Senior VFX Artist & Technical Director

Placements24; Rustenburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contract rate

Rustenburg facility

Cutting-edge technology

Professional growth

Team-building events

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior VFX Artist & Technical Director to lead and execute high-end visual effects for film and TV in our Rustenburg studio. You will drive complex simulations, mentor juniors, and ensure seamless integration with live-action footage.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in VFX, strong portfolios, and expertise in Houdini, Maya, Arnold/VRay/Redshift, plus Python/MEL tooling. Join a team pushing technical and artistic boundaries with cutting-edge tech.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of studio VFX experience with a strong portfolio.
• Advanced proficiency in Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max.
• Extensive experience with Arnold, V-Ray or Redshift.
• Scripting in Python or MEL for tool development.
• Excellent artistic eye for composition, lighting and detail.
• Strong problem-solving and teamwork under deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute high-quality visual effects shots for film, television, and other media.
• Develop and implement complex particle systems, simulations, and procedural effects.
• Collaborate closely with directors, supervisors, and art department to achieve visual outcomes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize VFX pipelines and workflows.
• Mentor and guide junior VFX artists, fostering collaboration and learning.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and techniques in VFX.
• Ensure all VFX elements integrate seamlessly into live-action footage.
• Participate in client reviews and provide technical and artistic insights.
• Maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across shots and sequences.

Skills

Artistic eye

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Tools

Houdini

Maya

3ds Max

Arnold

V-Ray

Redshift

Nuke

After Effects

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading visual effects studio renowned for its groundbreaking work in the entertainment industry, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior VFX Artist & Technical Director to join their creative hub in Rustenburg, North West. This role is crucial for pushing the visual boundaries of our projects, demanding an artist with a profound understanding of both aesthetic principles and technical implementation. The ideal candidate is a master of their craft, adept at translating creative briefs into stunning visual realities and capable of solving complex technical challenges. This position offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a team of world-class artists and contribute to visually spectacular productions that captivate audiences globally. We seek a proactive individual who can drive innovation and maintain artistic vision throughout the production pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute high-quality visual effects shots for film, television, and other media.
• Develop and implement complex particle systems, simulations, and procedural effects using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate closely with directors, supervisors, and art department to achieve desired visual outcomes.
• Troubleshoot and optimize VFX pipelines and workflows to enhance efficiency and quality.
• Mentor and guide junior VFX artists, fostering a collaborative and learning-oriented environment.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and techniques in the VFX industry.
• Ensure all VFX elements are integrated seamlessly into live-action footage.
• Participate in client reviews and provide technical and artistic insights.
• Maintain consistent quality and artistic direction across shots and sequences.

Requirements

• Proven experience (7+ years) as a VFX Artist or Technical Director in a studio environment, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in various VFX disciplines.
• Advanced proficiency in Houdini, Maya, 3ds Max, or similar 3D modeling and animation software.
• Extensive experience with rendering engines such as Arnold, V-Ray, or Redshift.
• Strong understanding of physics-based simulations (e.g., fluids, fire, smoke, destruction).
• Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or MEL for tool development and pipeline integration.
• Excellent artistic eye for composition, color, lighting, and detail.
• Ability to problem-solve complex technical and artistic challenges effectively.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the capacity to work collaboratively under tight deadlines.
• Experience with compositing software (e.g., Nuke, After Effects) is a plus.
• Knowledge of real-time engine integration (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive contract rate, generous project scope, and the opportunity to work on visually ambitious projects.
• The position is based in our state-of-the-art facility in Rustenburg, North West, providing a stimulating and collaborative workspace.
• You will be part of a team dedicated to artistic excellence and technical innovation.
• Potential for repeat engagement based on project needs and performance.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for creative input and professional growth within the VFX field.
• Team-building events and a supportive studio culture.