Head of Effects - Netflix Animation Studios

Netflix; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 245,000 - 299,000; Full time

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios in Vancouver is seeking a Head of Effects to lead all effects work for our upcoming animated feature. You’ll guide look development, tool design, and shot production, ensuring quality and alignment with the director’s vision across environments, lighting, and composition.

This senior role requires 10+ years in effects, with 5–7 in leadership on large-scale productions, strong Houdini skills, and a deep pipeline knowledge.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Effects experience in film/TV/games.
• 5–7 years in leadership/supervisory roles on large-scale animated features or high-end VFX films.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Effects across the show, from look development through final shot delivery.
• Define creative and technical approach for key Effects in collaboration with Directors and Art Directors.
• Review Effects work and provide clear, actionable notes on artistry and technical reliability.
• Collaborate with Layout, Animation, CFX, Environments, Lighting, and Compositing to support performance, readability, and storytelling.
• Partner with Technical Supervisors, Production Technology, and R&D to develop and maintain robust Effects tools and workflows.
• Mentor and support Effects Supervisors, Leads, Artists, and TA’s to foster growth and a positive team culture.

Skills

Houdini

Python

VEX

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

Maya

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:

We are seeking a Head of Effects to support our upcoming animated feature film. The Head of Effects works inside of NAS as the show-based leader for all Effects work on the production, including water, fire, smoke, atmospherics, destruction, debris, and magical or abstract effects. They will partner closely with the Director, Production Designer, Art Directors, and other department heads to define the look, behavior, and storytelling role of Effects on the show.

The Head of Effects will oversee Effects look development, tool and workflow design, and shot production. They will review and give notes on Effects assets and shots to ensure the work is of the highest quality, integrates seamlessly with environments, characters, lighting, and compositing, and fulfills the Director’s vision. This may involve developing prototypes, helping define Effects approaches for complex sequences, writing or guiding the creation of tools, and setting up the Effects side of the project for success.

This position is essential in bridging creative intent and technical execution, ensuring that Effects enhances the emotional and visual impact of the film. The Head of Effects will work closely with production, technical, and creative partners, demonstrating strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills to balance artistic ambition with schedule, budget, and pipeline constraints.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and supervise Effects across the show, from look development through to final shot delivery
• Define the creative and technical approach for key Effects (water, fire, smoke, atmospherics, destruction, magical/abstract) in collaboration with Directors and Art Directors
• Review Effects work, providing clear, actionable notes to artists and TAs on both artistic quality and technical reliability
• Collaborate with Layout, Animation, CFX, Environments, Lighting, and Compositing to ensure Effects supports performance, readability, and story
• Partner with Technical Supervisors, Production Technology, and R&D to develop and maintain robust, efficient Effects tools and workflows
• Anticipate and solve complex creative and technical challenges in Effects, offering pragmatic, innovative solutions
• Work with Production Management on bids, schedules, and milestones to deliver high-quality Effects on time and within scope
• Mentor and support Effects Supervisors, Leads, Artists, and TAs, fostering growth, clarity, and a positive team culture
• Promote knowledge sharing and consistent practices across the Effects department and related teams
• Collaborate with grace, humility, inclusion, and open-mindedness

What You’ll Need:

• At least 10 years of Effects experience within film, TV, or games, including 5-7 years in leadership or supervisory roles on large-scale animated features or high-end VFX films
• Proven, production-level expertise in Houdini (SOPs/DOPs/POPs), with a strong understanding of fluids, pyro, rigid bodies, particles, and volumes; familiarity with other DCC tools (e.g., Maya) is a plus
• Experience contributing to or guiding the development of Effects tools, techniques, and pipeline methodologies, including scripting (e.g., Python, VEX)
• A strong eye for physics, motion, and visual design, and the ability to give clear, constructive notes that improve performance and appeal
• Deep understanding of how Effects integrates into the broader 3D animation pipeline, including Layout, Animation, CFX, Environments, Lighting, and Compositing
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to build trust and enthusiasm across a cross-site team
• Comfort balancing quick turnaround needs with long-term quality and technical stability

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 $245K - $299K CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have stock options.

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.