Head of Character Effects (CFX) - Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Paid leave and vacation

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Sydney seeks a Head of Character Effects (CFX) to lead the show’s character-related secondary motion, including hair, fur, and garments. You’ll partner with Directors, VFX, and Look Development to ensure artistic and technical excellence.

You’ll oversee the CFX team during asset development and production, define simulation approaches, mentor a cross-site team, and solve complex technical challenges to keep quality high and production efficient.

Qualifications

• Proven production-level Houdini expertise (SOPs/DOPs/POPs) with cloth/hair/feather simulations.
• 10+ years in Character Effects/FX for film/TV, including leadership roles on large features.
• Strong scripting: Python or VEX; comfortable with Linux-based workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Character Effects from look development to final shot delivery.
• Define creative and technical approaches for hair, fur, cloth, feathers and related simulations.
• Review assets and shots, providing clear artistic and technical notes.

Skills

Houdini (SOPs/DOPs/POPs)

Leadership & mentoring

Python/VEX scripting

Linux workflows

3D animation pipeline knowledge

Communication & collaboration

Tools

Grooming tools

Rigging tools

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 a Head of Character Effects (CFX) to support our upcoming animated feature film. The Head of Character Effects works inside of NAS as the show-based leader for all character-related secondary motion, including hair, fur, feathers, cloth, and garments. They will partner closely with the Director, Production Designer, VFX Supervisor, Art Director, Head of Characters, Head of Character Animation and Technical Supervisor to ensure that character effects are both artistically compelling and technically robust.

The Head of Character Effects will oversee the CFX team during asset development, look development, and shot production. They will define the simulation approach for the show, review and give notes on all CFX work, and ensure it meets the highest quality bar while remaining efficient and stable in production. This may involve developing or supervising prototypes, guiding grooming and garment construction for simulation, solving complex technical problems, and helping to set up the CFX side of the project for success.

This position is essential in bridging the gap between creative intent and simulation-driven workflows, ensuring that character motion feels alive, expressive, and fully aligned with the film’s visual language. The Head of Character Effects builds strong relationships with creative leadership and with technical and production partners, demonstrating great diplomatic and interpersonal skills to balance artistic ambition with schedule and pipeline constraints.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and supervise Character Effects across the show, from look development to final shot delivery
• Define the creative and technical approach for hair, fur, cloth, feathers, and other character-related simulations
• Review CFX assets and shots, providing clear, actionable artistic and technical notes
• Collaborate with Directors, Production Designers, Art Directors, Head of Characters, Animation, FX, and Look Development to ensure CFX supports character performance and story
• Partner with Technical Supervisors, Production Technology, and R&D to develop and maintain robust, efficient CFX tools and workflows
• Anticipate and identify creative and technical challenges in CFX and offer practical, innovative solutions
• Work with Production Management on bids, schedules, and priorities to deliver high-quality work on time and within scope
• Mentor and support CFX Supervisors, Leads, and Artists, fostering growth, clarity, and a positive team culture
• Communicate effectively across disciplines, translating complex technical concepts into accessible language for creative partners
• Collaborate with grace, humility, inclusion, and open-mindedness

What You’ll Need

• At least 10 years of experience in Character Effects/FX within film, TV, or games, including 5–7 years in leadership or supervisory roles on large-scale animated features or VFX films
• Proven, production-level expertise in Houdini (SOPs/DOPs/POPs), with strong understanding of cloth, hair, fur, feather, and soft-body simulations; muscle/skin experience is a plus
• Strong scripting and/or programming skills (e.g., Python, VEX) and familiarity with Linux-based workflows
• Deep understanding of the end-to-end 3D animation pipeline and how CFX interacts with Modeling, Grooming, Rigging, Surfacing, Animation, FX, Lighting, and Compositing
• A strong eye for movement, weight, and anatomy, and the ability to give clear, constructive notes that improve performance and appeal
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to build trust and enthusiasm across a cross-site team while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive environment.
• Comfort balancing quick turnaround needs with long-term quality and technical stability

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.