U.S., Houdini TD

About Zoic

Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.

Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team!

Why Join Zoic?

• We are an Artist owned and operated VFX studio.
• We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques.
• We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry.
• We work with a team from all walks of life and back grounds.

Position Overview:

TheSenior Houdini TD assists in the overall efficiency of the Houdini production pipeline. FX, CFX, Lighting, Environments and other departments as we move more work into the Houdini pipeline.

The Senior Houdini TD’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to, optimizing Artists’ Houdini scenes, ensuring the IO of data between departments is efficient via tools / workflow recommendations. Investigate / Solve complex puzzles, keeping in mind the impact on the production pipeline overall.

Overall, the role supports the management and development of tools and workflows that help artists with their daily use of both third party and in-house software and systems. The role requires strong technical and communication skills, between technical and non-technical personnel, as well as a firm understanding of software design, graphics, and production workflow.

The position reports to the Global Head of CG, ensuring that new workflows and tools developed follow Zoic’s programming standards and requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Work with and take direction from Studio Technical Supervisor, Department Supervisors, Pipeline Managers, and Senior TDs as well as working with artists to create support & maintain tools to be integrated into Zoic’s existing pipeline.
• Work within SideFX Solaris to support Zoic’s USD Pipeline in FX, CFX, Lighting, and Environments. USD support or development may be required in Maya or in a standalone capacity.
• Utilize Python and PySide2 for tool creation and support.
• Work with artists to troubleshoot and fix problems.
• Update and maintain tools, techniques and work flows as required.
• Develop digital assets (HDAs) per department needs.
• Discuss and design solutions shots and sequences which fit within tight computation/storage/time limitations while still achieving the desired creative goals of VFX Supervisors and Creative Directors.
• If needed research and optimize artists’ scenes from Houdini, Mantra, Karma, and VRay to simulate and render successfully within allotted time frame and machine resources, such as such as storage, RAM, and clock speed, to maximize efficiency on the farm.
• Debug and repair problematic scenes from Houdini and Mantra/Karma/Vray related to effects, simulation, procedural modeling, lighting, rendering, and other disciplines.
• Provide troubleshooting and technical solutions for day-to-day Houdini production problems.
• Work closely with Lighters and Compositors to ensure that all generated FX elements integrate seamlessly in downstream departments.
• Utilize currently available proprietary tools to solve FX and pipeline issues and on occasion develop new small-scale tools to address project or FX/Houdini department issues.
• Collaborate with Pipeline department on any required large-scale tools development.
• Stay up-to-date on latest proprietary pipeline tools and workflows from all office locations and regularly share information on these new developments with FX artists.

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of work experience as a FX or Houdini TD or in a position with similar responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Python.
• Proficiency with Houdini.
• Experience debugging other users’ scene files and renders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and work independently on projects without supervision.
• Experience with user interface development.
• Past pipeline development experience a plus.
• Solid understanding of Object-Oriented Programming and Design.
• Experience with Version Control Systems.
• Some experience with Qt. Other UI framework experience a plus.
• Knowledge of Python scripting in Houdini, Nuke, and Maya.
• Basic understanding of USD Fundamentals. Some experience with USD in Solaris or Maya.
• C/C++, C#, web development, SQL experience a plus.
• Past experience with Shotgun, RV, Cinema4D, Unreal Engine a plus.
• Linux experience a plus. Bash, file IO, process lifecycle.
• Able to communicate clearly with the various Zoic departments and locations.
• Some experience using Maya, V-Ray, Nuke, Bifrost, Yeti, or Substance Painter a plus.
• Some experience using render queuing software a plus.
• Basic Python, VEX, HScript, and HDA scripting a plus.

Additional Information:

• Location: Ideally candidates should reside within the United States or Vancouver, Canada. Zoic
• Pay Range: $50 - $65 per hour (based on qualifications and experience).
• Requirements: Reliable internet connection via ethernet and can work on Pacific Standard Time.
• Note: Zoic does not cover relocation costs. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.
• Zoic Studios U.S. participates in the eVerify program.
• This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.