CFX Houdini Artist - Feature Animation (short-term)

For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has led the animation industry through unwavering commitment to quality, creativity, and innovation. We are an internationally recognized, Emmy Award®-winning studio – in two prominent Canadian cities, Vancouver and Montreal – and the creative force behind top audience hits such as The Dragon Prince, Rick and Morty, Teen Titans Go!, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. 

We are seeking a talented and experienced CFX Houdini Artist to join our dynamic team for an exciting feature film project. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating and simulating high-quality character effects, mostly fur related, using Houdini. This role requires a keen eye for detail, a strong understanding of physics and dynamics, and the ability to work collaboratively with other departments to achieve the director's vision. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Develop and execute complex character effects such as hair, fur, cloth, and muscle simulations using Houdini. 
• Collaborate closely with the modeling, rigging, animation, and lighting departments to ensure seamless integration of character effects. 
• Create tools and scripts to optimize and streamline CFX workflows. 
• Troubleshoot and solve technical issues related to CFX to ensure smooth production flow. 
• Maintain and support existing CFX setups and pipelines. 
• Work with the CFX Supervisor and CFX Lead to meet project deadlines and ensure the quality of work is consistent with the studio’s standards. 
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and techniques in character effects and simulation. 

What you’ll need: 

• Proven experience as a CFX Artist in a feature film or high-end television production environment. 
• Proficiency in Houdini for character effects, including cloth, hair, fur, and muscle systems. 
• Strong understanding of physics, dynamics, and procedural animation techniques. 
• Proficiency in Python, VEX, or other scripting languages commonly used in Houdini is a plus. 
• Familiarity with other relevant software such as Maya, Nuke, and Marvelous Designer is a plus. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to take directions and work independently. 
• A degree or diploma in Computer Animation, Visual Effects, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred but not required based on experience. 

Portfolio tips: 

• Demo reel showcasing your work in character effects, specifically highlighting your use of Houdini. 
• Breakdown of your contributions to each project featured in your demo reel. 
• Any relevant side projects or personal work demonstrating your skills and creativity. 

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Length: 2-3 months, starting December 1, 2025

Pay Range: CAD $1,400 - $2,000 per week   

This salary range provided reflects our current expectations for these roles as of this posting’s date. Your final salary offer will consider various key factors, including your education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographical location, as well as the needs and requirements of the business. 

Flexible work environment, Extended Health and Wellness from day 1, RRSP matching are just some of the benefits. For more details, check out our website. 

If this seems like a good fit, what are you waiting for, get your application in!