FX Houdini Artist
CoSA VFX · Canada
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- CA$95,000 / year
- Canada
Job highlights
- Create diverse visual effects using Houdini software.
- Collaborate with teams for project deadlines.
- Develop efficient and scalable FX setups.
- Optimize performance for caching and rendering.
- Resolve technical and artistic challenges.
About the role
Houdini FX Artist
CoSA VFX Vancouver, Inc. has a short-term, remote opportunity in its Canada-based studio starting June 8, 2026.
Reporting to the Global Head of CG, this position requires top-level FX skills, collaboration within a team, and creative problem-solving.
CoSA is an award-winning, fast-paced and highly collaborative studio focused on providing the highest levels of photo-real visual effects to feature, streaming and network television projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaborate with VFX, CG, and department supervisors to deliver FX that meet creative vision, technical requirements, and production deadlines.
- Create a wide range of FX in Houdini, including fire, smoke, fluids, electricity, explosions, supernatural/magical effects, and large-scale destruction.
- Develop and refine procedural FX setups that are efficient, scalable, and adaptable by other artists.
- Work from scratch or enhance existing setups, optimizing for performance, caching, and rendering.
- Maintain consistency with established art styles while adapting to the creative needs of individual projects.
- Participate in reviews and critiques, providing solutions to enhance quality and efficiency.
- Research and collect reference material to guide look development.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical and artistic challenges, collaborating across departments for seamless integration of FX into shots.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 4+ years of professional experience in film, streaming episodics, cinematics, or high-end commercials.
- Proven experience producing FX such as smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam, magical effects, and destruction.
- Strong understanding of simulation techniques, procedural workflows, and FX optimization.
- Proficiency with one or more industry-standard renderers (e.g., Karma XPU, Redshift, V-Ray, Mantra).
- Working knowledge of production tracking tools such as Ftrack, ShotGrid, or equivalent.
- Ability to adapt to various art styles and quickly learn new tools and pipelines.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Python and HOM scripting; VEX experience a plus.
- Procedural shader creation and USD-based FX workflows.
- FX concept art skills for pitches and look development.
- Compositing experience in Nuke.
Key skills/competency
- Houdini FX Artist
- Visual Effects
- Procedural FX
- Simulation Techniques
- VFX Optimization
- Python Scripting
- VEX
- Compositing
- Nuke
- ShotGrid
Skills & topics
- Houdini FX Artist
- Visual Effects
- Houdini
- FX Artist
- VFX
- 3D Artist
- CG Artist
- Digital Artist
- Film VFX
- Television VFX
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 4+ years of film/episodic FX experience and specific Houdini skills.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include examples of fire, smoke, fluids, destruction, and magical effects created in Houdini.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency: Emphasize your understanding of simulation, procedural workflows, and renderers like Karma XPU or Redshift.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach and FX optimization strategies.
- Highlight collaboration: Mention experience with tracking tools like ShotGrid and your ability to work effectively in a team.
Technical preparation
Master Houdini's procedural workflows.,Practice fire, smoke, and destruction simulations.,Optimize FX for render performance.,Scripting with Python, HOM, and VEX.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging FX problem you solved.,How do you collaborate with supervisors?,How do you manage tight deadlines?,How do you adapt to new tools/pipelines?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the work arrangement for the Houdini FX Artist role at CoSA VFX?
- The Houdini FX Artist position at CoSA VFX is a remote role. This means you can work from your own location, offering flexibility and the ability to collaborate with their Canada-based studio from anywhere.
- What specific types of FX are expected for this Houdini FX Artist role?
- This role requires creating a wide range of FX in Houdini, including but not limited to fire, smoke, fluids, electricity, explosions, supernatural/magical effects, and large-scale destruction. Proven experience with these elements is essential.
- What software and tools are essential for the Houdini FX Artist position?
- Proficiency in Houdini is the primary requirement. Additionally, experience with industry-standard renderers like Karma XPU, Redshift, V-Ray, or Mantra is necessary. Familiarity with production tracking tools such as Ftrack or ShotGrid is also important.
- Is this a long-term or short-term opportunity for a Houdini FX Artist?
- This is a short-term opportunity for a Houdini FX Artist. The role is expected to start on June 8, 2026, and the duration is described as short-term.
- What is CoSA VFX's specialization in visual effects?
- CoSA VFX specializes in providing high levels of photo-real visual effects for feature films, streaming projects, and network television. They are an award-winning, fast-paced, and highly collaborative studio.
- Does CoSA VFX prefer specific scripting languages for their Houdini FX Artists?
- While not strictly required, Python and HOM scripting experience is preferred for the Houdini FX Artist role. VEX experience is considered a plus, indicating a desire for advanced technical capabilities.
- What level of experience is required for the Houdini FX Artist position?
- The role requires at least 4+ years of professional experience in film, streaming episodics, cinematics, or high-end commercials. This ensures candidates have a solid foundation in visual effects production.