Character FX Pipeline Technician

Sony Imageworks; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects company in Vancouver is seeking a skilled CFX Pipeline Tech to develop and maintain character effects pipelines. The ideal candidate will have strong programming skills in Python and a minimum of 5 years of experience in a technical role. Responsibilities include executing Character FX for diverse projects, collaborating closely with other departments, and mentoring the team. This role offers an opportunity to work in a vibrant, collaborative studio environment, enhancing pipeline efficiency and artist productivity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a Character FX or similar technical role within a production environment.
• High to Mid-level proficiency with SideFX Houdini.
• Experience developing production pipeline tools and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Character FX (CFX) for various projects.
• Design and maintain tools and workflows using Python.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the Character FX team.
• Collaborate closely with Rigging, Animation, and Surfacing departments.
• Stay current with industry trends and new technologies.
• Optimize and troubleshoot character FX setups.

Skills

Programming skills in Python

Knowledge of C++

Knowledge of VEX

Problem-solving skills

Professional communication skills

Tools

SideFX Houdini

Job description

Overview

658 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0T5

Language in work environment - English

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and passionate CFX Pipeline Tech to join our team. This pivotal role involves the development and maintenance of our character effects pipeline, with a focus on dynamic simulations and innovative workflows. The ideal candidate is highly technical, possesses a creative aesthetic, and excels in a large, collaborative studio environment. We strongly encourage candidates with deep programming expertise to apply, as we are open to considering individuals with limited or no prior experience in Character FX. This is a CFX show-level position. The role requires close collaboration with internal CFX Pipeline leadership, Software, CFX Supervisors, and various CFX leads. This position reports to the CFX Pipeline leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Character FX (CFX) for a wide range of projects, including cloth, hair, feathers, muscle, and rigid body simulations.
• Design, develop, and maintain tools and workflows using Python and other scripting languages to enhance pipeline efficiency and artist productivity.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to the Character FX team, helping them troubleshoot complex issues and foster skill development.
• Collaborate closely with other departments such as Rigging, Animation, and Surfacing to ensure seamless integration of Character FX assets.
• Stay current with industry trends and new technologies, evaluating and implementing new tools and techniques to advance visual quality.
• Optimize and troubleshoot character FX setups to consistently meet performance and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Strong programming skills in Python are essential. Experience with other languages like C++ or VEX is a plus.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a Character FX or similar technical role within a production environment is preferred.
• High to Mid level proficiency with SideFX Houdini, including knowledge of its procedural workflows, Vellum, and various solvers.
• Demonstrable experience developing production pipeline tools and workflows.
• Deep understanding of simulation principles for cloth, hair, feathers, and muscles.
• Excellent problem-solving and professional communication skills.