Senior FX Artist - Water focus

Overview

Hiring Range: $100,000 to $120,000/year for a 40 hour work week

Start date:

June 2026

Please note that only candidates holding a valid Canadian work authorization and residing in BC will be considered for this position.

Cinesite is an international visual effects and animation studio with over 30 years of experience in the film and television industry. We take pride in producing cutting-edge, award-winning works. We operate as a collective, where excellence, expertise, and creativity are valued by all.

Under the supervision of the FX Supervisor, the FX artist is responsible for the design, creation and production of digital visual effects and various simulations using Houdini. This role is mainly focusing on water simulation.

• Create a wide range of stylized visual effects such as fluids, cloth, particles, pyro, magical and rigid body dynamics using Houdini.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor to understand the FX needs of individual shots and sequences in order to achieve technical and artistic objectives.
• Communicate effectively with the supervisor and the production coordinator keeping them apprised of shot progress, technical issues and anticipated challenges.
• Adapt simulations to match the specific look of the film, whether it’s hyper-realistic or highly stylized (Non-Photoreal).
• Organize, manage and maintain the simulation files that have been created.
• Optimize simulations and renders to be efficient within production resources and constraints without sacrificing visual quality.

• More than 5 years' experience as an FX artist ideally in animated movies performing stylized simulations or in live action shows working on photoreal effects.
• High proficiency in Houdini.
• Good understanding of physics and natural phenomena, especially water simulation.
• Knowledge of VEX scripting or Python is a benefit.
• Knowing how to create, manage, document and maintain HDAs/OTLs is a benefit.
• Production experience with Solaris and USD workflow is a benefit.
• Production experience with Render Man, Arnold or equivalent modern raytrace renderers.
• Production experience with Gaffer, Katana is a benefit.
• Experience with lighting, rendering and look development FX.
• Experience with compositing and integrating FX elements in Nuke.
• Familiarity with other areas of the production pipeline (modeling, animation/rigging, lighting, compositing) is an asset.
• Multitask and work productively in a fast paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and communication skills.

• Immerse yourself in a creative and inspiring world where you evolve every day in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Maintain a balance between professional and personal life.
• Actively contribute to Cinesite's success by sharing your expertise and passion with colleagues and partners.

We have fully embraced hybrid work, offering our employees the flexibility to work from home, at the studio, or alternate between the two (with exceptions).

Candidate experience is at the heart of our processes, guided by our values of fairness, empathy, and transparency. If you want to be part of Cinesite's story, please submit your application online through this website. If your application is accepted, you will be contacted shortly. If your application is not selected for this position, it will remain on file for future opportunities.