Company: Netflix

Netflix Animation Studios is on a global mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive, and timeless animated films. We believe that the background of a shot is just as vital as the foreground; the “soul” of a city, a battlefield, or a fantasy landscape is defined by the life within it. Netflix Animation Studios is seeking a high-caliber Crowds Artist to join our vibrant Sydney team. In this role, you will be a digital architect of life, using Houdini to populate vast environments with intelligent, dynamic agents. From bipedal citizens to quadrupedal creatures and complex vehicular traffic, your work will ensure that every frame of our feature films feels lived-in, energetic, and visually spectacular. Job Overview: Crowds Artist Feature Details Company Name Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) Job ID NAS-SYD-CRWD-2026-077 Job Type Permanent / Full-Time Location Sydney, Australia (Hybrid: Min. 3 Days Onsite) Salary Range $115,000 – $155,000 AUD Annually (Commensurate with experience) Department Effects (FX) & Crowd Simulation Primary Toolset Houdini (SOPs, DOPs, Vellum, Crowd Solver) Core Responsibilities & Technical Workflow as Crowds Artist 1. Agent Architecture & Asset Setup You will be responsible for the foundational “DNA” of our crowd systems. Agent Creation: Design and set up efficient crowd agents, including bipeds, quadrupeds, and vehicles. You will ensure that these agents are optimized for massive-scale simulations without sacrificing artistic detail. HDA Development: Build and maintain Houdini Digital Assets (HDAs) within the existing studio pipeline. You will be expected to test new procedures and refine workflows to ensure maximum efficiency for the department. Rigging & Animation Interface: Work closely with the Animation department to identify and breakdown character behaviors into reusable cycles. You will bridge the gap between bespoke character performance and procedural crowd logic. 2. Simulation & Technical Implementation Filling a set with life requires a blend of artistic intuition and technical rigour. Pipeline Integration: Work under the guidance of the FX Department Supervisor and Crowd Lead to implement effective ways to fill sets and shots. This includes managing high-density simulations that remain stable through the rendering process. Automation & Templates: Build and deploy templates geared toward high-level automation. Your goal is to create systems that allow for rapid iteration, enabling the studio to adjust the “energy” of a crowd based on directorial feedback within tight timeframes. Optimization & Troubleshooting: Evaluate technical issues within the crowd setup and devise ingenious, efficient solutions. You will ensure that scene files are optimized for lighting and rendering departments, preventing downstream bottlenecks. 3. R&D and Departmental Evolution At Netflix, we never stop improving our toolkit. Tool Development: Provide consistent feedback to Department TDs to drive the development of internal tools and crowd simulation workflows. Knowledge Sharing: Act as a technical mentor when necessary, passing on specialized knowledge to other staff members and ensuring the collective “IQ” of the crowd department continues to rise. Procedural Shading: Maintain a solid understanding of crowd shading and rendering procedurals (Mantra/Karma/Arnold) to ensure that thousands of agents look as high-quality as a single hero character. Detailed Job Requirements for Crowds Artist Professional Experience The Veteran Edge: A minimum of 3+ years of professional experience using Houdini on high-end feature films, television, or animated features. Crowd Specialization: A dedicated focus on Houdini Crowds is essential. Your reel should demonstrate a mastery of agent logic, state triggers, and complex environmental interactions. Feature Animation Background: Proven experience in a feature animation pipeline, showing an understanding of the specific aesthetic and technical rigors required for the big screen. Technical Mastery Houdini Core: Mastery of SOPs and DOPs is mandatory. You should be comfortable navigating complex networks and optimizing them for large data sets. Programming Literacy: While not strictly required, a working knowledge of Vex and Python is highly desirable for creating custom solvers and automating pipeline tasks. Artistic Principles: A strong understanding of the principles of motion, rigging, and animation. You must know how a character should move to ensure the simulation feels organic and grounded. Attention to Detail: An eye for design and artistic nuance. You aren’t just simulating particles; you are simulating characters with intent and personality. Soft Skills & Collaboration Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills. You will be collaborating across multiple departments (Animation, FX, Lighting) and must be able to take and apply feedback effectively. Pressure Management: The ability to prioritize work across multiple areas while maintaining high-quality results under the pressure of production deadlines. Inclusion Mindset: At Netflix, we celebrate diversity. You should be a team player who thrives in a multicultural, inclusive environment. The Netflix Animation Benefits Netflix Animation Studios provide a world-class support system so you can focus on creating world-class art. Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with robust mental health support. Future Planning: Retirement programs and family-forming benefits. Time Away: Generous paid leave of absence programs and vacation/sick time to ensure you stay refreshed and inspired. Hybrid Flexibility: A modern work model requiring a minimum of 3 days in our Sydney office, providing a balance of collaborative onsite energy and focused home-office time. The Hiring Process Reel & Portfolio Review: Our leads will evaluate your past work for technical complexity and artistic “soul.” Technical Interview: A deep dive into your Houdini workflows and problem-solving strategies. Culture & Collaboration Fit: Conversations with the FX and Crowd leads to ensure alignment with Netflix values. Offer: Joining a global community of artists dedicated to the future of animation.

Job Overview Company Name: Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) Official Job Title: Performance Technical Director Location: Sydney, Australia Work Type: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week onsite) Relevant Departments: Rough Layout, Animation, Final Layout Primary Tech Stack: Python, PyQt, Maya, USD, C++, ShotGrid, Git Experience Level: Senior Level (5+ years Pipeline TD experience) Estimated Salary Range: $145,000 – $210,000 AUD (Based on seniority and experience) Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. We are currently seeking a Performance Technical Director (TD) to join our flagship feature animation team in Sydney, Australia. The Performance TD is a critical architectural role, serving as the bridge between creative intent and technical execution. You will be responsible for supporting the visual objectives of our films through pipeline troubleshooting, tool development, and high-level technical direction within the Rough Layout, Animation, and Final Layout departments. The Role: Technical Visionary for Performance In the context of feature animation, “Performance” encompasses the movement, staging, and layout of our characters and environments. As a Performance TD, you are considered a technical expert in these domains. You don’t just fix bugs; you anticipate future technical directions and collaborate with R&D teams to design standardized, scalable workflows that empower artists to do their best work. Key Responsibilities 1. Technical Architecture & Development Workflow Design: Understand production requirements and design procedures, techniques, and tools to meet them. Code Excellence: Design, develop, and maintain high-quality, maintainable code using Python and PyQt. Complex Problem Solving: Track and resolve the most challenging technical issues within the Performance department in partnership with Lead and Supervising TDs. QA & Validation: Drive technical testing and validation of new tool releases to ensure artist workflows remain uninterrupted and optimized. 2. Strategic Planning & Scheduling Estimates & Bidding: Work with the Supervising TD to prepare time estimates and pitches for new technical initiatives. Project Prioritization: Break down complex technical projects into organized parts and ensure milestones are met. Scope Management: Monitor the scope of development initiatives and adjust estimates as technical requirements evolve. 3. Leadership & Mentorship Team Guidance: Provide day-to-day technical support to mid-level TDs, acting as a mentor and escalation point. Skill Development: Collaborate with Technology Talent Management to help elevate the technical abilities of the broader team. Onboarding: Assist in the orientation of senior new starters to ensure they are integrated into the Netflix pipeline efficiently. 4. Communication & Collaboration Cross-Departmental Synergy: Communicate technical ideas, rollout plans, and requirements to Program Managers and Senior Software Engineers. Documentation: Maintain high standards for written specifications, tickets, and status updates. Requirements: What You’ll Need To be successful in this role, you must possess a rare blend of software engineering discipline and a deep appreciation for the film creation process. Experience: 5+ years of proven pipeline TD experience in large-scale animated features or high-end VFX. Technical Mastery: Expert knowledge of Python and PyQt. A solid understanding of C++ and USD (Universal Scene Description) is highly advantageous. Software Proficiency: Comprehensive experience troubleshooting in Maya, Houdini, and Nuke. Pipeline Logic: Strong understanding of data flow, dependencies, metadata, and retrieval systems. Proficiency with Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid) and Git/GitHub. Education: A degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Animation, Math, Physics, or equivalent work experience. Industry Demographics and Diversity Statistics (2025-2026) Netflix Animation Studios recognizes that technical departments in the film industry have historically lacked diversity. We are committed to changing this narrative. To provide transparency regarding the current state of the industry, here are the demographic trends we are actively working to address within the Technical Direction and Software Engineering sectors of Animation: 1. Gender Representation in Technical Direction While gender parity is improving in artistic roles, Technical Direction remains male-dominated globally. Global Average: Approximately 18% to 22% of Technical Directors in Feature Animation identify as female or non-binary. Netflix Goal: We are actively aiming to surpass these industry averages through targeted mentorship for mid-level female TDs. 2. Racial and Ethnic Diversity (Global Data) Technical roles within major studios (US and Australia combined) show the following approximate distributions: White/Caucasian: 58% Asian/Asian-Pacific: 26% Hispanic/Latino: 9% Black/African Descent: 4% Indigenous/Other: 3% In Sydney, we are particularly focused on increasing representation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our technical workforce. 3. Professional Backgrounds Technical Directors come from varied academic backgrounds. In our current teams: 65% hold degrees in Computer Science or Engineering. 25% transition from Artistic roles (Layout/Animation) with self-taught technical skills. 10% come from Math or Physics backgrounds. Benefits of Joining Netflix Sydney We offer a competitive package designed to support your lifestyle and professional growth: Health: Medical, dental, and vision plans, plus mental health support. Future: Retirement programs and family-forming benefits (including support for various paths to parenthood). Flexibility: Our hybrid model requires a minimum of 3 days in the office, providing a balance between collaborative onsite work and remote productivity. Culture: We operate with a philosophy of “Freedom and Responsibility,” valuing inclusion, candor, and technical excellence. Inclusion at Netflix Inclusion is more than a value; it is a necessity for creating films that resonate globally. We celebrate diversity in all forms—race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and military service. If you require any accommodations during the interview process, we are committed to providing them.

Job Overview Company Name: Netflix Animation Studios Job Title: Surfacing / Look Development / Shading Artist Location: Sydney Work Type: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week onsite) Department: Feature Animation – Surfacing Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior (3+ years in Feature Animation or High-end VFX) Primary Software: Mari, Maya, Houdini (Bonus) Estimated Salary Range: $110,000 – $165,000 AUD (Based on experience and industry standards) Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is currently expanding its creative footprint in Australia, seeking a visionary Surfacing Artist to join our Feature Animation team in Sydney. As we push the boundaries of bold, immersive storytelling, we are looking for artists who don’t just “fill in the blanks” but breathe life, texture, and soul into digital worlds. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the role, the studio environment, and the expectations for this high-level creative position. About the Role: The Art of the Surface The Surfacing Artist is a pivotal bridge between the 3D model and the final rendered frame. At Netflix Animation, this role is not merely technical; it is an exercise in digital craftsmanship. You will be responsible for the “look and feel” of the film—from the subtle weave of a character’s garment to the weathered oxidation on a futuristic cityscape. We are looking for an artist who can balance the rigor of a technical pipeline with the fluid creativity of a traditional painter. Whether you are working on characters or environments, your goal is to maintain artistic intent while ensuring every asset is optimized for the lighting department. Core Responsibilities 1. Creative Execution & Look Development Texture Painting: Develop high-quality stylized textures using both hand-painted techniques and procedural workflows. Shading & Lookdev: Create shaders that are visually striking yet physically plausible, ensuring they react predictably to various lighting environments. Asset Management: Handle UV layouts, sculpting details, and complex grooming or instancing tasks to add secondary levels of realism or stylization. Artistic Interpretation: Translate 2D concept art and reference material into 3D assets without losing the “soul” of the original design. 2. Technical Integration Standardization: Adhere strictly to department naming conventions and pipeline standards to ensure seamless hand-offs. Problem Solving: Navigate a technical pipeline to resolve shading errors or optimization issues before they reach the render farm. Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with the Surfacing Lead and Lighting Supervisors to ensure that assets perform as expected under production lights. 3. Professionalism & Community Mentorship: Openly share knowledge with the team to elevate the collective skill set of the studio. Deadlines: Assume full responsibility for meeting production milestones and delivering work that meets “final-frame” quality on schedule. Requirements: What You’ll Need to Succeed To thrive in the Netflix environment, you must possess a blend of artistic intuition and technical discipline. We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria: Professional Pedigree: At least 3 years of experience specifically within feature animation, high-end VFX, or premium episodic content. Technical Proficiency: Mastery of Mari and Maya is non-negotiable. If you have experience with Houdini or advanced shader writing (OSL/Blink), you will have a significant advantage. Artistic Foundations: A deep understanding of color theory, lighting, and anatomy. You should be able to explain why a certain material looks the way it does in the real world before recreating it digitally. Communication Skills: The ability to take constructive feedback with humility and communicate complex technical ideas to non-technical production staff. Benefits & Studio Culture Netflix believes that a well-supported artist is a creative artist. Our benefits package in Sydney is designed to support your life both inside and outside the studio: Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside dedicated mental health support. Future Planning: Retirement programs and family-forming benefits (including support for various paths to parenthood). Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off (PTO) and sick leave, plus paid leave of absence programs. Inclusion: We are an equal-opportunity employer. We recognize that our strength comes from our diversity—spanning race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and veteran status. Industry Context: Diversity and Representation in Animation At Netflix, we monitor industry trends and internal demographics to ensure we are building a studio that reflects the global audience we serve. Diversity is not just a metric for us; it is a creative necessity. Note on Industry Demographics: Recent reports in the animation industry (such as those from Women in Animation and the Animation Guild) indicate that while representation is improving, gaps remain. For instance, while women make up roughly 60% of animation students, they occupy only about 25%–30% of leadership and technical roles like Shading and Lighting. Netflix is committed to closing these gaps by actively recruiting from underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Australians, people of color, and gender-diverse artists. How to Apply If you are ready to contribute to a studio that values “bold and immersive” storytelling, we want to see your portfolio. Your reel should demonstrate: A variety of surfaces (hard surface, organic, fabric). Clear “Before and After” shots of your shading networks. Examples of stylized work that goes beyond standard photorealism.

Job Overview Company Name: Netflix Animation Studios Job Title: Character Animator Job Type: Full-Time Location: Sydney Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week in-office) Salary Range: $110,000 – $175,000 AUD (Estimated market range for Sydney Feature Animators) Experience Level: 2+ Years in Feature Film, VFX, TV, or Games Core Software: Autodesk Maya Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a global mission to redefine the landscape of feature animation by producing bold, immersive, and timeless films. As we launch production on our next major animated feature, our Sydney studio is seeking a highly skilled Character Animator to join our world-class creative team. This role is for an artist who treats animation as a performance art. We are looking for individuals who can move beyond technical movement to create “soul”—animators who have a profound command of acting, appeal, weight, and dialogue. You will be a central figure in bringing our stories to life, working under the guidance of industry-leading Directors to craft performances that resonate with global audiences. At NAS, we celebrate personal style and unique perspectives, providing a platform where your creative imagination can solve complex narrative challenges. What You’ll Do: The Art of Performance The Character Animator at Netflix is the primary storyteller within the production pipeline. Your work is the bridge between a static rig and an emotional connection with the viewer. Character Crafting: Create vivid, compelling, and believable character performances. You will be responsible for ensuring that every gesture, blink, and step effectively conveys the intended narrative and emotional subtext. Creative Collaboration: Work in close partnership with Directors and Animation Leadership. You will translate high-level creative visions into high-quality feature animation, ensuring the style is consistent with the film’s unique aesthetic. Brain Trust Participation: Engage in team reviews and “dailies.” We value animators who are not just “executors” but active contributors to creative discussions, helping to problem-solve sequences and elevate the team’s collective output. Production Excellence: Manage your time with precision. Working alongside the production department, you will ensure that your shots are delivered to the highest standard within the project’s established milestones. Required Qualifications & Skills We are seeking “Performance First” artists. Your technical skills must be high, but your ability to entertain and connect with an audience is what will set you apart. 1. Artistic Principles Mastery of Fundamentals: A thorough understanding of the 12 principles of animation, with a particular focus on appeal, pacing, and staging. Anatomy and Physics: An excellent sense of body mechanics, weight, and movement. Whether animating a human or a creature, the movement must feel grounded in physical reality. Acting and Dialogue: The ability to handle complex dialogue shots, focusing on believable expressions, clear phonemes, and emotional sincerity. 2. Experience and Technical Skill Industry Background: A minimum of 2 years of experience in a high-pressure production environment, such as animated feature films, VFX, or AAA games. Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Autodesk Maya. You should be comfortable with complex rigs and open to adopting new internal tools and proprietary workflows. The Reel: You must provide a showreel no longer than 2 minutes. We are looking for your strongest performances—shots that showcase emotional depth, entertainment value, and a mastery of weight and physics. 3. Professional Mindset Collaboration: You are a proven team player who thrives in a collaborative environment. Communication: Strong interpersonal skills are essential for articulating creative ideas and responding to feedback. Adaptability: You must be open to constructive criticism. The feature film process is iterative; we need artists who can pivot quickly and maintain a positive attitude through multiple versions of a shot. Compensation and World-Class Benefits Netflix Animation Studios provides a comprehensive “Total Rewards” package designed to support our artists’ health, wealth, and future. Competitive Salary: While the specific offer is determined by experience, skills, and background, our Sydney compensation is highly competitive with top-tier global market rates. Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family, along with dedicated mental health support. Future Planning: Robust retirement programs and family-forming benefits (including support for various paths to parenthood). Time Away: Generous paid time off programs for vacation and sick leave, as well as paid leave of absence programs. Inclusive Environment: Inclusion is a core Netflix value. We provide a meaningful interview experience and offer accommodations or adjustments for disabilities throughout the hiring process. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At NAS, we celebrate diversity because we know it builds stronger, more innovative teams. We approach inclusion thoughtfully, ensuring that our studio is a safe and welcoming space for all, regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or military service. We are an equal-opportunity employer and invite all qualified artists to bring their unique voices to our Sydney studio. How to Apply To join the journey in Sydney, please prepare: Updated Resume: Highlighting your specific role in feature or episodic productions. Portfolio/Reel Link: Ensure your reel is under 2 minutes and includes your best performance work. Breakdown Sheet: A document detailing exactly what you animated in each shot of your reel.