Senior VFX Technical Director (Houdini Specialist)

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior VFX Technical Director with a strong Houdini background to design robust pipelines and deliver complex simulations for film and television. You will lead technical development, collaborate with artists, and mentor junior FX staff in a fast-paced studio in Nelspruit.

The role focuses on procedural workflows, troubleshooting, and pushing rendering quality, with opportunities to work on high-profile projects within a dynamic team. Experience with game engines is a plus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience as a Technical Director or FX Artist in VFX, with strong Houdini focus.
• Proficiency in Houdini including SOPs, DOPs, VOPs, and KineFX.
• Deep knowledge of simulations (fluids, particles, rigid bodies, cloth).
• Strong scripting in Python and VEX; scripting for tool development and pipeline automation.
• Experience with industry renderers (Arnold, RenderMan, V-Ray) and asset/shot integration.
• Understanding of VFX pipelines, asset management, and shot-level integration.
• Excellent problem-solving and teamwork abilities; strong communication.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, or related field; game engine experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain procedural workflows and tools using Houdini for FX, modeling, and animation.
• Create and implement complex simulations (fire, smoke, water, destruction, crowds).
• Collaborate with VFX supervisors and artists to define technical requirements and achieve creative goals.
• Optimize FX setups and simulations for efficient rendering and pipeline integration.
• Troubleshoot Houdini, rendering, and pipeline issues.
• Develop custom tools and scripts (Python, VEX) to boost artist productivity.
• Stay updated on Houdini, rendering tech, and VFX pipelines.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior FX artists.
• Ensure technical quality and artistic integrity of all VFX shots.

Skills

Houdini

Python

VEX

KineFX

SOPs/DOPs/VOPs

Simulations

Rendering pipelines

Unreal Engine/Unity

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Digital Art

Tools

Arnold

RenderMan

V-Ray

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the Nelspruit creative and visual effects sector, is searching for a highly experienced Senior VFX Technical Director with a strong command of Houdini. This crucial role involves developing complex procedural systems, troubleshooting technical challenges, and collaborating with artists to create breathtaking visual effects for film and television. You will be instrumental in designing and implementing robust pipelines, optimizing workflows, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in VFX. We are seeking a creative problem-solver with a deep understanding of simulation (fluids, destruction, particles), procedural modeling, and rendering techniques. Join a talented team dedicated to delivering high-quality visual artistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain procedural workflows and tools using Houdini for FX, modeling, and animation.
• Create and implement complex simulations for phenomena such as fire, smoke, water, destruction, and crowds.
• Collaborate with VFX supervisors and artists to define technical requirements and achieve creative goals.
• Optimize FX setups and simulations for efficient rendering and integration into the pipeline.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to Houdini, rendering, and pipeline integration.
• Develop custom tools and scripts (e.g., Python, VEX) to enhance artist productivity.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments in Houdini, rendering technologies, and VFX pipelines.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior FX artists.
• Ensure the technical quality and artistic integrity of all VFX shots.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience as a Technical Director or FX Artist in the VFX industry, with a strong focus on Houdini.
• Expert proficiency in Houdini, including SOPs, DOPs, VOPs, and KineFX.
• In-depth knowledge of simulation techniques (fluids, particles, rigid bodies, cloth).
• Strong scripting skills in Python and VEX.
• Experience with industry-standard renderers such as Arnold, RenderMan, or V-Ray.
• Understanding of VFX pipelines, asset management, and shot integration.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Digital Art, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience with game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional development within a dynamic studio in Nelspruit. This role provides the chance to work on high-profile projects, tackle challenging technical problems, and contribute to visually stunning cinematic content alongside a team of industry experts.