CFX Artist - Senior

Position: CFX Artist - Senior

Hiring Range: $111,800 to $123,500/year for a 40 hour work week

Project Contract: Mid July - 6-month contract

Company Benefits: Extended healthcare from day 1, premiums 100% covered by Image Engine, up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year.

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE

Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, that has built a reputation for excellence in the visual effects industry since 1995. We specialize in crafting stunning visual effects for feature films and television with an award-winning portfolio that includes The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9.

We offer a full range of visual effects services, from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is passionate about storytelling and pushing the artistic and technical boundaries to deliver the highest quality work on every project. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation and we're committed to continually evolving our robust production pipelines.

At Image Engine, we value diversity and teamwork, and we're proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. We believe that our success is a reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we're always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences. Join our team and be part of something extraordinary.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Senior Creature FX TD is a technical expert, responsible for delivering high quality work in a quick and efficient manner. CFX TDs will work to design and create simulations related to the realistic movement of a creature, including clothing, hair, fur, skin and muscles. They will apply notes provided by the show Supervisors and CFX leads, and communicate with other artists assigned to the show to make sure work completed is consistent. 

CFX TDs will proactively identify and troubleshoot problems as needed and will ask for assistance when necessary to ensure effective use of time and resources. They will communicate with other departments to ensure they are receiving data to resolve shot related problems. They will act as an example and mentor to junior artists and will take an active role in their development. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Delivering assigned simulation work, including Cloth, Muscle and Skin, Hair and Fur.
• Build and maintain Dynamic rigs of varying complexity (hero and background assets, digital doubles etc.), to meet the requirements of the show
• Learn and work within the existing pipeline and asset specifications
• Address supervisor and client comments by integrating solutions into assets or providing one-off shot fixes as appropriate to deliver required results with maximum efficiency
• Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required
• Work with the rigging, assets, animation and other departments, as required, to maintain continuity between projects and ensure information is communicated up and down the pipeline
• Write utility scripts and provide input regarding existing tools and interfaces for CFX pipeline and workflow
• Provide input regarding existing tools and interfaces for CFX pipeline and provide solutions for technical problems that may arise in an asset/shot
• Accountable for meeting productivity and quota targets on time and at a high level of quality
• Assist other members of the team to learn and grow their skills to meet their career aspirations by providing informal feedback, tips and tricks, and encouragement

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of feature film/TV production experience
• Demonstrated work experience with Houdini
• Proficient in Houdini and Maya
• Strong understanding of real-world physics and anatomy and a desire to learn more depending on the requirements of the project

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Technical skills

• Experience with Linux based OS
• Deep understanding of the Houdini dynamics tool sets and ability to quickly pick up proprietary tools and pipeline
• Experience with Maya is also appreciated
• Working knowledge of at least one scripting language (python preferred)
• Excellent eye for detail and quality control 
• Rigging knowledge is a plus

Core skills

• Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
• The ability to work alongside, communicate with, and understand the requirements of Animators, CG and VFX Supervisors, Assets Department, FX, Lighting, Comp, R&D and Pipeline developers
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
• Ability to train and mentor junior artists 
• Excellent problem solver who can focus on detail, while maintaining the whole picture
• Excellent time management and communication skills