Who We Are
Second Dinner is an award-winning independent game development studio. Just how many awards, you ask? A whopping 22 in total so far… Including Mobile Game of the Year from both The Game Awards and DICE, Best Strategy Game from IGN, and the prestigious Apple Design Award for Innovation. Yes, that’s a lot of awards! But these accolades don’t magically materialize; they’re a testament to the amazing folks who make up our studio. You could be the next addition to our award-winning team! Continue reading to find out more.
For our debut game, MARVEL SNAP, we’ve partnered with Marvel (Trust us, we had to pinch ourselves too!). We’ve got other SUPER FUN (but still secret) projects in the works, and this role is a chance to be a part of something new and special at the company. As a remote-first company, we value diversity and encourage applications from everyone who can bring something unique to the table.
The Project
We're building something new. Something bold. Something wildly fun. This game is early in development, but the bar is high, so we’re aiming to create the next must-play title that your friends, your family, and your group chat can’t stop talking about.
This isn’t an indie side project. It’s a major, multiplatform, free-to-play game that’s built to be played, loved, and experienced for years to come. Aim high, then aim even higher.
Your Role
We’re looking for a Contract Senior VFX Artist to join our crew as a contractor. You’ll create real-time visual effects that bring our gameplay, characters, and UI to life. From impact-driven gameplay moments to subtle ambient effects, you’ll help define the game’s tone, rhythm, and visual language.
You’ll work closely with design, product, art, and engineering to ensure that everything you create looks incredible, feels responsive, and performs beautifully across all platforms. And since this is a small, senior team, your work will have a huge impact from day one.
This is a 3-month contract role to start (with possible extension), but if it’s a great mutual fit, it could evolve into a full-time position.
What You’ll Do:
Design and create high-quality quality stylized, performant real-time VFX for gameplay, characters, environments, UI, and more
Collaborate with designers and engineers to make gameplay effects feel powerful and clear while matching the tone and style of the setting
Use Unity and proprietary VFX tools and give feedback to improve tools and workflows to create dynamic and responsive effects
Collaborate with the design, art, and programming teams to conceptualize, create, and implement visual effects to ensure the overall artistic vision is achieved
Help shape the visual style of effects across the entire game
Maintain performance and clarity across a wide range of devices and resolutions
Stay up-to-date with the latest VFX techniques, tools, and trends, and incorporate them into the development process where applicable
What You’ll Need:
(Even if you don’t check every box. If this role excites you, we’d still love to hear from you!)
5+ years working as a VFX artist in games or interactive media
Experience creating real-time VFX for one or more shipped, high-quality games
A strong portfolio that showcases stylized, readable effects and great timing
Proficiency with Unity, and common VFX tools like Photoshop, Houdini, and Blender (or equivalent applications)
Solid understanding of gameplay readability, timing, and flow
Ability to model and UV
Comfort working across mobile, PC, and/or console pipelines
Strong communicator and collaborator with a low-ego, high-trust mindset
Nice to Have, But Not Necessary:
Familiarity with Unity or in-engine implementation
Experience with live service or cross-platform game development
Why You Should Apply
You’ll help shape the VFX style of a potential blockbuster from day one
You’ll join a proven team that loves big ideas and small egos
You’ll work in a fully remote, flexible environment where talent and creativity thrive
You’ll get to build something that doesn’t exist yet that could become iconic
Ready to help us make the next game the world won’t stop talking about? We can’t wait to meet you.
This position pays a range of $64.90 - $84.13 per hour (USD).
Individual pay within this range may span multiple levels within the discipline and is determined by assessed job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training. It also factors in market demands and business needs. The disclosed range is not adjusted based on location and may be subject to change or modification based on business needs in the future. This role is contracted through a third-party that provides health benefits, etc., which your recruiter can discuss more during the hiring process.
We are an equal opportunity employer that places high value on diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, disability status, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military status, or veteran status.
You must be legally authorized to work and reside in the United States. We do not sponsor visas or support employment outside the U.S. for this role.
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Second Dinner Studios is an independent game development company that believes the foundation of a successful game company is essential for creating enjoyable games.
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