Environment Surfacing Supervisor - Netflix Animation Studios At Netflix

Netflix; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Paid leave and time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios is seeking an Environment Surfacing Supervisor to lead the environment look development for our upcoming feature. The role ensures textures, materials, and shaders align with the director's vision and production designer direction, ready for Lighting, FX, CFX, and Rendering.

The role is based in Sydney, Australia, with a Hybrid work-model requiring a minimum of three days in the office per week.

Qualifications

• 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 role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing environment surfacing in stylized or realistic worlds.
• Proficiency with Mari, Substance Painter/Designer, Maya, and experience with modern path-tracing renderers (RenderMan, Arnold).
• Strong understanding of how environment surfacing interacts with Modeling, Layout, FX, CFX, Lighting, and Rendering in a production pipeline.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to give clear, constructive feedback and collaborate across departments.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the surfacing of environments, sets, and props to create high-quality, stylized or realistic looks that support the show's visual storytelling
• Work closely with the Production Designer, Art Director (Environments), and Head of Environments to interpret design intent, color palettes, and material direction
• Lead environment surfacing reviews and provide clear, specific, and constructive feedback on textures, materials, and shading
• Ensure environment surfacing work meets technical requirements and pipeline standards so assets integrate smoothly with Lighting, FX, CFX, and Rendering
• Collaborate with Modeling, Layout, 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 environment 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

Skills

Lookdev supervision

Team leadership

Communication

Time management

Cross-department collaboration

Tools

Mari

Substance Painter

Substance Designer

Maya

RenderMan

Arnold

Job description

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 storytelling
• Work closely with the Production Designer, Art Director (Environments), and Head of Environments to interpret design intent, color palettes, and material direction
• Lead environment surfacing reviews and provide clear, specific, and constructive feedback on textures, materials, and shading
• Ensure environment surfacing work meets technical requirements and pipeline standards so assets integrate smoothly with Lighting, FX, CFX, and Rendering
• Collaborate with Modeling, Layout, 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 environment 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 environments in feature animation, VFX, or high-end games/series, including time in a Lead or Supervisory role
• A strong portfolio/reel demonstrating excellence in environment surfacing, with a deep understanding of textures, materials, and color in stylized and/or realistic worlds
• 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 environment surfacing interacts with Modeling, Layout, FX, CFX, 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 skill s

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. 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.

Full time