Senior Effects Technical Director (Houdini)

TL;DR

Senior Effects Technical Director (Houdini): Generating a wide range of FX elements for feature animation and visual effects projects with an accent on realistic dynamic simulation and stylized procedural setups. Focus on developing novel approaches for complex FX, performing look development in Mantra/Karma, and mentoring junior artists.

Location: Hybrid (Vancouver, Canada)

Salary: C$126,700 – C$154,600 per year

Company

Leading global effects facility serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries.

What you will do

• Design and create FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, and particle/fluid systems.
• Execute lighting, rendering, and moderate-level compositing for complex shots.
• Develop novel approaches for complex and stylized FX setups and perform look development in Mantra/Karma.
• Mentor junior effects artists and provide accurate time estimates for shotwork.
• Collaborate with supervisors and production to communicate shot status and hand off elements to comp and rendering teams.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of professional VFX experience with a college diploma in CG or related field (or 7 years experience).
• Expert-level proficiency with Houdini.
• Proficiency in Linux and scripting with Python.
• Basic experience with Nuke.
• Strong grasp of visual storytelling, animation, and filmmaking fundamentals.
• Must be able to work hybrid (2-3 days onsite) in Vancouver, Canada.

Culture & Benefits

• Full range of medical and financial benefits.
• Opportunity to work on world-class feature films and cutting-edge immersive cinema.
• Collaborative environment focused on challenging the impossible through visual effects.
• Stable corporate environment as part of The Walt Disney Company.