FX Houdini Artist

CoSA VFX has a short-term, remote opportunity for an experienced FX Houdini Artist with its US-based studio. 

Reporting to the Global Head of CG, top-level FX skills, collaboration within a team and creative problem-solving on tight production schedules are a must. 

CoSA VFX is an award-winning, fast-paced and highly collaborative studio focusing on photo-real visual effects across feature, streaming and network television projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Collaborate with VFX, CG, and department supervisors to deliver FX that meet creative vision, technical requirements, and production deadlines.

· Create a wide range of FX in Houdini, including fire, smoke, fluids, electricity, explosions, supernatural/magical effects, and large-scale destruction.

· Develop and refine procedural FX setups that are efficient, scalable, and adaptable by other artists

· Work from scratch or enhance existing setups, optimizing for performance, caching, and rendering

· Maintain consistency with established art styles while adapting to the creative needs of individual projects

· Participate in reviews and critiques, providing solutions to enhance quality and efficiency

· Research and collect reference material to guide look development

·Troubleshoot and resolve technical and artistic challenges, collaborating across departments for seamless integration of FX into shots

REQUIREMENTS:

· 4 years of professional experience in film, streaming episodics, cinematics, or high-end commercials

· Proven experience producing FX such as smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam, magical effects, and destruction

· Strong understanding of simulation techniques, procedural workflows, and FX optimization

· Proficiency with one or more industry-standard renderers (e.g., Karma XPU, Redshift, V-Ray, Mantra)

· Working knowledge of production tracking tools such as Ftrack, ShotGrid, or equivalent

· Ability to adapt to various art styles and quickly learn new tools and pipelines

· Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines

PREFERRED SKILLS:

· Python and HOM scripting; VEX experience a plus

· Procedural shader creation and USD-based FX workflows

· FX concept art skills for pitches and look development

· Compositing experience in Nuke