Senior Houdini TD

Summary

Join Zoic Studios, a Visual Effects company specializing in high-end visual effects, as a Senior Houdini TD in British Columbia, Canada. This remote position requires a Houdini Artist and Developer who will assist in optimizing the Houdini production pipeline across various departments (FX, CFX, Lighting, Environments). You will work with artists to create and maintain tools, troubleshoot problems, and develop digital assets. The role involves collaborating with other departments to ensure seamless integration of FX elements and staying up-to-date on the latest pipeline tools and workflows. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical and communication skills, proficiency in Houdini and Python, and experience with pipeline development. This position reports to the Global Head of CG.

Requirements

• 4+ years of work experience as a FX or Houdini TD or in a position with similar responsibilities
• Proficiency in Python
• Proficiency with Houdini
• Experience debugging other users’ scene files and renders
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot and work independently on projects without supervision
• Experience with user interface development
• Solid understanding of Object-Oriented Programming and Design
• Experience with Version Control Systems
• Basic understanding of USD Fundamentals. Some experience with USD in Solaris or Maya
• Able to communicate clearly with the various Zoic departments and locations

Responsibilities

• Work with and take direction from Studio Technical Supervisor, Department Supervisors, Pipeline Managers, and Senior TDs as well as working with artists to create support & maintain tools to be integrated into Zoic’s existing pipeline
• Work within SideFX Solaris to support Zoic’s USD Pipeline in FX, CFX, Lighting, and Environments. USD support or development may be required in Maya or in a standalone capacity
• Utilize Python and PySide2 for tool creation and support
• Work with artists to troubleshoot and fix problems
• Update and maintain tools, techniques and work flows as required
• Develop digital assets (HDAs) per department needs
• Discuss and design solutions shots and sequences which fit within tight computation/storage/time limitations while still achieving the desired creative goals of VFX Supervisors and Creative Directors
• If needed research and optimize artists’ scenes from Houdini, Mantra, Karma, and VRay to simulate and render successfully within allotted time frame and machine resources, such as such as storage, RAM, and clock speed, to maximize efficiency on the farm
• Debug and repair problematic scenes from Houdini and Mantra/Karma/Vray related to effects, simulation, procedural modeling, lighting, rendering, and other disciplines
• Provide troubleshooting and technical solutions for day-to-day Houdini production problems
• Work closely with Lighters and Compositors to ensure that all generated FX elements integrate seamlessly in downstream departments
• Utilize currently available proprietary tools to solve FX and pipeline issues and on occasion develop new small-scale tools to address project or FX/Houdini department issues
• Collaborate with Pipeline department on any required large-scale tools development
• Stay up-to-date on latest proprietary pipeline tools and workflows from all office locations and regularly share information on these new developments with FX artists

Preferred Qualifications

• Past pipeline development experience a plus
• Some experience with Qt. Other UI framework experience a plus
• Knowledge of Python scripting in Houdini, Nuke, and Maya
• C/C++, C#, web development, SQL experience a plus
• Past experience with Shotgun, RV, Cinema4D, Unreal Engine a plus
• Linux experience a plus. Bash, file IO, process lifecycle
• Some experience using Maya, V-Ray, Nuke, Bifrost, Yeti, or Substance Painter a plus
• Some experience using render queuing software a plus
• Basic Python, VEX, HScript, and HDA scripting a plus

Benefits

• This is a remote (work from home) position
• Pay Range: $50 - $65 (The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position)