Senior Visual Effects (VFX) Technical Director

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Project-based bonuses

Access to state-of-the-art VFX tech

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein seeks a Senior VFX Technical Director to bridge artistic vision and technical execution across high-end projects.

You will design and optimize pipelines, develop tools, and support artists and supervisors to deliver stunning visuals for major film and TV productions, leveraging Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and Katana.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Technical Director or in a similar VFX technical role.
• Strong proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, MEL, or equivalent.
• Expertise in industry-standard VFX software (Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Katana).
• Solid understanding of 3D rendering, simulation, and compositing principles.
• Experience in pipeline development and optimization for large-scale productions.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent industry experience.
• A portfolio demonstrating technical proficiency and pipeline contributions is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust VFX pipelines and tools for various production needs.
• Collaborate with VFX artists and supervisors to troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize workflows.
• Write and optimize scripts (e.g., Python, MEL) to automate tasks and improve efficiency within the pipeline.
• Integrate and manage third-party software and plugins into the existing pipeline.
• Provide technical support and guidance to VFX artists, ensuring smooth execution of their tasks.
• Develop and implement solutions for complex rendering, simulation, and compositing challenges.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in VFX technology and techniques.
• Contribute to the design and development of new tools and systems to support creative endeavors.
• Ensure the technical integrity and quality of all VFX assets.

Skills

Python

MEL

Pipeline development

Debugging

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Arts, or related field

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Nuke

Katana

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazing visual effects studio, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Visual Effects (VFX) Technical Director to join their innovative team in Bloemfontein. This role is integral to the seamless execution of complex VFX pipelines for major film and television productions. You will bridge the gap between artistic vision and technical execution, developing and implementing cutting‑edge solutions to achieve stunning visual effects. This position requires a deep understanding of 3D software, scripting, and the entire VFX pipeline, coupled with strong problem‑solving skills. The ideal candidate is a meticulous professional with a passion for pushing the boundaries of digital artistry. You will work collaboratively with artists and supervisors to bring breathtaking imagery to life, contributing significantly to the studio's reputation for excellence. Join a dynamic environment where innovation and creativity flourish.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain robust VFX pipelines and tools for various production needs.
• Collaborate with VFX artists and supervisors to troubleshoot technical challenges and optimize workflows.
• Write and optimize scripts (e.g., Python, MEL) to automate tasks and improve efficiency within the pipeline.
• Integrate and manage third‑party software and plugins into the existing pipeline.
• Provide technical support and guidance to VFX artists, ensuring smooth execution of their tasks.
• Develop and implement solutions for complex rendering, simulation, and compositing challenges.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in VFX technology and techniques.
• Contribute to the design and development of new tools and systems to support creative endeavors.
• Ensure the technical integrity and quality of all VFX assets.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience as a Technical Director or in a similar VFX technical role.
• Strong proficiency in scripting languages such as Python, MEL, or equivalent.
• Expertise in industry‑standard VFX software (e.g., Maya, Houdini, Nuke, Katana).
• Solid understanding of 3D rendering, simulation (e.g., fluids, particles, dynamics), and compositing principles.
• Experience in pipeline development and optimization for large‑scale productions.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with the capacity to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced studio.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Digital Arts, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• A portfolio demonstrating technical proficiency and pipeline contributions is required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for project‑based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on visually spectacular, high‑profile film and television projects.
• Be part of a highly respected VFX studio in Bloemfontein.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art technology and workflows.
• A collaborative and inspiring work environment fostering innovation.
• Professional growth and development opportunities within the VFX industry.
• Contribute to award‑winning visual effects.