CFX Artist

The Walt Disney Company; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 79,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animation studio in Vancouver is seeking a Character Technical Director (TD) specializing in Technical Animation. The role involves creating character effects and collaborating with designers and animators to craft compelling simulations. Ideal candidates should possess a strong artistic background, technical experience in hair and cloth simulation, along with proficiency in Autodesk Maya. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required. Competitive salary range is offered, reflecting experience and skills.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in character effects, including cloth and hair simulation.
• Strong foundation in creating appealing character performances.
• Previous leadership experience in animation projects is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create character effects and simulations for shot production.
• Collaborate with various team members for best simulation rigs.
• Ensure success of each character from creation to final output.

Skills

Experience in hair and/or cloth simulation

Understanding of animation principles

Knowledge of anatomy and kinematics

Experience with Python scripting

Comfort with Linux environments

Collaboration and problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics, Engineering, or equivalent experience

Tools

Autodesk Maya

Marvelous Designer

Houdini

Job description

CFX Artist

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10138397 Location Vancouver, Canada Business Walt Disney Animation Studios Date postedDec. 10, 2025

Job Summary:

At Walt Disney Animation Studios, Character Technical Directors (TD) work on Character Rigging, Simulation Setup, and Technical Animation. We are currently hiring Character TDs with an emphasis in Technical Animation to join us in crafting the most appealing character simulation performances for our projects.

Our ideal candidate has strong artistic skills built on top of a proven technical foundation. You will work closely with the industry's top talent in fields ranging from design and modeling through animation to bring our characters to life.

Responsibilities:

• Character effects for shot production, including cloth and hair simulation, and final character polishing
• Collaborate directly with Character Asset Team members: Directors, Character Designers, Animators, Modelers, and Look Development Artists to define and create the best simulation or animation rigs for a wide range of character styles and art directions
• Responsible for the creation and downstream success of each character

Requirements:

• Experience in hair and/or cloth simulation
• Thorough understanding of the principles of animation
• Extensive knowledge of anatomy, kinematics, and physical behaviors
• Experience with crafting appealing performance through simulation
• Detailed knowledge of Python scripting
• Experience on 3+ CG feature film productions
• Experience partnering with others, taking direction, and problem-solving
• Comfortable with Linux environments
• Previous leadership experience is a plus
• Experience in modeling, grooming, and rigging are a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics, Engineering, related field or equivalent experience

A Note About Software:

Our department currently uses Autodesk Maya as our primary platform with proprietary solvers, hair instancing tools, and other authoring plugins. Applicants should be adept in Maya or an equivalent CG application or demonstrate a curiosity about learning software quickly. Strength in packages like Marvelous Designer, XGen, and Houdini is an added plus.

Application Materials:

• A reel of recent and best technical animation work that is no longer than 3 minutes in length
• A resume that details your work history outlining past experiences that relate to working on cloth and hair technical animation in a collaborative environment
• A reel breakdown of the visuals on your reel (if applicable)
• Examples of art directed simulation a plus
• Post simulation finaling and anatomy sculpting a plus
• Cloth simulation rigs that demonstrate an understanding of tailoring and fabric quality under a broad range of motion a plus
• Examples of performance with character animation rigs a plus
• An optional portfolio of drawing or sculpture work reflecting an interest and knowledge in design and anatomy

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The hiring range for this position in British Columbia, Canada is C$79,300 to C$150,500 CAD per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

About Walt Disney Animation Studios:

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Disney Animation continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” to the upcoming fall 2024 feature, “Moana 2.” Among the studio's timeless creations are “Pinocchio,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” and “Encanto.”

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Walt Disney Company (Canada) Ltd. , which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios .

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