DNEG is currently seeking an experienced and visionary Senior FX TD (Technical Director) to join our premier studio in Sydney, Australia. As a global leader in visual effects and animation, DNEG has been at the forefront of cinematic storytelling for over two decades. This role is a unique opportunity to contribute to high-octane VFX feature films, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in physical simulation and digital artistry.
You will be responsible for gathering complex 3D assets and transforming them into breathtaking, photorealistic effects. Using a combination of industry-standard tools—predominantly Houdini—and DNEG’s proprietary pipeline, you will craft the elemental forces that bring stories to life.
Job Overview : Senior FX TD
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | DNEG (Double Negative) |
| Position Title | Senior FX TD (Artist) |
| Location | Sydney, NSW, Australia (Pyrmont District) |
| Job Type | Full-Time, Permanent |
| Estimated Salary Range | $115,000 – $165,000 AUD (Dependent on experience) + Superannuation |
| Work Model | Hybrid (Minimum 2 days per week in-office) |
| Industry | VFX / Feature Film / Animation |
| Reporting To | FX Supervisor / Head of Department |
The Role: Technical Artistry at Scale
At DNEG, FX TDs are the architects of chaos and the masters of the elements. You will not just be “running sims”; you will be designing the visual language of fire, water, and destruction.
Core Responsibilities:
- Asset Integration: Efficiently gather 3D assets from Build, Layout, and Animation departments to prepare for simulation.
- High-End Simulation: Develop and execute high-quality simulations including Particle FX, Pyro (smoke/fire), Rigid Body Dynamics (RBD), Fluids, Cloth, and Hair/Fur.
- Tool Development: Utilize DNEG’s custom pipeline tools and, where necessary, develop HDA (Houdini Digital Assets) to streamline workflows for the wider team.
- Photoreal Rendering: Ensure all FX elements are voxel or particle-rendered to meet the exacting standards of modern feature film cinematography.
- Collaborative Compositing: Work closely with the Compositing department, providing necessary passes and deep data to ensure seamless integration into live-action plates.
Requirements: What You Bring to the Team
This is a senior-level role requiring a deep technical foundation and a refined artistic eye. We are looking for a veteran who can mentor juniors and tackle the most challenging shots in the pipeline.
Must Have
- Experience: Minimum of 6 years working on high-end feature film VFX.
- Software Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of Houdini is non-negotiable.
- Artistic Sense: A proven portfolio showcasing photoreal smoke, fire, clouds, water, and explosions. You must demonstrate a sophisticated sense of timing, scale, and physical weight.
- Production Savvy: Experience working with live-action plates and an understanding of the intricacies of matching CG FX to real-world footage.
- Compositing Knowledge: Familiarity with Nuke and a solid understanding of the node-based compositing process.
- Problem Solving: A proactive approach to pipeline issues and the ability to troubleshoot complex simulation errors.
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Nice to Have
- Generalist Background: A broad understanding of the CG pipeline (Modeling, LookDev, Lighting).
- Scripting Skills: Proficiency in Python, VEX, Hscript, or Mel to automate tasks.
- OS Knowledge: Strong comfort level with Linux/Unix environments.
- Cross-Platform Experience: Experience in high-end TV or AAA Games.
About You: The Cultural Fit
We aren’t just looking for a technician; we’re looking for a collaborator. DNEG Sydney is a high-energy environment where communication is as important as technical skill.
- Self-Starter: You don’t wait for instructions; you identify what a shot needs and you execute.
- Collaborator: You thrive in a team setting and enjoy sharing techniques with your peers.
- Calm Professionalism: You remain composed under the pressure of tight production deadlines and “crunch” periods.
- Lifelong Learner: You have a “can-do” attitude and a genuine excitement for learning new proprietary software and evolving techniques.
Workplace Flexibility & Relocation
Location & Presence: We believe the best creative work happens through face-to-face connection. Our Sydney office is a hub of innovation located in the vibrant Pyrmont area. For this role, we require a hybrid presence, with artists coming into the studio at least two days per week.
Relocation: If you are not currently based in Sydney, you must be willing to relocate. DNEG values global talent and can discuss relocation assistance and visa sponsorship for the right candidate, provided they meet the legal requirements to work in Australia.
Life at DNEG
DNEG is more than a studio; it is a global community of over 9,000 creators across North America, Europe, Asia, and now Australia. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive work environment.
Why Join Us?
- Award-Winning Projects: Work on the biggest franchises in cinema history.
- Innovation: Access to cutting-edge proprietary technology that isn’t available anywhere else.
- Career Growth: We invest in our people, offering clear pathways from Senior Artist to Lead, Supervisor, and beyond.
- Diversity: We celebrate our differences and believe that diverse viewpoints lead to richer creative outcomes.
How to Apply
If you are ready to create movie magic in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, we want to hear from you. Please ensure your demo reel highlights your specific contributions to FX simulations and clearly demonstrates your Houdini proficiency.