Job Overview

Job Overview Table

Senior FX TD DNEG VFX

DNEG, a global leader in Academy Award-winning visual effects and animation, is currently seeking an elite Senior FX Technical Director to join our Performance department (Animation, Creature, and FX) in London. This is a high-impact role designed for a technical artist who thrives at the intersection of physical simulation and cinematic storytelling.

At DNEG, our FX TDs are the architects of chaos and the masters of the elements. You will be responsible for taking assets from our Build and Animation departments and transforming them into breathtaking simulations—from the microscopic flutter of cloth to the cataclysmic destruction of entire worlds.

About DNEG: A Global Powerhouse in VFX

DNEG is not just a studio; it is a legacy. With over 9,000 employees worldwide and a footprint that spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, we are one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies. Our work has been recognized with multiple Academy Awards, BAFTAs, and VES Awards for groundbreaking contributions to films like Dune, Interstellar, Inception, and Blade Runner 2049.

When you join the London team, you are joining the historic heart of DNEG. We foster an environment of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, ensuring that every artist—regardless of background—has a seat at the table. We don’t just create content; we create the future of entertainment through relentless innovation and a commitment to artistic excellence.

The Role: What Will You Do?

As a Senior FX TD, your role is both highly technical and deeply artistic. You are tasked with gathering 3D assets produced by the Build, Layout, and Animation departments and utilizing a combination of off-the-shelf software and DNEG’s proprietary toolset to generate complex simulations.

1. Elemental & Dynamic Simulation

Your primary workflow will revolve around Houdini. You will be expected to produce high-end effects including:

• Natural Elements: Smoke, fire, clouds, steam, and complex water systems.

• Destruction: Large-scale Rigid Body Dynamics (RBD) for crumbling structures and explosions.

• Character FX: High-fidelity simulations for cloth, fur, and hair that interact seamlessly with animated creatures and digital doubles.

2. Pipeline Integration & Problem Solving

You won’t work in a vacuum. You will use custom pipeline tools to ensure that your FX passes are compatible with the broader production workflow. This involves:

• Asset Management: Efficiently handling 3D assets and ensuring simulation caches are optimized for lighting and rendering.

• Voxel & Particle Rendering: Utilizing deep knowledge of volume-based rendering to ensure that fire and smoke possess the correct physical density and light scattering properties.

• Troubleshooting: Identifying bottlenecks in the FX pipeline and developing solutions—whether through custom VEX snippets or workflow adjustments—to meet tight deadlines.

3. Collaboration & Communication

You will work closely with VFX Supervisors and Leads to ensure the creative vision is met. You will also coordinate with the Compositing department, providing them with the necessary passes (and deep data where applicable) to ensure your FX are perfectly integrated into live-action plates.

What Makes You a Match?

We are looking for a “Production Hardened” artist. To succeed as a Senior at DNEG, you must possess a specific level of experience and technical grit.

Technical Requirements (“Must Have”)

• Film Credits: Proven production experience on multiple high-end VFX feature films. We are looking for artists who understand the scale and quality required for the big screen.

• Houdini Mastery: Extensive knowledge of Houdini is non-negotiable. You should be comfortable in the SOPs, DOPs, and VOPs contexts.

• Simulation Physics: A thorough understanding of the physics behind fire, fluid, and explosions, as well as an “eye” for timing and scale.

• Live-Action Integration: Experience working with live-action plates, understanding how to match real-world lighting and camera movement.

• Compositing Knowledge: Familiarity with Nuke. You must understand how your FX passes will be used in the final “comp” to ensure you are delivering what the 2D artists need.

The “Nice to Have” Extras

• Coding & Scripting: Knowledge of Python, Hscript, VEX, or Mel. The ability to write custom tools or shaders can significantly elevate your value within the team.

• OS Knowledge: A strong understanding of Linux/Unix environments, which are the backbone of our global render farm and workstations.

• Generalist Background: Experience in other areas like Games or TV, or a general TD background that allows you to see the “bigger picture” of the VFX pipeline.

About You: The Personal Profile

At DNEG, “how” you work is just as important as “what” you create. We value:

• Proactivity: You are a self-starter who doesn’t wait for instructions when a problem is visible.

• Composure: The VFX industry is high-pressure. You stay calm under the weight of looming deadlines and shifting creative briefs.

• Collaborative Spirit: You enjoy sharing knowledge. You are a team player who is eager to learn new techniques—including our proprietary software—and help others do the same.

• Positive Attitude: A “can-do” mindset is essential. We solve “impossible” visual problems every day; we need people who believe they can find the solution.

Deep Dive: Why DNEG London?

The Culture of Innovation

London is a global hub for VFX, and DNEG is at its center. Working here gives you access to some of the most advanced proprietary technology in the industry. We don’t just use Houdini; we extend it. Our R&D teams work closely with FX TDs to build tools that allow us to simulate faster and at a higher resolution than ever before.

Career Growth and Global Reach

As a Senior FX TD, you are on the path to becoming a Lead or FX Supervisor. With offices in Montréal, Vancouver, Mumbai, and Sydney, the opportunities for global collaboration (and potential relocation) are unparalleled. You will be part of a 9,000-strong network of the best minds in the business.

Commitment to EDI

We fundamentally believe that our differences make us stronger. DNEG is committed to an equitable work environment. If you require any support or adjustments during the application process, our HR and Talent Acquisition teams are dedicated to accommodating your needs to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

Compensation and Benefits

While DNEG evaluates salary based on individual experience and project requirements, a Senior FX TD in London can expect a highly competitive package.

• Salary: Commensurate with experience, typically ranging from £65,000 to £95,000+ for top-tier senior talent.

• Benefits: DNEG offers comprehensive benefits packages, including health support, pension contributions, and a variety of studio-specific perks designed to support work-life balance in the fast-paced film industry.

• Training: Access to internal masterclasses and training programs to keep your skills at the cutting edge.

How to Apply

If you are ready to contribute to the next generation of award-winning cinema, we want to hear from you.

Requirements for Application:

1. VFX Showreel: A link to your latest reel is mandatory. Please include a breakdown describing your specific contributions to each shot (e.g., “Responsible for fire simulation and voxel rendering”).

2. Professional Resume: Highlighting your experience on major feature films.

3. Cover Letter: Briefly explain your experience with Houdini-based pipelines and why you want to join DNEG.

Join DNEG London. Let’s create the unforgettable.