Job Description

Role Overview

As an 3D FX Artist, you will design and implement high-quality simulations and particle systems that integrate seamlessly into our production pipeline. You will bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical execution, using physics-based math and procedural workflows to create the impossible.

Key Responsibilities

Simulate & Animate:

Create complex simulations including fire, smoke, fluids, destruction (RBD), and cloth using procedural workflows.

Integration:

Work closely with Lighting and Compositing departments to ensure FX elements align with the scene's light, color, and mood.

Tool Development:

Build and maintain reusable tools and assets (e.g., Houdini Digital Assets - HDAs) to streamline the department's workflow.

Optimization:

(For Games) Optimize FX to run at target frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity. (For Film) Optimize render times for heavy simulations.

Reference Research:

Analyze real-world physics and visual references to ensure simulations behave realistically.

Problem Solving:

Troubleshoot technical issues in the pipeline and refine simulations based on Director/Supervisor feedback.

Technical Requirements

Primary Software:

Proficiency in Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.

Real-Time (Games focus):

Deep knowledge of

Unreal Engine (Niagara)

or Unity (VFX Graph).

Scripting:

Proficiency in

VEX

(Houdini) or

Python

. Knowledge of HLSL/GLSL for custom shaders is a major plus.

Compositing:

Basic to intermediate skills in After Effects to "slap-comp" your own work for review.

Rendering:

Experience with engines like Karma, Arnold, Redshift, or Mantra.

Soft Skills & Artistic Foundation

The "Eye":

A strong sense of timing, weight, scale, and color.

Physics Knowledge:

Understanding of fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and structural mechanics.

Collaboration:

Ability to take constructive criticism and iterate quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Portfolio:

A demo reel showcasing a range of work (e.g., a "hero" explosion, a subtle fluid sim, and procedural environmental effects).
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ?10,000.00 - ?20,000.00 per month

Work Location: In person