Lead FX TD - Creature Dynamics & Houdini Expert

Framestore; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 111,000 - 148,000; Part time

Job summary

Framestore in New York is seeking a Lead FX Technical Director for a freelance engagement from September 2026 through May 2027. Remote work is possible from within the USA, with hybrid in-office as needed.

You will lead a team of CFD/FX TDs, shaping character and creature dynamics, and own procedural simulations, pipelines, and visual fidelity, collaborating with Supervisors and Artists.

Qualifications

• Senior/lead FX experience with character dynamics (cloth, fur, skin, muscle)
• Strong Houdini and Maya for production simulations
• Advanced scripting: Python, VEX, HScript in Linux environments
• End-to-end FX pipeline knowledge and cross-department collaboration

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of CFX/FX TDs, setting artistic and technical standards
• Design and stress-test production setups for hero FX (cloth, hair, skin)
• Run hero-level simulations, sculpt shots, and provide reviewable composites
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless asset handoffs and resolve bottlenecks
• Provide regular technical/creative feedback to match project targets

Skills

Houdini

Maya

Python

VEX/HScript

C/C++

Linux

USD

Nuke

Arnold

Leadership

Tools

Houdini HDK

Maya API

USD pipelines

Nuke

Job description

Framestore in New York is seeking a Lead FX Technical Director for a freelance engagement from September 2026 through May 2027. Remote work is possible from within the USA, with hybrid in-office as needed.

You will lead a team of CFD/FX TDs, shaping character and creature dynamics, and own procedural simulations, pipelines, and visual fidelity, collaborating with Supervisors and Artists.