Character FX Artist

Vancouver, BC
On-site
Posted Aug 4, 2026
1 position

$26–$54 / hour

Opens an external site

Employment type: Full-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week

Job summary

The role involves creating setups, models, and animations for external character features such as hair, fur, and cloth, while adhering to art direction and meeting productivity targets. Responsibilities also include participating in writing utility scripts to streamline simulation development and interacting with production teams to resolve issues.

Job details

Sony Pictures Imageworks is located on the unceded traditional territory of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. We are committed to respecting traditional lands, and working with communities towards reconciliation. Sony Pictures Imageworks Canada Inc. 658 Homer Street., Suite 405, Vancouver, BC, V6B 2R4 Project based, Full Time Language in work environment - English Benefits per company policy: include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSP's, Sick and Vacation leave, standard increases as applicable Sony Imageworks Vancouver is seeking Character FX TDs! Role Overview: Join our CFX team to deliver high-quality, technically robust simulations that bring our characters to life. We are looking for an artist who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, balancing the demands of shot-work deadlines with the precision required for character simulation finaling. This role requires technical maturity. You will focus on delivering excellent results through effective shot execution and close collaboration with the team to troubleshoot issues from groom to final render. Key Responsibilities: * Shot Execution: Own the full CFX lifecycle for assigned shots, ensuring character movement (hair, feathers, cloth, skin, muscles) meets show standards and performance quotas. * Pipeline & Troubleshooting: Proactively diagnose and debug simulation issues. Partner with technical teams and leadership to improve Houdini workflows. * Cross-Departmental Collaboration: You must be able to communicate effectively in daily rounds, providing constructive feedback and adapting to changing rounds notes. * Procedural Mindset: Leverage Vellum and VEX-based workflows to streamline shot delivery while maintaining strict adherence to established pipeline protocols. Qualifications: * Expertise: Experience with SideFX Houdini, specifically Vellum and procedural workflows, focusing on artistic proficiency and technical troubleshooting within existing tools. * Pipeline Integration: Familiarity with Python and VEX is a plus to help navigate standard department pipelines and support efficient shotwork. * Pipeline Literacy: Basic understanding of Linux/UNIX environments. * Technical and Artistic Proficiency: A keen artistic sensibility paired with the capability to identify upstream or downstream challenges, fully grasping how various pipeline stages influence simulation results. * Education/Experience: 2–3 years of professional experience in feature film,VFX or related CFX experience. The anticipated base salary for an Associate position is $25.96 to $34.62/hr and for an Intermediate position is $36.06 - $48.08/hr. Benefits are per company policy: which include healthcare, tuition reimbursement, RRSP's, Sick and Vacation leave, standard increases as applicable. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position. Please note that you must be able to provide a demo reel that illustrates your relevant artistic and technical experience that also includes the nuances for this specific role. We value unique perspectives, and want diverse, unique talent to work with us. We encourage candidates from all identities to apply. *Sony Pictures Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of relevant software including Maya, Linux, UNIX, and scripting abilities in languages like MEL, Perl, and Python are highly desirable. A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience is required, although a 2-year diploma or 1-year certificate is preferred, and a demo reel illustrating relevant experience is mandatory.