Company: Zoic

Zoic Studios Hiring: Houdini FX Artist (Remote – British Columbia | Contract) Are you ready to bring breathtaking visual effects to life? Do you thrive on solving complex creative and technical challenges? Zoic Studios, an industry-leading visual effects company, is seeking an experienced Houdini FX Artist to join our Vancouver-based team. This is a remote contract position for candidates currently residing in British Columbia, Canada, offering the opportunity to collaborate on high-end, photoreal VFX sequences for film and episodic projects. At Zoic Studios, we believe in pushing creative boundaries through innovation, artistry, and collaboration. Founded on the principles of partnership, integrity, and enthusiasm, our mission—Visual Evolution—guides everything we do. We’re passionate about combining storytelling, technology, strategy, and design to create visually stunning and emotionally engaging experiences for audiences around the world. Our team at Zoic Studios works on major films, television series, and commercials, delivering some of the most complex and visually dynamic VFX sequences in the industry. From large-scale destruction shots to intricate particle effects, Zoic artists are known for transforming imagination into cinematic reality. Position Overview Zoic Studios is currently seeking a Houdini FX Artist to join our Vancouver team. This role involves creating photorealistic dynamic effects using Houdini, working on high-end episodic productions that demand precision, creativity, and technical mastery. You’ll collaborate with a small, highly skilled team of artists to design and execute visually stunning simulations—from destruction and debris to natural phenomena like water, smoke, and explosions. You’ll work closely with the CG Supervisor and Creative Director, interpreting direction and feedback to deliver results that meet cinematic standards. This position requires both artistic vision and technical expertise, as you’ll be responsible for developing efficient execution strategies for complex FX sequences while ensuring realism and visual continuity. If you’re someone who loves tackling creative challenges, thrives in a fast-paced collaborative environment, and enjoys pushing Houdini to its limits, this role at Zoic Studios is for you. Key Responsibilities As a Houdini FX Artist at Zoic Studios, your responsibilities will include: Creating high-quality photorealistic FX such as explosions, debris, smoke, fire, fluids, and destruction sequences using Houdini. Developing and executing complex simulation strategies, ensuring each shot meets both artistic and technical goals. Collaborating with supervisors and directors to understand creative intent and translate it into dynamic, visually striking results. Participating in look development and R&D for challenging or unique effects. Working closely with other departments—such as lighting, compositing, and modeling—to ensure seamless integration of effects into final shots. Troubleshooting and optimizing simulations for efficiency and render performance. Managing and organizing FX setups and files for consistency and reusability. Communicating effectively with team members, sharing knowledge, and contributing to the creative process. Required Qualifications To be successful in this role at Zoic Studios, you should meet the following qualifications: 4+ years of professional experience as a Dynamics or FX Artist in film, episodic television, or high-end commercials. A strong portfolio or demo reel showcasing a variety of photoreal dynamic effects—such as destruction, explosions, dust, fluids, or environmental simulations. Advanced proficiency in Houdini, particularly with particle systems, dynamics, and procedural workflows. Proven experience with simulation R&D, developing creative solutions for complex or unique effects. Strong understanding of physical realism, scale, timing, and natural motion to achieve believable FX outcomes. Ability to take direction well, work independently, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Excellent problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Preferred Skills (Bonus Points) Experience with fluid and water simulations (FLIP or Pyro). Familiarity with rendering engines such as Mantra, Karma, or Redshift. Knowledge of scripting or VEX for Houdini workflow optimization. Experience integrating effects into composited shots using Nuke. Ability to work efficiently in pipeline-driven production environments. Location & Work Environment This position is remote, but candidates must be located in British Columbia. You’ll collaborate virtually with a team based in Vancouver, and may also have the option to work from the Zoic Studios facility if preferred. Please note: Zoic Studios does not cover relocation costs for this position. Applicants must have a reliable wired internet connection and be available to work on Pacific Standard Time (PST). This position requires self-motivation, organization, and the ability to manage time effectively while working remotely. Compensation The pay range for senior-level employees in British Columbia is $50 – $65 per hour. The actual compensation will depend on your experience, technical expertise, and portfolio quality. Why Join Zoic Studios? At Zoic Studios, we don’t just create visual effects — we craft immersive storytelling experiences. We believe that our success lies in the strength of our people and the passion they bring to their craft. Working with Zoic means being part of a culture that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Collaborate with a world-class team on some of the most exciting VFX projects in the industry. Enjoy the flexibility of remote work while staying connected to a creative and collaborative community. Experience career growth opportunities in a studio that continuously embraces new technologies and techniques. We’re passionate about evolving the visual language of entertainment — and we’re looking for artists who share that same drive. How to Apply If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, please submit your resume and demo reel showcasing your FX work. Due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Join Zoic Studios, where artistry meets innovation, and help shape the future of cinematic visual storytelling — one explosion, one simulation, and one breathtaking shot at a time.