely with engineers on implementation and optimization * Maintain organized file structures and naming conventions * Anticipate technical integration issues early in production * Help improve internal VFX pipelines and standards ### Collaboration & Production Agility * Communicate effectively with design, engineering, and art teams * Work across multiple concurrent projects * Adapt quickly to changing priorities and fast iteration cycles * Participate actively in reviews, testing, and feedback sessions ## Requirements * 5+ years of experience in real-time VFX and animation production * Advanced experience with Unity VFX workflows * Expert-level Spine animation skills * Strong understanding of real-time optimization for mobile and desktop * Experience with: * Particle systems * Animator / Timeline * Prefabs * Texture atlases * Draw call optimization * Shader/material setup * Strong understanding of gameplay readability and animation timing * Experience shipping mobile or cross-platform games * Ability to independently solve technical and artistic challenges * Strong communication and collaboration skills * English or Mandarin or Ukrainian proficiency ## Nice to Have * Experience in casual games, gaming products, poker, or UI-heavy experiences * LiveOps or fast-paced production environment experience * Experience mentoring other animators * Familiarity with distributed/global teams * Basic understanding of 3D workflows or real-time lighting pipelines * Experience with version control systems such as Git ## What Success Looks Like * High-quality real-time VFX that enhance gameplay and user engagement * Smooth and optimized implementation across platforms * Clear gameplay feedback and polished interaction design * Fast iteration cycles without sacrificing quality * Strong collaboration between art, design, and engineering teams ## What We Offer * Competitive compensation package * Remote-friendly work environment * Optional relocation support * Home office & hardware budget * Flexible paid time off policy * Learning & development budget * Referral bonus program * Long-term product-focused environment with modern workflows