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Senior Character Effects - Fur TD

DigitalFish has long been a trusted partner of leading digital-media companies, and we are at the center of their efforts to build a new generation of platforms and experiences. Current and past customers include Facebook, Google, Pixar, DreamWorks, Activision, LEGO, Disney/ESPN, NASA and many others.

At DigitalFish, you'll have a unique opportunity to help lead this invention of the future of design, entertainment and play on multiple fronts.

The Senior CFX / Fur Technical Director will collaborate with a renowned global studio. Your first project will be to help the client refine the definition of a next-generation Houdini-based system for grooming and rendering of fur, hair, feathers, and grass. Then propose a plan to accelerate the development of that system into production. Optionally lead that team through the development milestones, in partnership with the client’s in-house team and leads.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with client’s product management and engineering teams
• Validate requirements for a new fur/feather system currently in development
• Provide feedback on the existing proposal including tools, plugins, pipeline/workflow
• Develop a plan to accelerate development with additional staffing, adjustments to the proposed design, and/or changes in the sequence of deliverables
• Optionally lead our development team in collaboration with the client’s in-house R&D

Required Skills & Experience

• 10+ years experience in VFX or animation production specifically building and supporting, if not also using, character effects tools and pipelines
• Strong understanding of the fur, hair, and feather systems used across the industry including their relative strengths and drawbacks
• Exceptional communications skills, including the ability to translate user needs into clear problem statements, and the ability to read and write specifications and plans
• Experience with 3rd party DCC tools, particularly Houdini and Katana, for character effects
• Experience setting up efficient simulation and rendering pipelines with appropriate design of caching techniques to optimize iteration times
• Strong grasp of USD
• Able to work in a consultative role, providing guidance and expertise to ensure the client’s success
• Able to work independently and drive results

Compensation and Benefits

• Full time or contractor role is possible
• Competitive salary plus equity per qualifications, full benefits with excellent health plan, as an employee
  
• Competitive rate as a contractor
• Ability to create and influence features and design workflow for a premiere Studio
• Work with a well-respected, creative and talented group of experts in visual effects and animation

Location

Your primary work will be virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions and will stay remote once COVID-19 restrictions lift. As conditions improve, some travel to remote studios may be required.

Additional Info

We are an equal opportunity employer and are hiring immediately. We look forward to hearing from you!