Senior FX Technical Directors are responsible for autonomously generating complex simulations, particle FX, lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of very complex shots, needing only initial direction and guidance from their supervisors.

Can design and create complicated FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
Light complex/multiple creatures (hairy or furry creatures) and elements
Can set-up and wrangle heavy particle effects and enormous crowd shots
Can develop small scale, show specific tools for non-FX TDs and other FX TDs
Excellent pipeline scripting ability
Solid compositing ability
Can write plug-ins, set-up sequences and debug simulations
Can write/hack procedural, volumetric shaders and surface shaders with proficiency
Can animate moderate objects with proficiency
Excellent knowledge of 3D Studio Max, Maya, Houdini, Renderman, Arnold and Mental Ray, and the ability to quickly learn proprietary tools (including Zeno)
Can learn or develop new techniques quickly, and debug complicated problems
Set a standard for all Technical Directors by continually improving the speed, quality of our work and adaptability


Required Skills Education / Experience:

5+ years production experience or feature film experience with effects simulation work
Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering or computer graphics
Demo reel required

Required Skills / Competencies:

Ability to work with competency, energy and enthusiasm within a team environment with minimal supervision to complete a shot
Exhibits excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
Excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what next should be addressed in the shot
Engages in the creative process without ego, and accepts all final decisions with a positive and supportive attitude
Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye, anticipating potential problems and using knowledge of how to use the tools to achieve the desired look
Demonstrates superb problem-solving skills and takes the initiative to offer ideas and suggestions
Prioritizes tasks and manages time very well

Preferred Skills / Competencies:

Linux and scripting ability in Python
Experience in MEL

Technical Skills:

Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, XSI, 3DS Max or other software, and the ability to write expressions
C++ skills