Environment Modeling Lead - Netflix Animation Studios

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Retirement program

Family-forming benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Vancouver, BC is seeking an Environment Modeling Lead to guide a team of environment artists and realize the creative vision with high-quality output.

You will translate 2D designs to 3D in Maya/ZBrush/Houdini, produce optimized meshes and accurate UVs, and collaborate across departments. The role is hybrid with three days in the office and offers compensation in the CAD market range 119k–160k CAD.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team of environment artists.
• Proven ability to mentor junior artists.
• Strong collaboration with production management.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of environment modeling artists to deliver high-quality assets.
• Translate 2D designs into optimized 3D models using Maya, ZBrush, or Houdini.
• Ensure work meets scheduled deadlines and quality standards.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and mentor artists.
• Participate in recruitment and onboarding as required.
• Collaborate with R&D and other departments to improve tools and pipelines.

Skills

Team leadership

Mentoring

Communication

3D modelling

Artistic vision

Problem solving

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.