Environment Surfacing Supervisor - Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical, dental, vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Sydney is seeking an Environment Surfacing Supervisor to lead the environment surfacing team on our upcoming feature film. You will define and supervise the look of all digital environments, sets, and props, ensuring textures, materials, and shaders align with the director and production designer's vision and are production-ready.

You will collaborate with the Production Designer, Art Director (Environments), and Head of Environments to interpret design intent,

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Surfacing/Lookdev Artist focused on environments.
• Experience in a Lead or Supervisory role within feature animation, VFX, or games.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in environment surfacing.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the surfacing of environments, sets, and props to create high-quality looks.
• Lead environment surfacing reviews and provide clear feedback on textures and shading.
• Ensure environment surfacing work meets pipeline technical requirements.
• Collaborate with Modeling, Layout, Lighting, and Technical teams to troubleshoot issues.
• Help define and refine surfacing tools, material libraries, and workflows.
• Provide input on asset complexity and progression for realistic planning.

Skills

Environment surfacing

Lead / supervisory

Texture & shader expertise

Lookdev

Color & materials understanding

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!Job Summary:We are seeking an Environment Surfacing Supervisor to support our upcoming feature film. The Environment Surfacing Supervisor works inside of NAS to lead the environment surfacing team on a specific film, defining and supervising the look of all digital environments, sets, and props. This role ensures that textures, materials, and shaders align with the vision of the Director and Production Designer and are technically ready for Lighting, FX, CFX, and Rendering.What You’ll Do:Supervise the surfacing of environments, sets, and props to create high-quality, stylized or realistic looks that support the show’s visual storytellingWork closely with the Production Designer, Art Director (Environments), and Head of Environments to interpret design intent, color palettes, and material directionLead environment surfacing reviews and provide clear, specific, and constructive feedback on textures, materials, and shadingEnsure environment surfacing work meets technical requirements and pipeline standards so assets integrate smoothly with Lighting, FX, CFX, and RenderingCollaborate with Modeling, Layout, Lighting, and Technical teams to troubleshoot issues and align on efficient, production-friendly workflowsHelp define and refine surfacing tools, material libraries, and workflows in partnership with Production Technology, R&D, and surfacing/lookdev TDsProvide input to Production Management and department leadership on asset complexity and progress to support realistic planning and prioritizationMentor and support environment surfacing artists, helping to identify training needs and contributing to performance feedback and craft developmentHelp foster a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative team culture where artists can do their best workWhat You’ll Need:Significant experience as a Surfacing/Lookdev Artist focused on environments in feature animation, VFX, or high-end games/series, including time in a Lead or Supervisory roleA strong portfolio/reel demonstrating excellence in environment surfacing, with a deep understanding of textures, materials, and color in stylized and/or realistic worldsProficiency 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 environment surfacing interacts with Modeling, Layout, FX, CFX, Lighting, and Rendering within a production pipelineGreat communication and leadership skills, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback and collaborate effectively across departmentsStrong organizational and time-management skill sThis 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.