Senior FX Artist - Permanent Role

About the role

The Senior FX Artist is responsible for designing and executing complex visual simulations that form the backbone of Rodeo FX's high-end visual effects. This role focuses on fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, and abstract effects, all while adhering to the studio's strict artistic and technical standards. Positioned at the center of the 3D pipeline, the artist works in close collaboration with FX and CG supervisors as well as other departments to ensure that every shot is photorealistic, dynamic, and technically robust. The role demands a blend of creativity, precision, and deep procedural mastery to accurately interpret and realize the project's visual intentions.

Key facts

What you will do

You will design and manage intricate simulations for fluids, smoke, fire, magic, and destruction using Houdini. A core part of the role involves building Pyro, Flip, RBD, and Vellum setups that remain adaptable and efficient throughout the production pipeline. You will maintain rigorous quality control by performing detailed checks on caches, workfiles, and assets before any submission. Effects will be shaped to align with narrative needs, scene pacing, and the overall visual style, while contributing creatively to the shot. You will ensure smooth integration with layout, lighting, and compositing departments through proactive testing and verification. Clear communication of risks, delays, or technical constraints will allow for timely adjustments in collaboration with production. The role also involves staying current with industry trends and sharing Houdini techniques to elevate the entire FX team. You will document workflows and refine methods to improve departmental efficiency over time.

Requirements

A minimum of 10 years of experience creating visual effects in a professional studio environment is mandatory. You must be based in Montreal and hold Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or an open work permit. Mastery of Houdini is essential, including deep knowledge of Pyro, Flip, RBD, Vellum, and SOP workflows. Familiarity with USD, Solaris, Nuke compositing, and rendering engines such as Arnold and Karma is required to support cross-departmental needs. The ability to communicate clearly about timing, limitations, and expectations is critical to maintaining respect and momentum across projects.

Nice to have

Additional qualifications include experience with Flow Production Tracking, development of Houdini tools, and scripting in Python or VEX. These skills further enhance the ability to optimize pipelines and automate repetitive tasks.

Skills & tools

Proficiency in Houdini, Nuke, Arnold, Karma, USD, Solaris, and Flow Production Tracking is expected. These tools form the foundation for creating stable, scalable, and integrated effects.

Practical notes

Please Information such as application procedures, portfolio requirements, and submission deadlines can be found there. Ensure all materials are completed and submitted according to the specified timeline.

Diversity and inclusion at Rodeo FX

At Rodeo FX, diversity is a core value. The company is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace where different perspectives are embraced. Every team member brings unique insight that strengthens creativity, challenges thinking, and helps deliver better work.

Technology and recruitment

Rodeo FX may use AI-based tools to support certain steps of the recruitment process, 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; all final hiring decisions are made by the recruitment team and hiring managers.

Company background

Repeatedly voted one of Montreal's Top Employers and Employer of the Year for the 2022 Mercuriades Awards, Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company offering services in visual effects, advertising, animation, and experiential work.

The company has received multiple Emmy® nominations for its work on series such as Stranger Things season 4, The Witcher season 2, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season

1. The independent, Oscar®-winning company employs close to 900 artists across studios in Montreal, Québec City, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Paris.

Rodeo FX partners with leading storytellers including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros., and Sony, and has contributed to 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.