Lighting and Compositing Artist job at Arx anima

arx anima is inviting a visionary and technically adept Lighting and Compositing Artist to join our award-winning production team. As a studio that thrives on the edge of innovation—from pioneering USD workflows in Houdini Solaris to operating the largest render farm in Austria—we are looking for an artist who can blend the magic of light with the precision of final compositing.

This role is for those who see beyond the pixels. We are looking for an individual who understands how a single rim light can change the emotional weight of a scene and how a meticulously crafted composite can breathe life into a digital world. Whether we are reviving historical icons like Mozart through immersive 360° projections or pushing the boundaries of feature-length animation, your work will be the final, crucial polish that audiences see on screen.

Core Job Overview : Lighting and Compositing Artist

About arx anima

We are more than just an animation studio; we are a hub of technical and artistic R&D. With physical locations in Vienna, Frankfurt, Leipzig, and Madrid, arx anima has spent years perfecting the craft of animation cinema. We pride ourselves on our “courage to try”—embracing every new technical challenge that comes our way.

Our infrastructure is designed to support the boldest visions. We have built the largest render farm in Austria and are industry leaders in Houdini Solaris / USD workflows. Our portfolio is diverse, spanning high-end feature films, series, high-impact commercials, and experimental immersive art. At arx anima, you won’t just be a cog in a machine; you will be part of a team that is actively shaping the future of European animation.

The Role: Lighting & Compositing Artist

This is a dual-discipline role that requires a “generalist” mindset within the lighting and look-dev pipeline. You will be responsible for taking assets from the animation and FX departments and transforming them into cinematic imagery.

1. Artistic Lighting Design

• Atmospheric Storytelling: You will design and implement lighting setups that do more than just illuminate; they must enhance the narrative, establish the mood, and direct the viewer’s eye.

• Consistency Across Sequences: Working closely with Supervisors and Directors, you will ensure that the lighting style remains consistent across an entire sequence, maintaining the visual “language” of the project.

• Technical Optimization: Feature animation requires a balance between beauty and render times. You will be expected to optimize your setups for efficiency without sacrificing visual fidelity, ensuring our farm stays productive.

2. Final Compositing

• Seamless Integration: You will assemble rendered layers and passes (AOV’s) into final shots using industry-standard tools like Nuke.

• Visual Refinement: Your task includes fine-tuning color grading, adjusting depth of field, and integrating complex FX elements and matte paintings into a cohesive final image.

• Feedback Implementation: In a fast-paced pipeline, the ability to interpret and apply creative notes from directors quickly and accurately is essential to meeting our delivery milestones.

Detailed Requirements for Lighting & Compositing Artist

Arx Anima are seeking artists who have a proven track record in high-end 3D animation or VFX environments.

Technical Proficiency:

• Software: Mastery of Houdini (Solaris/Karma), Maya, and Nuke is highly preferred. Experience with other industry-standard engines like Arnold, Renderman, or V-Ray is also valued.

• Rendering Foundations: A strong grasp of physically based rendering (PBR), light behavior, and shader development.

• Pipeline Knowledge: Familiarity with USD (Universal Scene Description) is a significant advantage as we continue to push our Solaris-based workflows.

Artistic Sensibility:

• An expert eye for color theory, composition, and the nuances of light.

• The ability to take a sequence from “flat” to “feature-quality” through creative problem-solving.

• A portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of styles, from hyper-realism to stylized “toony” aesthetics.

Communication & Logistics:

• Language: Proficiency in English is required (studio language). German or Spanish is a plus given our office locations.

• Legal Status: You must hold a valid EU passport or a valid Austrian work permit. Due to project requirements, we cannot sponsor non-EU visas at this time.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, we are particularly interested in candidates who bring extra “tools” to the table:

• Scripting Skills: Proficiency in Python or MEL to help automate repetitive tasks and improve the lighting pipeline.

• Color Management: Deep understanding of ACES workflows and color pipeline management.

• Leadership Qualities: For Senior-level applicants, experience mentoring junior artists and leading small sequences is a major plus.

Work Culture & Benefits

At arx anima, we believe that great art comes from a balanced and inclusive environment.

• The “Workation” Policy: We value flexibility. Depending on production needs, you can enjoy the opportunity to work remotely for several weeks from another EU country. This allows our team members to stay inspired and connected with family or different cultures while contributing to our projects.

• Diversity & Inclusion: We are dedicated to building an authentic workplace. Research shows that certain groups are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. If you are excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your unique perspective might be exactly what our team needs.

• Accessibility: We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing any necessary accommodations to ensure an inclusive workspace.

How to Apply

Are you ready to join a studio where innovation meets artistry? We are looking for someone to start ASAP for our upcoming slate of projects through April and May 2026 and beyond.

Please provide:

1. A link to your current Demo Reel and a breakdown of your contributions to each shot.

2. An updated CV/Resume highlighting your experience with USD or specific render engines.

3. Your availability and your preferred working location (Vienna or Remote within the EU).

Join arx anima, and let’s create something spectacular together.