Fx Artist - Senior(Redefine)

DNEG Group; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DNEG Group is seeking a skilled FX TD for our Sydney studio to craft smoke, fire, fluids, and explosions using Houdini. You will work with Build, Layout and Animation teams, ensuring production-ready pipelines and robust tooling to meet demanding schedules.

The role emphasizes Python/VEX scripting and integration with Unreal Engine workflows, contributing to visually compelling effects within a fast-paced production environment in a hybrid Sydney office.

Qualifications

• Proven experience on high-end feature animation projects.
• Expert knowledge of Houdini and its simulation workflows.
• Python and VEX scripting.
• Experience with Unreal Engine workflows and Houdini-UE pipelines.
• Strong understanding of production pipelines and technical requirements.

Skills

Houdini

Python scripting

VEX

Unreal Engine

Partic le sims

Problem solving

Tools

Unreal Engine

Maya

Linux/Unix

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!