Rodeo FX, an Oscar®-winning powerhouse and a perennial fixture on Montreal’s “Top Employers” list, is expanding its elite Assets Department. We are seeking three exceptional Modeling Artists to join our Montreal studio and contribute to high-end photorealistic VFX productions for the world’s most renowned storytellers.
From the gritty streets of John Wick: Chapter 4 to the fantastical depths of The Little Mermaid and the sprawling sci-fi vistas of Rebel Moon, Rodeo FX is where technical precision meets boundless creativity. We don’t just build models; we engineer the physical reality of cinematic dreams. Whether you are a master of organic anatomy or a specialist in complex hard-surface machinery, we have a place for your expertise.
Job Overview: 3D Modeling Artists
Rodeo FX is currently filling three distinct roles within the Assets Department. These positions are critical for upcoming 2026 delivery cycles and require immediate integration into our Montreal-based teams.
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Rodeo FX |
| Locations | Montreal, Canada (On-site/Hybrid) |
| Work Model | Hybrid: Minimum 3 days per week at the Montreal Studio |
| Job Types | 1. Senior Organic/Mechanical Artist (Permanent) 2. Senior Organic Artist (Contract) 3. Mid-Level Mechanical Artist (Contract) |
| Contract Duration | Start ASAP – July 24th, 2026 (Extensions possible) |
| Estimated Salary Range | $75,000 – $135,000 CAD (Commensurate with seniority/role) |
| Key Software | Maya, ZBrush (Houdini, Marvelous Designer, & Wrap are assets) |
| Legal Status | Required: Canadian Citizenship, PR, or Open Work Permit |
The Role: Mastering the Third Dimension
As a Modeling Artist at Rodeo FX, you are the foundation of the VFX pipeline. Your assets are the first step in a journey that travels through Rigging, Texturing, LookDev, and Animation. Consequently, your work must be as technically robust as it is aesthetically stunning.
You will be tasked with interpreting complex concept art, photo references, or raw LiDAR scans to produce production-ready geometry. The ideal candidates will demonstrate a “surgical” attention to detail, ensuring that every bolt on a mechanical rig or every pore on an organic creature serves the story and the shot.
1. Mastery of the Craft
- Create intricate 3D models ranging from hero characters and creatures to complex mechanical vehicles and architectural environments.
- Ensure all models feature “clean” topology—meaning efficient edge flows that deform perfectly for animators and respond predictably to high-resolution displacement maps.
- Adhere strictly to internal nomenclature and organization. In a studio of 900+ artists, the “traceability” of your work is paramount.
2. Creative & Aesthetic Excellence
- Faithfully translate 2D concepts into 3D space, maintaining the spirit and proportions of the original vision.
- Exhibit a deep understanding of weight and volume; your models should look like they have mass and physical history.
- Demonstrate the ability to “fill in the gaps” when references are partial, using artistic intuition to complete complex designs.
3. Technical Rigor
- Optimize assets for the specific needs of the production (e.g., high-poly hero assets vs. background mid-poly assets).
- Manage UV layouts effectively, ensuring they are optimized for the texturing department’s UDIM workflow.
- Stay at the forefront of the industry by exploring procedural modeling (Houdini), photogrammetry, and AI-assisted workflows to enhance department efficiency.
4. Communication & Collaborative Synergy
- Actively participate in daily reviews (dailies), presenting your work with confidence and absorbing feedback as a tool for growth.
- Proactively communicate “blockers” to supervisors—if a rig won’t work with a certain design, you are the first line of defense in solving that problem.
- Document non-standard workflows to ensure that if another artist picks up your file six months later, they understand your logic.
We are looking for artists who have survived the “trenches” of high-end VFX and emerged with a portfolio that speaks for itself.
- Experience: A minimum of 6 years in high-end VFX modeling for film or television.
- Maya & ZBrush Mastery: These are your primary instruments. You should be able to navigate Maya’s poly-modeling tools and ZBrush’s high-fidelity sculpting brushes with total fluidity.
- Anatomical & Mechanical Knowledge: For organic roles, an expert-level understanding of human/animal musculoskeletal systems is required. For mechanical roles, a logic-based approach to how parts move and intersect is essential.
- The “Rodeo” Attitude: We value rigor, a professional demeanor, and a total lack of ego when it comes to creative collaboration.
- Technical Assets: While not required, candidates with experience in Houdini (procedural modeling), Wrap/Mush, or Marvelous Designer (cloth simulation/modeling) will be given high priority.
Joining Rodeo FX means joining a legacy of excellence. We are an independent, artist-led company that has remained true to its roots while becoming a global powerhouse.
1. Award-Winning Heritage Work for a studio that has been recognized by the Academy Awards and the Emmys. You will contribute to projects for Disney, Marvel, HBO, and Netflix, ensuring your work is seen by millions worldwide.
2. Studio Culture & Recognition Voted “Employer of the Year” at the Mercuriades, we pride ourselves on a culture that balances hard work with genuine care for our artists. We offer a vibrant studio environment in the heart of Montreal, a city world-renowned for its VFX community.
3. Innovation & Evolution We don’t stand still. Rodeo FX encourages artists to share their techniques through internal sessions. Whether it’s mastering new AI tools or refining photogrammetry pipelines, we provide the space for you to evolve your skill set.
4. Diversity & Inclusion Diversity is not a buzzword at Rodeo FX; it is our core strength. we believe that different perspectives lead to more imaginative solutions. We are committed to an equitable workplace where every voice is heard.
Additional Information & Application Process
Location Requirement: This position is based in Montreal. While we offer a hybrid model (3 days in-office), candidates must be local or willing to relocate to the Montreal area.
Legal Authorization: You must hold a valid Canadian open work permit, PR, or Citizenship to be considered for these immediate-start roles.
AI Disclosure: Rodeo FX utilizes modern technology, including AI-based tools, to streamline the recruitment process (such as transcription or initial sorting). However, we guarantee that all final hiring decisions are made by human managers who value your unique artistic “spark.”
Portfolio Expectations:
We want to be impressed. Your reel should showcase a mix of final rendered shots and “grey-shade” turntables with wireframe overlays. Show us your topology, your UV layouts, and your ability to handle both organic curves and hard-surface precision.
Join Rodeo FX. Let’s create the extraordinary together.
Rodeo FX is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Rodeo FX hiring 3D Modeling Artists, Canada
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