FX Artist - Mid and Senior

About the role

The FX Artist is responsible for designing and executing complex visual simulations that form a critical component of Rodeo FX's production pipeline. This role demands a high level of mastery over procedural effects to generate fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, and abstract simulations. The artist operates at the center of the 3D production environment, working in direct collaboration with FX and CG supervisors as well as departments such as layout, lighting, and compositing. The primary objective is to translate creative direction into dynamic, photoreal, and technically robust effects while adhering to strict artistic and technical standards. Success in this position requires a blend of creativity, precision, and deep technical understanding to solve challenges and support the narrative goals of each shot.

Key facts

This is a contract-based position located in Montreal, with flexible start dates and multiple opportunities for extension. The compensation range for this role is $84,240 to $119,288 per year. The role reports to the FX Department and involves both mid and senior-level responsibilities.

What you will do

You will design and produce complex simulations, including smoke, fire, explosions, liquids, destruction, and magical or abstract effects. All work must align with project artistic guidelines and technical requirements. Using Houdini effectively is central to the position, with a focus on Pyro, Flip, RBD, and Vellum solvers, as well as broader SOP workflows. You will manage the full lifecycle of assigned FX tasks, from initial setup through caching and final rendering, with a high degree of autonomy.

Rigorous quality control is essential, covering file organization, cache integrity, and workfile standards before any submission. You will propose simple and effective artistic solutions that match the project's vision, narrative needs, and visual style. Active participation in dailies is required to integrate feedback and adjust effects accordingly. You will also contribute creative input to improve shots beyond basic simulation, enhancing overall production value.

Collaboration with the Pipeline team is necessary to test and integrate new tools, USD workflows, and Solaris features. You will verify compatibility between effects and other departments, including layout, lighting, and comp. Clear communication regarding risks, deadlines, and technical constraints is mandatory. You will provide realistic estimates and adjust priorities in coordination with production when needed.

Additional responsibilities include documenting and improving FX department workflows, sharing knowledge with colleagues, and staying current with industry practices and references. You will welcome feedback as part of a continuous improvement mindset and support the professional growth of less experienced artists during turnovers and briefings.

Requirements

• A minimum of six years of FX experience in a VFX studio environment.
• Expert-level proficiency in Houdini, including Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, and SOP workflows.
• Solid understanding of compositing in Nuke and rendering with Arnold and Karma.
• Familiarity with USD and Solaris within 3D pipelines.
• Strong grasp of movement, physics, and visual rhythm to support storytelling.
• High level of autonomy, attention to detail, rigor, and team spirit.

Nice to have

Experience with Flow Production Tracking, development of Houdini tools, and scripting in Python or VEX is considered an asset.

Skills & tools

Core competencies include Houdini, Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, SOPs, Nuke, Arnold, Karma, USD, and Solaris.

Practical notes

Please At Rodeo FX, diversity is a core value. We are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where different perspectives are embraced and strengthened across teams.

Rodeo FX may use AI-based tools to support certain recruitment steps, such as interview transcription or preliminary application analysis. These tools may be operated by third-party providers, and data may be processed outside Quebec. These tools never replace human decision-making, and all final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team and hiring managers.

The company has been repeatedly recognized as one of Montreal's Top Employers and received the Employer of the Year award at the 2022 Mercuriades Awards. Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company offering services in visual effects, advertising, animation, and experiential marketing.

Rodeo FX is a creative partner to leading storytellers, including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros., and Sony, and has worked on advertisements for YouTube, NBC, and Apple. Current projects include Blue Beetle, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon. Recently released projects include John Wick: Chapter 4, Black Adam, Disney's The Little Mermaid, and Love, Death and Robots Volume 3, for which the company won a 2023 VES award.