Environment Surfacing Lead Artist (Animation)

TL;DR

Environment Surfacing Lead Artist (Animation): Leading a team of surfacing artists to develop high-quality materials and textures for environments and props with an accent on USD-based workflows and a variety of visual styles. Focus on translating the Production Designer's vision into screen-ready assets and optimizing technical performance within the pipeline.

Location: Hybrid in Madrid, Spain

Company

hirify.global is a studio focused on pioneering high-quality, event-level storytelling through the partnership of unique creativity and technological advancements.

What you will do

• Lead and mentor a team of surfacing artists, providing feedback and ensuring all assets meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Collaborate with the Production Designer, Art Director, and Environment Supervisor to implement the visual look of the show.
• Create stylized and photorealistic textures using Substance Painter, Designer, Houdini, RenderMan, and RizomUV.
• Develop procedural materials, filters, and generators in Substance Designer for use in the broader pipeline.
• Act as a technical liaison between input and output departments, including Modeling, Set Dressing, Rigging, and Lighting.
• Propose and implement technical solutions to troubleshooting and asset optimization problems.

Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in VFX or animation industries, with at least 1 year specifically in animation.
• Expert-level knowledge of shading, texturing, and asset optimization.
• Deep proficiency in creating UVs and a strong understanding of skinning, rigging, and lighting.
• Experience with Mari, Maya, Substance Designer, and Arnold Render.
• High English proficiency level.
• Must be based in Madrid, Spain (Hybrid).

Nice to have

• Proficiency in Spanish.

Culture & Benefits

• Dynamic, inclusive, and ever-evolving culture that fosters growth and innovative ideas.
• Opportunity to be a pioneer in a studio that pushes the limits of collaborative art.
• Provision of resources and space to build a unique production environment.
• Hybrid work model.