Dwarf Studio hiring FX Supervisor (H/F)

Festybay; Montpellier; Hybrid; EUR 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative animation studio in Montpellier is seeking an experienced FX Supervisor to elevate visual effects across projects. This role demands mastery in Houdini-based workflows and Unreal Engine integration, focusing on creating dynamic visual effects. The successful candidate will lead creative teams, ensuring quality and efficiency while adhering to tight production schedules. Candidates should have senior-level experience in FX production and a strong artistic eye for detail, making this a crucial role in our fast-paced studio environment.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience as an FX Supervisor or Lead FX Artist is essential.
• Strong expertise in Houdini and experience with Unreal Engine.
• Excellent artistic eye for timing and readability of effects.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and define FX visual direction across sequences.
• Design and prototype complex FX systems.
• Lead and optimize Houdini FX workflows.
• Ensure highest FX quality while adhering to production schedules.

Skills

Houdini Expertise

Unreal Engine Proficiency

Creative Leadership

Technical Problem-Solving

Team Management

Tools

Houdini

Unreal Engine

Job description

Contract Type Customary Fixed-Term Contract (Intermittent), Full-Time

Level Supervisor

About Dwarf

Dwarf Studio is an innovation-driven animation studio based in Montpellier, nestled in the South of France. We are dedicated to the convergence of cutting‑edge technology and artistic excellence, producing high‑end animated series and features for the global market. We are committed to pioneering new production methods to elevate visual storytelling.

The Opportunity

We are actively seeking an experienced and visionary FX Supervisor to lead and elevate the creation of dynamic visual effects across our feature projects. A strong, mandatory focus for this role is expertise in real‑time pipelines, bridging traditional FX workflows with next‑generation game engine technology.

The role encompasses the full spectrum of 2D and 3D FX animation and simulation, demanding mastery in integrating Houdini‑based workflows with Unreal Engine production environments. The FX Supervisor will serve as a key creative and technical leader, accountable for ensuring FX quality, stylistic consistency, and efficiency from initial look development through to final delivery.

Key Responsibilities

A. Creative and Technical Leadership

• Visual Direction: Supervise and define the overall FX visual direction across sequences, specializing in stylized FX that blend both 2D and 3D elements.
• Prototyping & System Design: Design, prototype, and validate complex FX systems covering a broad range of elements, including particles, fluids, destruction, atmospherics, magic, and environmental effects.
• Pipeline Bridge: Successfully integrate and adapt offline FX data and setups (Houdini) into the Unreal Engine environment, utilizing tools like Niagara and VFX Graphs, while respecting real‑time constraints.

B. Workflow and Team Management

• Houdini Expertise: Lead and optimize Houdini FX workflows, including complex simulations, procedural setups, and performance optimization techniques.
• Collaboration: Work in close collaboration with the Directors, Art Directors, Animation, Lighting, and dedicated Technical teams to ensure seamless FX integration and artistic alignment.
• Standardization: Establish FX best practices, including naming conventions, performance budgets, and technical guidelines for the entire FX department.
• Supervision & Mentorship: Supervise and actively mentor both internal and external FX artists, guiding their work and fostering their professional development.

C. Production Management

• Risk Mitigation: Anticipate potential technical risks within the pipeline and proactively propose effective creative or technical solutions.
• Delivery Accountability: Ensure the highest possible FX quality is achieved while strictly adhering to production schedule, performance budgets, and financial constraints.

Required Qualifications

• Experience Level: Senior‑level experience as an FX Supervisor or a Lead FX Artist in high‑end animation, VFX, or games production is essential.
• Software Mastery:
  • Strong expertise in Houdini (procedural FX, simulations, optimization, and advanced setups).
  • Solid, demonstrable experience with Unreal Engine (Niagara, real‑time FX integration, and utilization of the engine for final delivery).
• Artistic Eye: Excellent eye for timing, scale, readability, and stylization of animated effects.
• Technical Acumen: Strong understanding of both 2D and 3D FX animation principles.
• Pipeline Fluency: Proven comfort working within hybrid pipelines (combining offline rendering/simulation with real‑time engines).
• Delivery Track Record: Direct experience delivering production‑ready FX for animated series and/or feature films.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional problem‑solving and clear communication skills.
• Leadership: Proven ability to work autonomously and effectively lead creative and technical teams in a fast‑moving, high‑pressure production environment.