About the Role
We are looking for a Senior FX Artist who thrives at the intersection of technical problem-solving and cinematic artistry. At VFX Engine, you won’t just be running presets or tweaking existing templates; you’ll be designing complex procedural systems and high-end simulations for some of the most ambitious projects in film and episodic television. As a senior member of the team, you will tackle the "hero" shots that define a sequence—from massive environmental destruction and large-scale fluid dynamics to intricate, stylized magical effects.
In this remote role, you will work closely with our CG Supervisors and Lead FX Artists to establish the look and feel of a production’s most demanding elements. You understand that FX is not just about the simulation, but how that simulation interacts with the lighting, the plate, and the overall composition. We value artists who are proactive in their communication and can navigate the challenges of a global pipeline while maintaining a high level of creative autonomy.
Our culture is built on the idea that the best work happens when artists are given the tools and the freedom to innovate. You will have the opportunity to contribute to our proprietary HDA library, helping to streamline workflows for the entire department. Whether you are troubleshooting a complex VEX expression or presenting your latest iteration in virtual dailies, your expertise will be a cornerstone of our visual storytelling.
Responsibilities
- Design, simulate, and render high-quality FX elements including fire, smoke, water, particles, and rigid body dynamics.
- Develop and maintain procedural setups and HDAs that are robust, scalable, and user-friendly for the wider FX team.
- Collaborate with the Lighting and Look-Dev departments to ensure FX passes are optimized for the final render and integrate seamlessly with CG environments.
- Perform high-level pre-compositing in Nuke to showcase FX elements in context during internal reviews and dailies.
- Troubleshoot technical issues within the FX pipeline, providing solutions for complex simulation and rendering bottlenecks.
- Optimize setups to balance visual fidelity with render farm efficiency, ensuring shots are delivered on schedule.
- Mentor junior and mid-level artists, sharing technical knowledge and providing constructive feedback to elevate the team’s overall output.
- Stay current with the latest industry trends and software updates to keep VFX Engine at the forefront of FX technology.
Requirements
- Minimum of 6+ years of experience as an FX Artist in a professional VFX studio environment for film or high-end episodic.
- Expert-level proficiency in Houdini; you should be deeply comfortable working across SOPs, DOPs, and VOPs.
- Strong command of VEX and/or Python for creating custom tools, solvers, and data manipulation.
- A sophisticated eye for physics, scale, timing, and motion, with a proven ability to create believable, photorealistic simulations.
- Solid understanding of the entire VFX pipeline, from asset ingestion to final compositing.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a remote, asynchronous environment across multiple time zones.
- Must-have: A strong demo reel showcasing a range of high-end FX work (RBD, Pyro, FLIP, etc.) and a breakdown of your specific contributions.
- Nice-to-have: Experience with Solaris and USD-based workflows.
- Nice-to-have: Knowledge of Katana or experience with multi-engine rendering (Mantra, Karma, Arnold, or RenderMan).
Software & Tools
- Primary: Houdini
- Compositing: Nuke (for pre-comp and slap-comps)
- Rendering: Mantra, Karma, Arnold, or RenderMan
- Production Tracking: ShotGrid and RV
- Operating System: Linux-based workflows
What We Offer
- A fully remote work environment with a focus on work-life balance and flexible scheduling.
- Competitive salary and a comprehensive global benefits package.
- Annual stipend for home-office upgrades, high-end hardware, and professional development.
- Access to a cutting-edge, cloud-based render farm and a highly optimized proprietary pipeline.
- A collaborative, ego-free studio culture that celebrates technical innovation and artistic excellence.