Senior Effects Technical Director (2D/3D Dev) for Feature Animation - Expression of Interest - [...]

Senior Effects Technical Director (2D/3D Dev) for Feature Animation – Vancouver

Job Summary

This role is hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

Position Summary

The Senior Effects TD operates independently to generate a wide range of FX elements to match the aesthetics of the project, using Houdini to create highly realistic dynamic simulations and heavily stylized procedural setups for Feature Animation and Visual Effects projects.

The Senior Effects TD also completes lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from supervisors. This position requires a strong hand-drawn 2D foundation, along with proven production experience in both 2D FX animation and stylized 3D animation techniques.

What You’ll Do

• Create hand drawn 2D FX as sprite sequences that can be used in 2D/3D packages
• Paint overs for conceptual FX design
• Final frame paint overs to bring 2D aesthetics into 3D production techniques
• Concept design capability
• Design and create FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
• Provide accurate time estimates for shotwork
• Hand off elements to other departments (e.g., comp and rendering teams)
• Present shot work in dailies; attend dailies and other department meetings
• Mentor Junior Effects Artists
• Data management of shots including cleanup
• Develop novel approaches for complex / stylized FX setups
• Stylized and photoreal look development in Mantra / Karma

What We’re Looking For

• At least 5 years of relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college-level diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or related field; OR at least 7 years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education
• Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye
• Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking
• Production pipeline experience
• A strong portfolio showcasing fluency in hand-drawn, traditional 2D FX animation
• Strong communication and follow-through
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Expert level experience with Houdini
• Ability to quickly pickup knowledge in other DCC/tools
• Skilled in or eager to master various animation techniques including procedural animation, keyframing and simulations (rigid bodies, soft bodies, fluids, particle dynamics, etc.)
• Strong grasp of visual storytelling and film-making fundamentals (timing, light, color composition, silhouette, appeal)
• Basic Nuke experience
• Good knowledge of physics and natural phenomena
• Linux and scripting ability in Python

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$126,700 to C$154,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The base pay may vary depending on candidate’s geographic region, knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits may be offered depending on the level and position offered.

Note: This description excludes non-essential content and promotional material. Artificial intelligence in recruitment may be used to assist in screening and scheduling, but human review remains part of the process.