Environment Modeling Lead

Netflix Animation Studios; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 119,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Family-forming benefits

Paid leave of absence

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Vancouver is seeking an Environment Modeling Lead to guide a team of environment modeling artists and partner with the Supervisor to achieve high-quality work within project timelines.

You will translate 2D designs into rich 3D environments using Maya, ZBrush, and Houdini, while mentoring artists, optimizing meshes, and coordinating with Rigging, Layout and Lighting to realize the creative vision.

Qualifications

• Experience leading an environment modeling team.
• Strong communication with production management.
• Ability to mentor artists and guide technical development.
• Experience preparing bids and pitches.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team under the Head of Environment and Supervisor.
• Mentor artists and oversee quality and delivery.
• Translate 2D designs into 3D space with Maya/ZBrush/Houdini.
• Develop optimized environment meshes and UVs for downstream.
• Collaborate with R&D and other departments.
• Participate in recruitment and show reporting.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Project management

Problem-solving

Recruiting support

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

Houdini

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:

The Environment Modeling Lead is responsible for leading a team of environment modeling artists whilst working closely with the Supervisor to realize their vision, ensuring the standard and quality of work produced is consistently high.

What You’ll Do:

Creative Responsibilities

• - Ensure a high level of communication is maintained with the Supervisor and production management particularly where situations arise that may compromise the quality or scheduled delivery of material. This may include overseeing and reporting on particular aspects of a project and identifying and implementing solutions as problems arise.
• - Interpret 2D designs and translate them into 3D space by utilizing software such as Maya, ZBrush, or Houdini, all while maintaining the original artistic intent.
• - Assume responsibility for ensuring assigned work is produced to appropriate standard quality within the scheduled timeframe and deadline.
• - Produce highly optimized meshes that can be rendered and displayed efficiently for downstream departments.
• - Produce accurate UVs for models for use in downstream departments.
• - Produce complex models to a high standard with a thorough understanding of shape, scale and form.
• - Work within/produce topology/wireframe.
• - Produce accurate UVs for models for use in downstream departments.
• - Produce highly optimized meshes that can be rendered and displayed efficiently for downstream departments such as Rigging, Layout and Lighting.
• - Regularly distribute and share knowledge to support the ongoing development of innovative tools and/or techniques for Modelling.
• - Interact with tracking systems and production staff.

Lead Duties

• - Leads a team under guidance from the Head of Environment, Environment Modeling Supervisor and production team.
• - Provide day‑to‑day leadership and work with Production and Artist Management to develop the skills and abilities of all artists in the team.
• - Mentor less‑experienced artists, providing both creative and technical guidance.
• - Understands the overall project brief and goals and communicates them clearly to each team member.
• - Delegates work responsibly to ensure the successful completion of shots across team members of all skill levels.
• - Drive team reviews and offer constructive, creative and technical feedback on work in progress.
• - Perform daily one‑on‑one rounds with artists to track progress and support problem‑solving.
• - Communicates production information to both the artists group and Production Management.
• - Participates in production pipeline problem-solving.
• - Documents new techniques and distributes updates to peers, crew and Production Management.
• - Prioritise and break down a project into organized parts.
• - Support open communication between your department, R&D and all other departments.
• - Work with the Environment Modeling Supervisor and production team to prepare bids and pitches as required.
• - Participate in the recruiting and interview process for new employees as required.
• - Assist Production Management in preparation of final show reports as required.

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).

At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The overall market range for this role is typically $119k - $160k CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have bonuses.

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.