Lead FX Artist (Contract)

Cause and FX Ltd; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly quiz

Fromage Friday

Regular team events

Job summary

Cause & FX Ltd seeks a Lead FX Artist to head complex effects work, mentor a talented team, and shape visuals across high-end productions. You will lead lookdev, optimise simulations, and help build smarter pipelines while keeping the studio's fun culture alive.

You’ll collaborate across departments, guide lookdev, and ensure timely delivery, with a strong emphasis on innovation and technical excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience as an FX Artist in the VFX industry across films, commercials or games.
• At least 2 years leading teams and mentoring artists in a Lead Artist role.
• Experience building procedural templates and reusable setups.
• Deep knowledge of simulation types: fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, etc.
• Mastery of Houdini with solid Maya and Nuke experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of high-end FX including explosions, fire, water, smoke, destruction and magic.
• Collaborate with Supervisors and other departments to blend FX into live-action and CG.
• Build procedural templates and reusable tools to streamline workflows.
• Define FX style, mood and wow-factor through lookdev work.
• Mention and mentor artists to foster growth and craft excellence.
• Troubleshoot simulations and optimise setups for reliability.
• Deliver stunning work on time across multiple shots and sequences.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to R&D initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Excellent communication

Lookdev

Python scripting

VEX scripting

MEL scripting

Tools

Houdini

Maya

Nuke

Karma

Unreal

Unity

Job description

WELCOME TO CAUSE & FX!

Our studio is celebrated for its dynamic atmosphere and a team of committed artists known for consistently delivering exceptional work. We embrace innovation and state-of-the-art technologies while nurturing the growth and potential of our team. Our mutual commitment fuels our motivation, and we warmly welcome individuals who share the same level of passion and dedication.

THIS OPPORTUNITY:

Are you the kind of person who gets oddly excited about simulating explosions, swirling smoke, crashing waves, and magical particles? Do you love crafting FX that make people say, “HOW did they do that?!”

We’re looking for a Lead FX Artist to take charge of complex effects work, guide an enthusiastic team, and help shape unforgettable visuals across our high-end productions. You’ll collaborate across departments, lead lookdev, optimise simulations, and help build smarter pipelines, all while keeping the fun alive in the studio.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the creation of high-end FX; explosions, fire, water, smoke, destruction, magic and anything else we dream up
• Work closely with Supervisors, Leads and other departments to seamlessly blend FX into live-action and CG environments
• Build procedural templates and reusable tools that keep workflows sharp and efficient
• Use your lookdev superpowers to define FX style, mood and wow-factor
• Mentor and provide feedback to fellow artists, fostering growth, collaboration and craft excellence
• Troubleshoot simulations, optimise setups and keep everything running smoothly
• Deliver stunning work on time across multiple shots and sequences
• Stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to R&D that pushes boundaries

• 5+ years experience as an FX Artist in the VFX industry, with a proven track record in high-quality feature films, commercials, or games
• At least 2 years of proven experience leading teams and mentoring artists in a Lead Artist role within the VFX industry
• Mastery of Houdini, and solid experience in Maya and Nuke
• An eye for lighting; bonus points if you’ve worked with Karma or volumetric workflows

• Experience building procedural templates and reusable setups
• Strong lookdev chops - shaders, materials, and defining FX aesthetics
• Deep knowledge of simulation types: fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, etc.
• Strong artistic sensibility and technical know‑how
• Excellent communication - you can guide, instruct, and collaborate with clarity
• A passion for VFX that shines through in your work

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with scripting languages (Python, VEX, MEL) to enhance workflows and automate tasks
• Knowledge of real-time engines such as Unreal or Unity for interactive VFX
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced studio environment with tight deadlines

• Join a company that values kindness, curiosity, teamwork, and creativity! Our Values aren't just words on a wall.
• Interesting, exciting, and varied role within the film and TV industry
• Social events: Weekly quiz, Fromage Friday and regular team events.

At Cause & FX we promote a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger, more creative and ultimately better at what we do. At Cause and FX everybody’s welcome.