Fx Artist - Senior(Redefine)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Relocation assistance

Job summary

DNEG in Sydney, Australia, is seeking an FX TD to create advanced particle, pyro, fluid and cloth simulations for feature animation. You will leverage Houdini workflows, Python/VEX scripting, and Unreal Engine integration to deliver high‑quality effects within tight production timelines.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Build, Layout and Animation teams, a hybrid office‑based setup in Sydney, and a willingness to relocate if not based locally.

Qualifications

• Proven experience on high‑end feature animation projects.
• Experience creating smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam and explosions with particle/voxel rendering.
• Expert knowledge of Houdini and its simulation workflows.
• Programming or scripting skills, particularly Python and VEX.
• Experience with Unreal Engine workflows, including Houdini‑Unreal integration.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and understanding of production pipelines.

Skills

Houdini simulations

Python

VEX

Unreal Engine

Problem solving

Production pipelines

Communication

Tools

Maya

HScript or MEL

Linux/Unix

Pipeline tools

Job description

FX TDs at DNEG gather a variety of 3D assets produced by our Build, Layout and Animation departments and use off-the-shelf software and custom pipeline tools to create high-quality particle, pyro, rigid body, fluid, cloth, fur and hair simulations for feature animation projects.

Must Have

• - Proven experience working on high-end feature animation projects.
• - Proven experience creating a range of effects, including smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam and explosions, with an understanding of particle-based and voxel-based rendering.
• - Expert knowledge of Houdini and its simulation workflows.
• - Programming or scripting skills, particularly Python and VEX.
• - Experience with Unreal Engine workflows, including integration between Houdini and Unreal Engine pipelines.
• - Strong problem-solving skills and an understanding of production pipelines and technical requirements.

Nice to Have

• - A good generalist TD background.
• - Knowledge of Maya, HScript or MEL.
• - Experience with procedural workflows and pipeline tools.
• - Strong understanding of Linux/Unix-based operating systems.

About You

• - Organised, proactive and able to work independently.
• - A collaborative team player with strong communication skills.
• - Adaptable and willing to learn new tools, techniques and proprietary software.
• - Able to troubleshoot technical challenges and deliver quality work within production deadlines.
• - Positive, solutions-focused and comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.

Workplace Flexibility & Location

We believe great work happens through connection and collaboration — that's why we love spending time together in our beautiful Sydney office. For this role, we ask that candidates be available to work from the office at least three days. If you're not currently based in Sydney, relocation will be required to be eligible. We're excited to welcome someone who values a hybrid work environment and thrives in a collaborative, in-person setting!

About Us

We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies for the creation of award-winning feature film, television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London), Asia (Bangalore, Mohali, Chennai, Mumbai) and Australia (Sydney). At DNEG, we fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is a vital component of our collective success. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment for our global teams, where everyone feels they matter and belong. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of background, experience or disability. Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to meeting you!