Company: Dneg

The Studio: DNEG Animation DNEG Animation is a world-class powerhouse dedicated to crafting captivating worlds and compelling characters. Our studio is fueled by the collective passion of a global crew delivering an ambitious slate of high-profile projects, including The Angry Birds Movie 3, The Cat in the Hat, and Bad Fairies. We don’t believe in a “house style”—we believe in a house standard of excellence. Our portfolio spans diverse artistic visions, from complex graphic novel adaptations to beautifully stylized features. Our team’s expertise has brought to life iconic stories such as The Garfield Movie, the Academy Award-nominated Nimona, Under the Boardwalk, Entergalactic, and Ron’s Gone Wrong. We are currently expanding our Sydney-based Shot Finishing team. If you thrive in a collaborative environment where creative energy meets technical mastery, we invite you to help us breathe life into enchanting animated worlds. Lighting TD Job Overview DNEG Animation – Sydney, Australia Department: Shot Finishing (Environment Generalist, Lighting, and Compositing) Location: Sydney, Australia (On-site/Hybrid) Status: Major Animated Feature Production The Role: Lighting Technical Director The Lighting TD is a pivotal role within our Shot Finishing department. You are responsible for the final “paint” on the canvas—setting the mood, atmosphere, and visual narrative of our animated sequences. This role requires a rare blend of artistic sensibility and deep technical rigor. You will translate creative direction into stunning visuals while ensuring that the backend of the process—render times, memory usage, and noise management—remains efficient and scalable. You will work within a modern path-tracing environment, maintaining visual continuity across sequences and ensuring every shot meets the Director’s vision.

DNEG, a global leader in visual effects and a multiple Academy Award-winning powerhouse, is currently seeking a world-class Senior FX TD (Artist) to join our elite Performance team in Sydney. At DNEG, we don’t just simulate elements; we craft the visceral, cinematic experiences that define modern blockbusters. From the chaotic destruction of a collapsing skyscraper to the subtle, hyper-realistic flow of digital water, our FX department is where technical mastery meets high-end artistry. This role represents a premier opportunity within the Australia jobs market for a seasoned professional to contribute to the highest caliber of feature film projects. If you are a Houdini expert who thrives on solving complex physical puzzles and has a passion for visual storytelling, we invite you to help us push the boundaries of digital simulation at our state-of-the-art Sydney studio. Senior FX TD Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Senior FX TD (Artist) Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Based on experience & portfolio) Job Type: Full-Time Department: Performance (Animation, Creature, and FX) Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Eligibility: Must have the legal right to work in Australia 🇦🇺 The Role: Engineering the Spectacular The Senior FX TD at DNEG is a critical link in the production chain. You are responsible for gathering a variety of 3D assets produced by our Build, Layout, and Animation departments and synthesizing them into world-class simulations. Using a combination of industry-standard software—primarily Houdini—and our robust suite of custom pipeline tools, you will create high-quality particle, pyro, rigid body, fluid, cloth, fur, and hair simulations. In the competitive landscape of Australia jobs, this role stands out by offering the chance to work within a global, supportive team of multi-talented artists. You will be tasked with designing and implementing technical solutions that integrate seamlessly with the rest of the pipeline, ensuring that every frame of smoke, fire, or debris meets the exacting standards for which DNEG is famous. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. High-End Simulation & Look Development Elemental Creation: Produce photorealistic effects including smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam, and explosions. You will ensure these elements behave with physical accuracy, weight, and cinematic timing. Complex Dynamics: Execute advanced simulations for rigid body destruction, fluid dynamics, and character-based FX like cloth, hair, and fur. Rendering Excellence: Utilize your expertise in particle and voxel-based rendering to deliver high-quality passes that are optimized for the compositing stage. 2. Technical Problem Solving & Pipeline Integration Shot Architecture: Develop creative and efficient approaches to environment and character interaction using a mix of manual and procedural 3D methods. Pipeline Navigation: Identify and resolve technical bottlenecks within the FX pipeline, working closely with the R&D and Pipeline teams to improve custom toolsets. Cross-Departmental Synergy: Collaborate with Animation and Lighting departments to ensure that FX elements react correctly to character movement and integrate perfectly with the final lighting setup. 3. Mentorship & Professional Standards Artistic Eye: Maintain a critical eye for detail and composition, ensuring that simulation timing aligns with the Director’s vision. Quality Assurance: Ensure all technical and artistic work meets the project-specific “look” and maintains DNEG’s global quality standards. Workflow Optimization: Manage your own tasks and timelines effectively, assisting in the development of efficient workflows that can be propagated across the sequence. Comprehensive Requirements To be considered for this high-level entry in the Australia jobs market, candidates must demonstrate a deep technical pedigree and a reel that speaks for itself. Must-Have Qualifications Industry Tenure: Minimum of 6 years of high-end feature film VFX experience. Houdini Mastery: Extensive and deep-seated knowledge of Houdini is mandatory. Simulation Portfolio: Proven experience in producing high-end photoreal effects (fire, smoke, water, explosions) and a thorough understanding of physical simulation technologies. Compositing Awareness: Familiarity with node-based compositing (ideally Nuke) and a solid understanding of how FX layers function in the final composite. Cinematic Sensibility: A good sense of timing, weight, and scale as it relates to physical forces and cinematography. Technical “Nice-to-Haves” Generalist Knowledge: A broad TD background or experience in other areas of visual effects (TV or Games). Scripting Skills: Knowledge of Python, Hscript, or Mel to help automate tasks or customize toolsets. OS Literacy: A strong understanding of Linux/Unix based operating systems, which form the core of our studio environment. Cross-Platform Skill: Experience with Maya or other 3D packages is a plus. About You DNEG  looking for an artist who embodies the DNEG spirit of innovation and collaboration. The ideal candidate will be: A Proactive Self-Starter: You are organized and capable of managing complex tasks with minimal supervision. A Team Player: You are a clear communicator who enjoys the collaborative process and is keen to share knowledge within a global team. Adaptable: You have a willingness to learn new skills and master proprietary software as our technology evolves. Resilient: You remain calm under pressure and are committed to meeting production deadlines while maintaining a positive, can-do attitude. Workplace Flexibility & Location We believe that great work happens through connection. Our beautiful Sydney office serves as the heart of our Australian operations, providing a space where artists can collaborate and inspire one another in person. While this role offers the flexibility of a hybrid work model, we ask that you be available to work from the office at least two days per week. If you are not currently based in Sydney, relocation will be required to be eligible for this position. We are excited to welcome someone who values in-person collaboration and thrives in a high-energy studio setting. Why Join DNEG? DNEG is a global family of 9,000+ creators. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone feels they matter and belong. We welcome applications from all, regardless of background or experience. By joining our Sydney studio, you become part of an Australian team that is shaping the future of global cinema. Application Process: Please submit your CV and a showreel demonstrating your experience in creating realistic simulations for motion pictures. Ensure your reel includes a breakdown of your … Read more

DNEG, a global leader in the visual effects industry and multiple Academy Award winner, is looking for a visionary Lead FX TD to join our elite Performance department in Sydney. At DNEG, we don’t just simulate elements; we craft the visceral experiences that define modern cinema. From catastrophic explosions to the subtle flow of digital cloth, our FX team is the heartbeat of our most high-octane sequences. As a Lead within our Sydney studio, you will be a cornerstone of our Australia jobs initiative, driving technical innovation and artistic excellence on the world’s most anticipated feature films. If you are a Houdini master with a passion for leadership and a “can-do” attitude, we invite you to help us push the boundaries of what is possible in digital simulation. FX TD Job Overview Company Name: DNEG Vacancy Name: Lead FX TD Salary Range: Competitive / Negotiable (Commensurate with leadership experience) Job Type: Full-Time Department: Performance (Animation, Creature, and FX) Location: Sydney, Australia Work Model: Hybrid Remote (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) Primary Toolset: SideFX Houdini (Houdini-centric pipeline) The Role: Mastering the Elements The Lead FX TD at DNEG is a pivotal role that balances high-level creative direction with deep technical execution. You are responsible for gathering a variety of 3D assets produced by our Build, Layout, and Animation departments and synthesizing them into world-class simulations. Using a combination of industry-standard software—primarily Houdini—and our robust suite of custom pipeline tools, you will oversee the creation of high-quality particle, pyro, rigid body, fluid, cloth, fur, and hair simulations. In the competitive landscape of Australia jobs, this role stands out by offering the opportunity to lead a team of talented FX artists through the complexities of top-tier VFX feature films. You aren’t just running simulations; you are designing the systems that allow those simulations to scale, optimizing workflows, and ensuring that every spark, splash, and strand of hair aligns perfectly with the VFX Supervisor’s creative vision. Detailed Key Responsibilities 1. Artistic & Simulation Leadership Elemental Mastery: Oversee and produce complex effects including smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam, and explosions. You will ensure these elements behave with photorealistic weight and timing. Technical Quality Control: Maintain a critical eye for detail, ensuring all simulations meet DNEG’s exacting standards for physical realism and aesthetic appeal. Rendering Oversight: Utilize your deep knowledge of particle and voxel-based rendering to ensure FX passes are high-quality and ready for seamless integration by the compositing department. 2. Technical Strategy & Pipeline Problem-Solving Tool Development: Collaborate with the R&D team to refine custom pipeline tools, ensuring the FX department remains at the cutting edge of simulation technology. Workflow Optimization: Identify and resolve pipeline issues before they impact production, ensuring the team can work efficiently under tight deadlines. Houdini Expert: Serve as the “go-to” technical resource for the team, troubleshooting complex VEX or Python-based setups and maintaining best practices within Houdini. 3. Team Collaboration & Mentorship Departmental Synergy: Work closely with Animation and Lighting Leads to ensure that FX simulations interact correctly with character movements and environment lighting. Communication: Act as a clear communicator and liaison between the FX team and the VFX/DFX Supervisors, translating creative briefs into actionable technical tasks. Artist Growth: Mentor junior and mid-level FX TDs, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where the global team can thrive. Comprehensive Requirements To be considered for this elite entry in the Australia jobs market, you must be a veteran of the simulation world with a proven track record of delivering “hero” FX on the big screen. Must-Have Qualifications Production Pedigree: Proven experience as a Lead or Senior artist on multiple high-end live-action feature films. FX Specialization: Proven experience in producing high-end pyro (fire/smoke), fluids (water/steam), and particle-based effects. Houdini Mastery: Extensive, deep-seated knowledge of Houdini is non-negotiable. Physics & Timing: A thorough understanding of the techniques and technologies relating to physical simulation in computer graphics, supported by a strong sense of cinematic timing. Compositing Knowledge: Familiarity with node-based compositing (ideally Nuke) and a solid understanding of how FX layers contribute to the final image. Additional Technical Skills Scripting: Knowledge of Python, Hscript, or MEL is highly advantageous for tool creation and pipeline automation. Software Versatility: Experience with Maya and a general TD background will be highly regarded. Operating Systems: A strong understanding of Linux/Unix based environments, which form the backbone of our production infrastructure. About You DNEG Iis looking for a leader who embodies the DNEG spirit. The ideal candidate for this role will be: A Proactive Self-Starter: You don’t wait for a solution to be handed to you; you go out and build it. Calm Under Pressure: High-end VFX production is fast-paced. You maintain your composure and keep your team focused when deadlines loom. Adaptable: You have a genuine willingness to learn new skills and master proprietary software as our pipeline evolves. Team-Oriented: You value collaboration and believe that our collective success is more important than individual accolades. Workplace Culture & Flexibility We believe great work happens through connection and collaboration. Our beautiful Sydney office serves as the heart of our Australian operations, providing a space where artists can brainstorm, troubleshoot, and inspire one another in person. While this role offers hybrid flexibility, we ask that you be available to work from the office at least two days per week. This ensures you are deeply integrated into the local team culture while still enjoying the benefits of remote work. Why Join DNEG? DNEG is a global family of 9,000+ creators. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive work environment for our global teams, where everyone feels they matter and belong. We offer the chance to work on the most significant films in production today, using proprietary technology that stays at the cutting edge of the industry. Application Process: Please note that only candidates selected for the next steps will be contacted. However, all applicants will be added to our talent pool for future Australia jobs and international opportunities.