Job Overview

• Company: Netflix Animation Studios (NAS)
• Position: Character FX (CFX) Artist
• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (Hybrid: Min. 3 days/week onsite)
• Salary: $80,000 – $160,000 CAD (Total Compensation)
• Department: Feature Animation
• Work Type: Full-Time Contract / Onsite

Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a global mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive, and impactful animated films. We are paving the way for the future of cinema by building a community of world-class artists across three vibrant global hubs. We are currently seeking a high-caliber Character FX Artist to join our Feature Animation team in Vancouver. This is an opportunity to work on high-profile projects that reach millions of viewers globally, blending technical simulation with artistic storytelling.

About Netflix Animation Studios

At Netflix Animation Studios, we believe that great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. Our studio culture is built on the core Netflix values of Inclusion, Liberty, and Responsibility. We operate with a “creators-first” mentality, providing our teams with the resources and creative freedom necessary to push the boundaries of what is possible in feature animation.

Joining the Vancouver team means becoming part of a community that celebrates diversity and artistic excellence. Whether we are crafting a whimsical stylized world or a gritty, realistic epic, our CFX department is at the heart of making those worlds feel tangible, reactive, and alive.

The Role: Defining the “Feel” of a Character

As a CFX Artist, you sit at the vital intersection of Character Rigging, Animation, and Lighting. Your work provides the secondary motion that transforms a “digital puppet” into a living, breathing entity. When a character runs, you determine how their silks flutter in the wind; when they roar, you simulate the subtle jiggle of muscle and skin; when they hide, you manage the complex grooming of their fur or hair.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Simulation Setup & Design

• Hair & Fur: Develop complex grooming and simulation setups for various hair types, ranging from stylized “sculpted” hair to photorealistic fur.

• Cloth Simulation: Create robust cloth rigs that can handle extreme character performances while maintaining the intended silhouette and material properties (denim, silk, leather, etc.).

• Procedural Workflows: Design and implement procedural creature simulation rigs within Houdini, ensuring they adhere to department standards for scalability and efficiency across a production pipeline.

2. Technical Artistry & Collaboration

• Cross-Department Synergy: Work closely with the Grooming, Rigging, and Animation departments to ensure that character assets are optimized for simulation and that the performance intent is preserved.

• Artistic Iteration: Incorporate feedback from CFX Supervisors and Directors with “grace and humility.” You will refine simulations to meet the specific aesthetic needs of a sequence, whether that requires physics-accurate realism or highly choreographed “hero” moments.

• Problem Solving: Troubleshoot technical issues within the simulation pipeline, such as interpenetration (clipping) between layers of cloth or stabilizing complex hair-to-object collisions.

3. Growth & Innovation

• Internal Training: Actively participate in studio-led training sessions to master new tools and workflows.

• Tech Advocacy: Stay current with the latest advancements in CFX technology, such as GPU-accelerated solvers or machine learning applications in simulation.

• Tool Development: (Optional but encouraged) Utilize scripting (VEX/Python) to automate repetitive tasks or build custom tools that benefit the entire CFX team.

Requirements: What You’ll Bring to the Studio

We are looking for artists who possess a rare blend of technical problem-solving skills and a keen eye for aesthetic beauty.

Technical Proficiencies

• Core Software: Extensive experience with Houdini is essential. Familiarity with Maya or other industry-standard 3D packages is expected.

• Simulation Solvers: A deep understanding of Houdini Vellum is highly preferred, alongside general knowledge of cloth, hair, muscle, and feather solvers.

• Physics Foundation: You must have a strong grasp of real-world physics—including gravity, friction, drag, and inertia—and how to manipulate these variables to achieve both realistic and stylized results.

• Animation Fundamentals: A keen sense of timing, weight, and motion. You should understand how a character’s primary animation informs the secondary “follow-through” of the CFX.

Professional Background

• Industry Experience: Previous experience in a CFX or technical animation role within feature film, high-end gaming, or television animation.

• Portfolio: A professional demo reel that showcases a diverse range of simulation work (cloth, hair, fur, or flesh) and demonstrates your ability to handle various art styles.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. You must be able to articulate complex technical challenges to non-technical stakeholders clearly and concisely.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks

Netflix Animation Studios offers a highly competitive total compensation package. We do not offer stock options; instead, we prioritize a transparent and robust base compensation that reflects your market value and expertise.

• Salary Range: $80,000 – $160,000 CAD per year, determined by your specific experience level and skill set.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family.

• Mental Health: Dedicated mental health support programs.

• Family Support: Family-forming benefits and generous paid leave of absence programs for new parents.

• Time Off: Robust paid time away programs for vacation and sick leave to ensure our artists stay refreshed and inspired.

• Retirement: Access to studio-sponsored retirement programs.

Our Culture: Inclusion as a Value

At NAS, we don’t just “do” diversity; we live it. Inclusion is a core value that informs every interview, every hire, and every creative decision. We recognize that our global audience is diverse, and our stories are better when they are told by a team that reflects that reality.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or military service. We are committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment where every artist can bring their authentic self to work.

Accommodations: If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the hiring process due to a disability or any other reason, please reach out to your recruiting partner. We are dedicated to making the interview process meaningful and accessible for everyone.

The Vancouver Studio Experience

The Vancouver hub is a cornerstone of our production strategy. Located in one of the world’s most beautiful and vibrant cities, the studio offers a collaborative atmosphere where “onsite” means more than just a desk—it means coffee chats, whiteboarding sessions, and the spontaneous creative energy that only happens in person. Our hybrid model (3 days in-office) offers the perfect balance of focused home-work and collaborative studio-work.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate CFX Artist ready to contribute to the next generation of Netflix Original animated features, we want to see your work.

1. Portfolio/Reel: Ensure your reel includes a breakdown of your specific contributions to each shot (e.g., “created cloth rig,” “simulated hero hair”).

2. Software Proficiency: Clearly state your experience levels with Houdini, Vellum, and any scripting languages like VEX or Python.

3. Application: Submit your CV and portfolio link through the Netflix Animation Careers portal.