Environment Modeling Lead - Netflix Animation Studios

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Family-forming benefits

Paid leave programs

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios Canada ULC seeks an Environment Modeling Lead to guide a team of artists in Vancouver, blending creative vision with technical excellence. You will translate 2D designs into optimized 3D assets, maintain quality within deadlines, and collaborate with supervisors to realize the project’s goals.

You will mentor teammates, drive reviews, and contribute to pipeline improvements, reporting to senior production leadership in a hybrid on-site role.

Qualifications

• Experience leading environment modeling teams in an animation or VFX setting.
• Ability to mentor artists and drive creative and technical guidance.
• Strong communication with production management and supervisors.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of environment modeling artists and collaborate with the supervisor.
• Ensure work meets quality standards within scheduled timelines.
• Oversee and report on project aspects and implement solutions as issues arise.
• Create optimized meshes and accurate UVs for downstream departments.
• Mentor artists, provide feedback, and support recruitment as required.
• Participate in production pipeline problem-solving and bid preparation.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

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.
• Provides day‑to‑day leadership and works with Production and Artist Management to develop the skills and abilities of all artists in the team.
• Mentors 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.
• Drives team reviews and offers constructive, creative and technical feedback on work in progress.
• Performs 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.
• Prioritises and breaks down a project into organized parts.
• Supports open communication between your department, R&D and all other departments.
• Works with the Environment Modeling Supervisor and production team to prepare bids and pitches as required.
• Participates in the recruiting and interview process for new employees as required.
• Assists 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.

• medical/dental/vision plans
• mental health support
• retirement programs
• family-forming benefits
• paid leave of absence programs
• 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, colour, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

At Netflix, we want to entertain the world. Whatever your taste, and no matter where you live, we give you access to best‑in‑class TV series, documentaries, feature films and games. Our members control what they want to watch, when they want it, in one simple subscription. We’re streaming in more than 30 languages and 190 countries, because great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. We are the world’s biggest fans of entertainment, and we’re always looking to help you find your next favorite story.