Senior Technical Artist - Character FX and Simulation

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

AAA projects

Software access

Remote collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Technical Artist specializing in Character FX and Simulation to elevate character performances through cloth, hair, and destruction simulations. This fully remote role collaborates with modelers, riggers, and animators to ensure FX integrates smoothly and runs efficiently in real-time game engines.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in technical art or FX, a strong portfolio in real-time character FX, and proficient scripting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Technical Artist or FX Artist focusing on character simulation.
• Strong portfolio showcasing character FX and real-time simulation work.
• Proficiency with Maya, Houdini, and specialized simulation tools like nCloth/nHair.
• Experience integrating FX assets in major game engines (Unreal/Unity).
• Strong problem-solving skills and keen eye for visuals.
• Excellent collaboration and remote-work communication.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character-based visual effects including cloth, hair, muscle, and destruction simulations.
• Develop and optimize simulation setups for real-time performance in game engines.
• Collaborate with rigging and animation to ensure smooth FX integration with movements.
• Create and maintain tools and scripts to streamline FX production pipeline.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to character FX and simulations.
• Define the visual style and quality bar for character FX with leads.
• Stay updated with latest simulation tech and engine capabilities.
• Mentor junior technical artists on character FX.
• Ensure FX assets meet performance budgets and technical requirements.
• Contribute to overall technical art strategy for character development.

Skills

Character FX expertise

Real-time simulation

Scripting (Python, MEL)

Artistic eye

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics or related field

Tools

Maya

Houdini

nCloth

nHair

SpeedTree

Marvelous Designer

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic game studio recognized for its visually stunning and technically sophisticated character work, is seeking an experienced Senior Technical Artist specializing in Character FX and Simulation. This role is vital for enhancing the realism and impact of character performances through expertly crafted visual effects, including cloth, hair, and destruction simulations. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to collaborate with our talented team from your home office. You will work closely with character modelers, riggers, and animators to ensure seamless integration of FX elements and optimize their performance. The ideal candidate is a master of simulation tools, possesses a strong artistic sensibility, and excels at solving complex technical challenges within a fast-paced development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and implement high-quality character-based visual effects, including cloth, hair, muscle, and destruction simulations.
• Develop and optimize simulation setups for real-time performance in game engines.
• Collaborate with character rigging and animation teams to ensure FX systems integrate smoothly with character movements.
• Create and maintain tools and scripts to streamline the FX creation and implementation pipeline.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to character FX and simulations.
• Work with art directors and leads to define the visual style and quality bar for character FX.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in simulation technology and game engine capabilities.
• Mentor junior technical artists working on character FX.
• Ensure all FX assets meet performance budgets and technical requirements.
• Contribute to the overall technical art strategy for character development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Technical Artist or FX Artist, with a strong focus on character simulation.
• A robust portfolio showcasing exceptional character FX and simulation work, especially in real-time applications.
• Proficiency with DCC tools such as Maya, Houdini, and specialized simulation software (e.g., nCloth, nHair, SpeedTree, Marvelous Designer).
• Experience integrating and optimizing FX assets within major game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Strong understanding of cloth dynamics, hair simulation, destruction physics, and particle systems.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, MEL) for tool development is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail and visual aesthetics.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities for effective remote teamwork.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, Animation, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive contract rate.
• Opportunity to work on exciting AAA projects with a renowned studio.
• Full remote flexibility, enabling a great work-life balance.
• Access to industry-leading software and technologies.
• Exposure to cutting-edge character FX techniques.
• Collaborative and innovative remote work environment.
• Contribution to visually striking character performances.