Character Surfacing Supervisor - Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Sydney seeks a Character Surfacing Supervisor to lead the character surfacing team for our upcoming feature film. You will define textures, materials, and shaders for characters, ensuring technical readiness for Rigging, CFX, and Rendering.

Ideal candidates have senior experience in feature animation or VFX, with a strong portfolio and mastery of Mari, Substance Painter/Designer, and Maya, plus experience with a modern renderer.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Surfacing/Lookdev Artist focused on characters in feature animation or VFX, with lead/supervisory experience.
• Strong portfolio showcasing skin, fabric, hair/fur materials and color in stylized or realistic work.
• Proficiency with Mari, Substance Painter/Designer, and Maya; experience with modern path-tracing renderers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the character surfacing team to define and deliver high-quality texture work aligned with design vision.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback on textures, shading, and lookdev across departments.
• Ensure assets meet technical pipeline requirements for integration with Rigging, CFX, Lighting and Rendering.
• Collaborate with production design, art directors, and TDs to refine material direction and color palettes.
• Mentor surfacing artists and contribute to training and performance development.

Skills

Surfacing/Lookdev

Character supervision

Leadership

Feedback & collaboration

Pipeline knowledge

Tools

Mari

Substance Painter/Designer

Maya

RenderMan/Arnold

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

We are seeking a Character Surfacing Supervisor to support our upcoming feature film. The Character Surfacing Supervisor works inside of NAS to lead the character surfacing team on a specific film or series, defining and supervising the look of all digital characters and character-related assets. This role ensures that textures, materials, and shaders for characters align with the vision of the Director and Production Designer and are technically ready for Rigging, CFX, Animation, Lighting, and Rendering.

What You’ll Do:

• Supervise the surfacing of characters and character-related assets to create high-quality, stylized or realistic looks that support the show’s design language and storytelling
• Work closely with the Production Designer, Art Director (Characters), Character Designers, and Head of Characters to interpret design intent, material direction, and color palettes
• Lead character surfacing reviews and provide clear, specific, and constructive feedback on textures, materials, shading, and overall look
• Ensure character surfacing work meets technical requirements and pipeline standards so assets integrate smoothly with Rigging, CFX, Animation, Lighting, and Rendering
• Collaborate with Character Modeling, Rigging, CFX, Lighting, and Technical teams to troubleshoot issues and align on efficient, production-friendly workflows
• Help define and refine surfacing tools, material libraries, and workflows in partnership with Production Technology, R&D, and surfacing/lookdev TDs
• Provide input to Production Management and department leadership on asset complexity and progress to support realistic planning and prioritization
• Mentor and support character surfacing artists, helping to identify training needs and contributing to performance feedback and craft development
• Help foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team culture where artists can do their best work

What You’ll Need:

• Significant experience as a Surfacing/Lookdev Artist focused on characters in feature animation, VFX, or high-end games/series, including time in a Lead or Supervisory role
• A strong portfolio/reel demonstrating excellence in character surfacing, with a deep understanding of skin, fabric, hair/fur materials, and color in stylized and/or realistic work
• Proficiency with surfacing and lookdev tools such as Mari, Substance Painter/Designer, and Maya, and experience with a modern path-tracing renderer (e.g., RenderMan, Arnold, or similar)
• Strong understanding of how character surfacing interacts with Character Modeling, Rigging, CFX, Animation, Lighting, and Rendering within a production pipeline
• Great communication and leadership skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback and collaborate effectively across departments
• Strong organizational and time-management skills

This role is based out of Sydney, Australia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.