Senior VFX Animator (Unity / Spine)

# 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