Senior Effects Developer / Technical Director (Houdini)

TL;DR

Senior Effects Developer / Technical Director (Houdini): Generating a wide range of FX elements for feature animation and visual effects projects with an accent on realistic dynamic simulations and stylized procedural setups. Focus on designing complex particle and fluid systems, integrating 2D aesthetics into 3D production, and developing novel FX approaches.

Location: Hybrid (Vancouver, Canada) — employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location

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

Company

hirify.global (ILM) is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries.

What you will do

• Create hand-drawn 2D FX as sprite sequences for use in 2D/3D packages.
• Design and implement FX animation, procedural simulations, and complex particle and fluid systems.
• Execute lighting, rendering, and moderate-level compositing of complex shots.
• Develop novel approaches for stylized FX setups using Mantra and Karma look development.
• Mentor junior effects artists and manage shot data, including cleanup.
• Present shot work in dailies and collaborate across multiple production departments.

Requirements

• Must be based in or able to work in Vancouver, Canada.
• At least 5 years of professional VFX experience (or 7 years in lieu of a degree).
• Expert-level proficiency with Houdini.
• Strong portfolio showcasing fluency in traditional hand-drawn 2D FX animation.
• Linux and scripting ability in Python.
• Basic experience with Nuke.

Nice to have

• Concept design skills, specifically quick sketching or paintovers for FX and lighting.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexibility to work from home occasionally.
• Comprehensive medical and financial benefits package.
• Opportunity to contribute to world-class feature films and cutting-edge immersive cinema.
• Professional environment fostering interdisciplinary thinking and teamwork.