Lead FX Artist

OMENS ANIMATION STUDIOS SDN. BHD.; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative animation studio in Malaysia is seeking a Lead FX Artist to oversee the creative and technical direction of all FX work. The role includes collaboration with directors and mentoring the FX team to ensure high-quality visual effects, including simulations for fire, smoke, and other effects. Ideal candidates will have 7+ years of experience in Film or VFX, proficiency in tools like Houdini and Unreal Engine, and excellent leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in Film, Animation, or VFX.
• Strong understanding of FX principles and production pipelines.
• In-depth knowledge of FX simulations including fluids and cloth.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with directors to define FX requirements.
• Lead and support the FX team for consistency.
• Design and approve high-quality FX including water and fire.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Artistic eye

Detail-oriented

Tools

Houdini

Unreal Engine

Maya

Bifrost

Job description

Overview

The Lead FX Artist is responsible for overseeing the creative and technical direction of all FX work on a project. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality visual effects that align with the artistic vision, production requirements, and pipeline standards. The Lead FX Artist works closely with Directors, CG Supervisors, Producers, and other Department Leads, while guiding and mentoring the FX team throughout production.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Directors, CG Supervisor, and Producers to define, plan, and deliver FX requirements for the project.
• Lead, mentor, and support the FX team, ensuring consistent quality, efficiency, and artistic standards.
• Define FX approaches, workflows, and technical solutions in collaboration with Animation, Modelling, Look Dev, Lighting, and Compositing departments.
• Design, review, and approve high-quality FX including water, fire, smoke, explosions, clouds, debris, magical effects, and other simulations.
• Oversee FX pipeline development and optimization in collaboration with TDs and Pipeline teams.
• Work with Rigging teams on character-related FX such as cloth, hair, and character simulations when required.
• Anticipate production challenges and proactively propose solutions within time and budget constraints.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in Film, Animation, or VFX, with proven experience in a senior or lead FX role.
• Strong understanding of FX principles, production pipelines, and cross-department workflows.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
• Strong artistic eye with solid understanding of light, colour, contrast, shading, and visual storytelling through FX.
• In-depth knowledge of FX simulations including fluids, cloth, fur, hair, and procedural effects.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Houdini, Unreal Engine, Maya, Bifrost, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of scripting and coding languages (e.g. Python, VEX, HScript, MEL, C++) is an advantage.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.