Lead FX Artist at PhantomFX, Ambattur

Festybay; Chennai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-Life Balance

Continuous Learning

Relocation Support

Wellness & Socials

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

Job summary

Festybay is hiring a Lead FX Artist in Chennai, India. This role requires a combination of high-level technical execution and strategic team management to create complex, photo-realistic simulations. You will design and implement various effects, mentor junior artists, and provide innovative solutions to improve workflows. Ideal candidates should possess extensive experience in Houdini and strong communication skills. Alongside a supportive work culture, Festybay offers relocation support and opportunities for continuous learning in a vibrant environment.

Qualifications

• Mastery of SideFX Houdini across all contexts (SOPs, DOPs, VOPs, LOPs).
• Strong understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) and shading.
• Experience with compositing in Nuke for effective FX passes.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement high-quality effects like water and fire.
• Ensure seamless integration of FX elements into the CG environment.
• Mentor junior artists and collaborate with Technical Directors.

Skills

Houdini Expertise

Rendering & Shading Knowledge

Compositing Knowledge

Adaptability

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Job description

Job Overview

Lead FX Artist

The PhantomFX Experience: Our Culture

The word "Lead" at PhantomFX isn't just a title; it's a responsibility to uphold an environment where creativity thrives under pressure. We pride ourselves on an open and inclusive work culture. Our strength lies in our people—a dedicated collective of professionals who have mastered the art of meeting "crazy deadlines" without ever compromising on the high bar of quality we are known for. When you join us, you aren't just an employee; you are a wizard in our digital craft shop.

As the Lead FX Artist, your role is multifaceted, blending high-level technical execution with strategic team management. Your primary objective is to spearhead the creation of complex, photo-realistic simulations while optimizing the studio's technical pipeline.

Creative Execution & Technical Mastery

• Photo-Real Simulations: You will design and implement high-quality effects, including but not limited to Water (FLIP), Fire and Smoke (Pyro), Explosions, Clouds, Debris (RBD), and ethereal magical effects.
• Scene Integration: You are responsible for ensuring that all FX elements are seamlessly integrated into the CG environment, which involves a deep understanding of lighting, shading, and physical properties.
• Look Development: Working closely with the LookDev team to ensure that the aesthetic of the simulations matches the creative vision of the Director and VFX Supervisor.

Workflow Innovation & Pipeline Development

• Tool Creation: You won't just use tools; you will build them. We expect our Leads to design and implement efficient methods and HDA (Houdini Digital Assets) that can be utilized by the broader team.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate directly with Technical Directors (TDs) and the Pipeline department to troubleshoot bottlenecks and improve the overall efficiency of the FX department.
• Documentation: Technical brilliance is only useful if it is repeatable. You will document new technologies and workflows developed during production to build the studio's internal knowledge base.
• Team Guidance: You will mentor junior and mid-level artists, providing them with technical solutions and creative feedback to help them grow.
• Reporting & Communication: Maintain a steady line of communication with the CG Supervisor. You will be responsible for reporting technical hurdles, administrative concerns, and seeking creative approvals for milestones.
• Strategy: Stay at the forefront of the industry. We expect you to constantly research and implement the latest technologies and methods to keep PhantomFX ahead of the curve.

Candidate Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must possess a rare blend of artistic "eye" and technical "brain". We are looking for a problem-solver who remains calm when the render farm is red and the deadline is looming.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Houdini Expert: A mastery of SideFX Houdini is essential. You should be comfortable across all contexts (SOPs, DOPs, VOPs, and LOPs/Solaris).
• Rendering & Shading: A strong understanding of physically based rendering (PBR) and shading procedures. Experience with Arnold, Mantra, or Karma is highly preferred.
• Compositing Knowledge: You must have extensive experience in breaking out layers for compositing. The ability to perform "slap comps" in Nuke to demonstrate the effectiveness of an FX pass is vital.
• Portfolio: A comprehensive demo reel is non-negotiable. We want to see your best work involving complex simulations that prove your ability to achieve photo-realism.

Soft Skills & Professionalism

• Adaptability: The VFX industry is fluid. You must be able to pivot your direction based on client feedback, even under tight production schedules.
• Communication: Excellent command of the English language (both written and verbal) is required to ensure clarity in technical documentation and creative briefings.
• Organizational Prowess: You must be highly organized, capable of managing not only your own tasks but also overseeing the progress of your team to ensure the project remains on budget and on time.
• Solution-Driven Mindset: We value "can-do" attitudes. When a simulation fails or a workflow breaks, we need a Lead who brings solutions, not just problems.

Benefits and Perks

We believe that peak creativity is only possible when our team feels supported and energized. PhantomFX offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to foster both professional and personal growth.

• Work-Life Balance: Unlike many in the industry, our management actively supports a healthy balance. We strive to make "crunch time" the exception, not the rule.
• Continuous Learning: We provide access to leadership training and soft-skills workshops to help you transition from a brilliant artist to a world-class leader.
• Relocation Support: Moving for the dream job? We offer relocation assistance for eligible candidates moving to the Ambattur/Chennai area.
• Wellness & Socials: From stress-buster activities and regular entertainment events to dedicated ice-breaking sessions for new joiners, we ensure the "Phantom Family" stays connected.
• State-of-the-Art Infrastructure: Work on high-performance workstations with the latest hardware to ensure your creativity is never limited by your machine's processing power.

PhantomFX is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.