Senior Houdini FX Artist

TL;DR

Senior Houdini FX Artist (Houdini): Developing complex FX setups and simulations across shots and sequences with an accent on pyro, destruction, particles, Vellum solvers, look development, and pipeline efficiency. Focus on technical troubleshooting, mentoring junior artists, ensuring scalable setups, and delivering visually impactful FX.

What you will do

• Deliver hero FX work with high-complexity setups for shots and sequences.
• Define FX visual style based on briefs and iterate quickly on feedback.
• Collaborate with lighting, comp, layout, and CFX teams to align FX with shot needs.
• Ensure setups are efficient, consistent, scalable, and pipeline-friendly.
• Mentor mid and junior artists, provide review feedback, and elevate team output.
• Maintain scene hygiene, version control, caching standards, and communicate progress.

Requirements

• Expert in Houdini pyro, destruction, particles, Vellum, and other solvers.
• Strong technical skills in simulation control, caching, and proceduralism.
• Proficient in rendering and preparing FX for lighting and comp.
• Experience with USD FX publishing or referencing.
• VEX scripting or Python for custom tools and setups.
• Understanding of FX-driven workflows in creature or environment scenes.
• Proficient in Maya, ZBrush, Mari, Substance Painter, and Arnold or equivalent.
• Solid understanding of modeling, UVs, texturing, shading, rendering, lighting, and asset publishing.
• Maya, Houdini, Nuke experience is a must.
• Basic scripting or tool awareness and excellent communication skills.