DreamWorks Feature - Character Effects Artist

Location: Glendale, California, USA; hybrid attendance required at the office a minimum of four days per week.

Salary: USD 89,752–130,000 yearly.

Company

DreamWorks Animation produces original animated films and series featuring distinctive characters and immersive worlds.

What you will do

• Design and create character effects, including cloth and fur simulations.
• Create cloth and hair simulations, prop animation, animation cleanup, and technical animation for production shots.
• Develop generalized Character FX tools to improve the production pipeline.
• Solve simulation and shot-specific problems while achieving the required art direction.
• Apply artistic judgment and expand upon the provided direction.
• Troubleshoot recurring issues independently and collaborate with production teams.

Requirements

• Excellent eye for motion and a solid understanding of animation principles.
• Working knowledge of Maya and Houdini.
• Scripting proficiency in MEL and Python.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize work, operate independently or in a group, and resolve recurring problems without supervision.
• Resume or CV submission is required; a reel or portfolio should be provided upon request.

Nice to have

• Exposure to rigging tools and surface modeling techniques.
• Background in dynamic simulation.
• Production experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement with regular office presence.
• Opportunity to contribute to animated films and series.
• Work in a multidisciplinary community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators.
• External candidates may be asked to attend an in-person interview before a hiring decision.